Politics
Geopolitics
THE RISE OF DRONE SWARMS IN MODERN SURVEILLANCE
2024 was said to be the Year of Technological Leaps. It saw significant advancements in drone-swarming technology, particularly in communication, coordination and AI algorithms. Improved communication protocols enable seamless information sharing between drones, allowing for intricate manoeuvres and coordinated actions. Enhanced AI algorithms empower drones with greater autonomy, enabling them to adapt to dynamic environments and make real-time decisions without human intervention. These advancements are crucial for operating in challenging environments, such as dense urban areas or disaster zones. GIRISH LINGANA reports on these breath-taking developments
5 min |
March 2025
Geopolitics
THE NORTH EAST AT CROSSROADS OF SECURITY
Given the evolving nature of the threats, India has to move beyond conventional counterinsurgency in Manipur and elsewhere in the Northeast, addressing the problems covering multiple domains of politics, security, intelligence and diplomacy, argues ABHAY KRISHNA
9 min |
March 2025
Geopolitics
ADVANCING INDIA'S DEFENCE MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES
India, currently the fifth-largest economy globally and poised to ascend to the third position, hopes to transition from being one of the largest importers of military equipment to achieving a surplus in exports. This shift is expected to establish India as a prominent exporter of defence goods, driven by advancements in its defence manufacturing capabilities. Moving, therefore, from import dependency to indigenous innovation, highlights JAYANT PATIL, Advisor Defence & Smart Technologies to CMD Larsen & Toubro
10+ min |
March 2025
Geopolitics
BHARAT FORGE REDEFINING FRONTIERS IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
In an insightful conversation with Geopolitics, GURU BISWAL, CEO Aerospace Business, Bharat Forge, shared the company's remarkable journey into aerospace engineering. From leveraging their decades-long expertise in manufacturing to addressing critical gaps in India's aerospace supply chain, he highlighted the strategic initiatives that have positioned Bharat Forge as a global leader in the aerospace sector. This discussion underscored the company's commitment to innovation, process excellence, and building sustainable capabilities in this highly demanding industry
3 min |
March 2025
Geopolitics
REMINISCENCES OF THE 1971 INDO-PAK WAR
We were five brothers of whom, in 1971, four of us were in the Army. In Punjab, this isn't unusual. Many families have generation-based military pedigree, legacy, and reputation, call it as you like it but the military is a noble calling and takes within its pale the vast majority of Punjabi families, whether rural or urban. Not just that, my father was quasi-military: he was Deputy Controller of Defence Accounts who had also volunteered to act as the establishment's Security Officer...a clearly military role if in civvies. We as children saw him conduct himself as a ramrod-straight, proactive, physically fit and mentally alert Dad who looked and acted as one might expect an Army officer of standing, class and pedigree.
10 min |
March 2025
Geopolitics
Collins Aerospace signs MRO agreement with HAL for LCA Fighter Jet
Collins Aerospace has signed an agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to establish a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at HAL Accessories complex in Lucknow.
1 min |
March 2025
Geopolitics
Rafael and L&T sign MoU
Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd (Rafael) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) signed of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), during Aero India 2025, aimed at offering of TROPHY Active Protection System (APS) indigenously. TROPHY APS is the only proven and operational APS system in the world.
1 min |
March 2025
Geopolitics
SKY DEFENDER THROUGH THE INDIGENOUS ROUTE
India's Russian-origin AD systems are gradually being replaced by indigenously developed systems through collaborative joint ventures and Make in India programmes says ATUL CHANDRA
7 min |
March 2025
Geopolitics
Godrej secures strategic MOUS at Aero India
The Aerospace business of Godrej & Boyce, a part of Godrej Enterprises Group, is strengthening commitment its to India's self-reliance vision through signing of multiple significant Mous during Aero India 2025 at Bengaluru to support national programs backed by the Government of India.
1 min |
March 2025
Geopolitics
AUTONOMOUS AI SYSTEMS
Tardid is advancing AI-driven autonomous systems with a focus on multi-sensor fusion, network-centric warfare, and global defense collaborations. By integrating swarm technology, quantum computing, and robotics, the company is enhancing surveillance and operational efficiency,
4 min |
March 2025
Geopolitics
CAN EUROPE DEVELOP ITS MILITARY?
If the Europeans want to seriously militarise, they will have to make a difficult choice between buying guns or continuing to adequately fund butter (social welfare programs). Given current budgetary constraints, raising military expenditure for most countries would require cutting back on social programs and that would be unacceptable to the ageing populations of these countries,
10+ min |
March 2025
Geopolitics
TOWARDS A LARGER CRUISE MISSILE ARSENAL
India's cruise missile capabilities and precision-guided missiles have largely evolved as a credible conventional-level deterrence since the turn of the new millennium. But, much more needs to be done
10 min |
February 2025
Geopolitics
MULTI-PLATFORM ARTILLERY SYSTEMS
Artillery, the King of Battle, has been in focus, especially post-Ukraine War. It is no longer the Arm with a long-range gun but has become complex with the command-and-control structure, different platforms and to reach the enemy accurately with minimum ammunition expenditure and cause the maximum damage outlines the criticality of this equipment in the army's arsenal
6 min |
February 2025
Geopolitics
EMERGING TRENDS IN SURVEILLANCE
India's Defence and Space sectors are entering a transformative phase, driven by advancements in surveillance technologies. Moving beyond traditional methods, the country is adopting cutting-edge innovations to enhance security, ensure effective border monitoring and improve situational awareness. GIRISH LINGANNA explores the emerging trends shaping India's surveillance capabilities, highlighting key developments and their implications
5 min |
February 2025
Geopolitics
INDIGENOUS DEFENCE MANUFACTURING LESSONS AND CHALLENGES
What is the current state of our Defence Manufacturing Industry, and to what degree has the government's objective been accomplished? What insights have been gained over the last ten years, and what obstacles still need to be overcome? R ADM SANJAY MISRA examines the policy and dissects the road ahead
10+ min |
February 2025
Geopolitics
HOME GROWN MIGHT
Indigenous platforms have grown in capability, but timely deliveries are vital for the armed forces argues
7 min |
February 2025
Geopolitics
INNOVATION IN AMMUNITION TECHNOLOGY
Ammunition technology has undergone remarkable advancements, transitioning from early gunpowder cartridges to cutting-edge designs that enhance range, lethality, and efficiency. Innovations such as the 5.45x39mm and the U.S. Army's adoption of the 6.8mm hybrid cartridge demonstrate the continuous push for superior firepower while optimising soldier mobility. This evolution highlights the balance between weight, accuracy, and battlefield effectiveness in modern warfare, analyses
8 min |
February 2025
Geopolitics
COLLECTIVE HIGH
India's indigenous rotorcraft development has made significant strides, with key programs like the ALH Dhruv, LCH Prachand, LUH, and IMRH/DBMRH shaping the country's aerospace and defense future. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) continues to expand production, strengthen self-reliance, and reduce dependence on imports. These advancements position India as a formidable force in helicopter manufacturing, highlights
7 min |
February 2025
Geopolitics
THE FUTURE OF SMALL ARMS DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA
The liberalization of the defence manufacturing sector to accommodate private investment, coupled with the initiative for self-reliance as outlined in the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” policy, has significantly transformed the small arms manufacturing industry. GAGAN CHATURVEDI maps the history and the future of this key segment
6 min |
February 2025
Geopolitics
INDIGENIZE WE DID!
India's journey towards indigenizing airborne equipment has been marked by technical innovation, resilience, and immense challenges. G RAJ NARAYAN highlights the complexities of designing and certifying critical aviation components while navigating stringent regulations and environmental constraints. Despite proving that \"Make and Design in India\" is possible, he questions the sustainability of such efforts due to limited procurement support and bureaucratic hurdles.
8 min |
February 2025
Geopolitics
INDIA'S SIXTH-GEN FIGHTER JET CONUNDRUM
China delivered a significant global surprise while unveiling two distinct prototypes of its sixth-generation combat aircraft. This development is one more affirmation that India has to do much to catch up with its neighbour in the east for aerospace supremacy reports on the development
9 min |
February 2025
Geopolitics
GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS FOR AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURE
With a highly cumbersome procurement process on the one hand and poor production centres on the other, India should go for international partnerships in general and Brazil in particular that will allow it to rapidly modernise the IAF with advanced weaponry as well as systems that are cheap and effective
10+ min |
February 2025
Geopolitics
THE NEED FOR MORE AIRCRAFT FOR IAF
Given India's security imperatives, its significance as a regional player and its ambition to play a global role, the Indian Air Force needs various categories of aircraft, sooner rather than later
8 min |
February 2025
Geopolitics
AERO INDIA 2025 THE RUNWAY TO A BILLION OPPORTUNITIES FOR AEROSPACE WORLD
DINESH KUMAR PANDEY looks at the evolution of Aero India as a convergence of technological expertise, experts and policymakers from all over the globe in advancing, collaborating and growing intellectually
8 min |
February 2025
Geopolitics
INDIA'S AEROSPACE POWER IN A MULTIPOLAR WORLD
India requires a comprehensive strategy that integrates policy reforms, increased investment, technology development, and human resource development to confront multifaceted challenges in the aerospace sector, writes JOSEPH P CHACKO
10 min |
February 2025
Geopolitics
OVING M TARGET
India's evolving battlefield strategies emphasise the need for the Indian Army to accelerate the induction of Self-Propelled Howitzers, enhancing firepower, survivability, and precision, as highlighted by ATUL CHANDRA, driven by lessons from global conflicts and emerging technological advancements
9 min |
January 2025
Geopolitics
INDIAN ARMY EMBRACES "SMART SOLDIER" FUTURE
JOSEPH P CHACKO examines the SMART Soldier initiative's historical context, current developments, and prospective aspirations, exploring its past, present, and future
10 min |
January 2025
Geopolitics
REMINISCENCES OF THE 1971 INDO-PAK WAR
In the ancient world, the concept as it emerged during the BCE period wasn't about soldier-scholars. It is probable that it may have started off as the discipline of scholar-soldiers; a huge difference for the discerning. This is because soldier-scholar suggests military dominance in the development of warfighting norms and modalities. This dominance gets marginalised when the hyphenation is reversed and becomes scholar-soldier. It opens itself to introducing the civilian scholar who understood war and warfighting well enough to understand its nitty-gritty, perhaps even suggest how it could be conceptualised, planned, fought, and ended.
10+ min |
January 2025
Geopolitics
ADVANCING BALLISTIC PROTECTION AND AMMUNITION
SMPP, with a rich legacy in ballistic protection and ammunition components, continues to innovate in defence manufacturing. ASHISH KANSAL, Director SMPP, shares insights into the company's expansion into ammunition production, its ground breaking advancements in lightweight ballistic materials like Boron Carbide, R&D plans for precision-guided munitions, and ongoing collaborations for global defence opportunities, highlighting their contributions to both domestic and international markets.
6 min |
January 2025
Geopolitics
THE RISE OF UGVs REVOLUTIONISING TACTICAL AND STRATEGIC MILITARY OPERATIONS
MANOJ K CHANNAN explains the history of UGVs, their role in modern warfare, their integration with advanced technologies, and their broader implications for military operations, intelligence assessments, and human-machine collaboration
9 min |