In this issue

Geopolitics’ February, 2021 edition mainly focusses on the recently held and globally acclaimed ‘Aero India-2021’ exhibition in Bengaluru. The special issue analyses the importance of having a robust and indigenous domestic defence industrial base for manufacturing superior quality weapon systems and aerospace products in order to make India an export hub of the world over the coming years. The edition also carries detailed articles on affordable airpower in the 21st century, augmenting the airlift capability of the Indian Air Force through acquisitions of newer platforms, DAP-2020, IAF’s combat capabilities and gaps, critical roles of MSMEs in defence production, the pivotal role played by unmanned aerial vehicles in modern warfare, and the importance of game changing loitering munitions in the battlefield. The issue also carries extensive features on India’s evolving cutting-edge anti-aircraft and anti-ballistic missile shield, the viability of leasing advanced weapon systems from abroad, and the evergreen Russian factor in modernisation of the Indian Air Force which can’t be ignored. Comprehensive writeups on nano-drone technology, rotary-winged unmanned air systems (RUAS), and a post-Rafale future of the IAF make the edition a highly enlightening read and take it to a logical conclusion. The February, 2021 edition of the magazine is a must-read for all.

EXPENSIVE BUT INDISPENSABLE AIRPOWER

AMIT GUPTA argues why given the harsh economic challenges facing the country, which is not unique to India, the best way to afford an effective air force is to plan differently but smartly by going for techno-globalisation rather than futile techno-nationalism

10+ mins

IAF INDIGENISATION REALISTIC TARGETS ARE NEEDED

India cannot and must not expect complete indigenisation. The tendency to view Indian efforts in terms of indigenous content is singularly unhelpful. While increasing indigenization is necessary, economies of scale, costs, and realistic appraisal of the level of technology transfer have to be taken into consideration, argues SANJAY BADRI MAHARAJ

8 mins

BEING SELF-RELIANT IN DEFENCE

The ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign is speeding up the growth of indigenous defence manufacturing capability in India, writes C SANTHOSH

10+ mins

POST-RAFALE IAF GROWTH CHALLENGES

In order to have its authorized 42 squadrons earliest by 2038, the Indian Air Force requires $110 billion (₹770,000 crore), estimates ANIL CHOPRA. Where is that money? Will this remain a pipe dream?

10+ mins

Defence Against Offence: India Is Building Up Its BMD Systems

The experience gained from the development and operation of the BrahMos Mach-3 supersonic cruise missile by the Indian armed forces will be an added advantage not available to other nations in the region. As a result, India could likely have operational hypersonic weapons capability before the end of the decade, explains C Santhosh

9 mins

NANO DRONES: A BIG IMPACT ON THE BATTLEFIELD

Nano drones, the advanced systems that pack a lot of functionality into a tiny form factor, are becoming a major military tool. With China having a huge lead, India needs to get its act together, argues RAKESH KRISHNAN SIMHA

9 mins

MSMEs Can Make Or Mar ‘Make In India' Initiative

The fulcrum of the ‘Make in India’ programme is the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) segment and, as of now, the MSMEs are thought of only as an adjunct. But that is slowly changing, explains R Chandrakanth

6 mins

MEETING NEW AIR AND MISSILE THREATS

The Indian Air Force has begun substantial modernisation of its strategic air defences. But while progress has undoubtedly been made, strategic SAM defences remain weak, writes SANJAY BADRI MAHARAJ

10+ mins

AUGMENTING THE AIRLIFT CAPABILITY

India is slowly and steadily raising its means to deploy and sustain military forces across possible distant battlefields by air, writes NINAD D SHETH

10 mins

EVERGREEN RUSSIAN FACTOR IN EVOLUTION OF IAF

AMIT COWSHISH argues why it is hard to ignore the Russian factor in India’s military capability

10+ mins

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Geopolitics Magazine Description:

Geopolitics Magazine published by Newsline Publications Pvt. Ltd. is a monthly magazine that covers a wide range of topics related to geopolitics, international relations, and national security, with a focus on the Indian perspective. The magazine is known for its in-depth analysis, insightful commentary, and expert opinions.

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* Geopolitical analysis and commentary: The magazine features articles by leading experts on geopolitical trends and developments, as well as their analysis of current events.
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