India is poised to receive its first of two new guided-missile frigates from Russia, a significant milestone amid the complexities arising from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Scheduled for delivery at the end of this month, this nearly 4,000-tonne frigate, designated INS Tushil, is expected to soon be manned by over 200 Indian officers and sailors who have been stationed at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad for several months. Following its commissioning, INS Tushil will embark on a journey to Indian waters, with its sister ship, INS Tamal, anticipated to follow early next year.

This development comes after India and Russia signed a substantial $500 million contract in 2018 for the construction of these two stealth frigates at Goa Shipyard. In addition to this, a further deal nearing $1 billion was established for the importation of two other frigates built in Russia. Both contracts are pivotal components of a larger 2016 agreement in which New Delhi secured a total of four Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates from Moscow.

While two of these frigates are under construction at Goa Shipyard—with the first, named Triput, successfully launched in July this year—the other two vessels were being built in Russia, stalling due to significant issues related to propulsion systems. The Grigorovich-class frigates, part of Project 11356, have already demonstrated their operational effectiveness, with three currently active in Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. Initially, Russia had intended to construct six frigates under contracts signed in 2010 and 2011, with the first ship, Admiral Grigorovich, laid down in December 2010 and launched in March 2014.

However, the completion of the remaining ships was delayed due to a critical shortage of propulsion systems. The M90FR gas turbines that power these frigates are manufactured by Zorya-Mashproekt, a facility in Ukraine that became an essential part of Russia’s naval architecture following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Following a decline in relations between Russia and Ukraine, particularly intensified by the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the ongoing conflict, Russia’s access to these engines was effectively halted. Consequently, the last three frigates remained incomplete at the Yantar Shipyard.

India’s involvement proved crucial in this context. In 2016, Ukraine consented to sell M90FR gas turbine kits to India, which were meant to be supplied to Russia for installation on the incomplete frigates’ hulls already fabricated in Kaliningrad. This strategic arrangement capitalized on India’s pre-existing familiarity with Ukrainian engines, as approximately 30 Indian Navy vessels are also equipped with engines sourced from Zorya-Mashproekt.

The acquisition of these frigates aligns well with India’s naval capabilities, as the Indian Navy already operates six Talwar-class frigates, built by Russia between 2003 and 2013. The Admiral Grigorovich-class is viewed as an advanced variant of the Talwar-class, enhancing India’s fleet to a total of ten Krivak-class-derived ships. These new frigates are expected to be commissioned from 2022 to 2027, coinciding with the delivery timelines of the P17A frigates currently in production at Indian shipyards. The first of these P17A frigates, INS Nilgiri, is presently undergoing sea trials and is expected to be commissioned in December.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. The delivery schedule for the fourth and fifth squadrons of S-400 surface-to-air missile systems, previously contracted for $5.43 billion in 2018, is pushed to 2026 due to Russia’s redirected focus towards its ongoing military operations in Ukraine. Although India has requested expedited delivery, the situation appears complex given the current state of Russia’s defense-industrial output.

Additionally, uncertainty lingers over a nuclear-powered attack submarine that India leased from Russia under a $3 billion agreement signed in 2019, with its arrival now projected for no earlier than 2028. India’s history with Russian nuclear submarines includes previous leases of two subs; however, the ongoing issues surrounding the current lease have prompted India to initiate an indigenous project for constructing two nuclear-powered attack submarines, a venture expected to require a decade for the first to be operational.

The overall defense collaboration between India and Russia is navigating a challenging landscape characterized by geopolitical tensions and evolving military needs, underscoring the importance of continued engagement in strengthening India’s naval capabilities.

Armenia has recently set the stage for India’s Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) to gain traction in the international market, and France is poised to be the next potential customer. The French Army is preparing for a comprehensive evaluation of the Pinaka system, following a demonstration of its capabilities presented to France’s Army Staff Chief in February of the previous year. According to reports from The Hindu, Brigadier General Stephane Richou, who oversees international affairs for the French Army, confirmed that a specialized mission is scheduled to visit India in the upcoming weeks to assess both the launcher and its ammunition.

During his recent visit to India for the 20th Army staff talks, Brigadier General Richou extended an invitation to Indian Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi, encouraging him to visit France next year. He underscored the vast potential for collaboration between the two nations, stating, “We have a lot of avenues of cooperation. Open the eyes and the arms… and we can cooperate as strong as the cooperation that exists between Air Force and Navy.”

In light of its strategic modernization needs, France has decided to retire the M270 Lance-Roquettes Unitaire (LRU) rocket systems currently in use. The French Army maintains 13 upgraded M270 systems, but notably, six of these have been allocated to support Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict.

With a growing interest in India’s defense exports, the US, France, and Armenia are emerging as leading customers. Armenia was the first country to procure the domestically developed Pinaka system, paving the way for interest from various other nations. Presently, the Indian Army operates four regiments of the Pinaka, with an additional six on order. The Mk1 version of this rocket launcher has a range of 38 kilometers and can utilize several types of ammunition, with ongoing efforts aimed at further extending this range.

Plans for guided, extended-range Pinaka rockets are nearing completion, with future projections targeting ranges exceeding 75 kilometers, and aspirations to ultimately extend operational capabilities to 120 kilometers and potentially 300 kilometers.

While the partnership between ground forces has often been overshadowed by more visible collaborations in air and naval domains, Brigadier General Richou emphasized that the focus remains on building robust partnerships, highlighting the potential for deeper engagement between the ground forces of both nations.

In a significant development regarding military tensions, India and China are reportedly making progress in the disengagement process in the Depsang and Demchok sectors of Ladakh. This follows over four years of military standoffs along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and sources indicate that the situation is stabilizing, potentially leading to further de-escalation discussions, which could enhance security in the region.

Despite this relative calm at the borders, Jammu and Kashmir has seen a rise in terrorist activities. However, the broader border situation remains stable, highlighting the complex security environment India navigates.

Analysis of past and current conflicts emphasizes the crucial role that airpower has played. From World War II to contemporary conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, air forces have evolved and adapted to technological advancements. Recent operational successes, such as the Israeli air force’s effective strikes against Iranian targets, underline the importance of continuously modernizing air capabilities. Israel executed these strikes utilizing advanced aircraft and smart munitions without losing a single plane, showcasing the effectiveness of modern airpower and technology integration.

India, too, acknowledges the importance of airpower in its military strategy. The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates with only 31 fighter squadrons, notably below its sanctioned strength of 42. While several modern aircraft types, including the Rafale and SU-30 MKI, are presently in service, many existing fleets are expected to retire in the coming decade without timely replacements. The IAF’s modernization efforts have not kept pace with evolving threats, necessitating significant upgrades to its arsenal.

Geopolitical concerns extend beyond airpower capabilities, as the dynamics of international relations evolve. Experts assert that national interests, rather than fixed alliances, often dictate defense policies. As such, air defense systems have become a top priority, particularly for Israel, which has developed sophisticated capabilities to counter aerial assaults launched from adversarial territories.

Recent trends show that both China and Pakistan are ramping up their military modernization efforts. China’s unveiling of its improved fifth-generation J-35A fighter jet and ambitions to field nearly 1,000 J-20 stealth fighters by 2035 pose increased challenges to India. As these technologies continue to advance, the anticipated introduction of India’s own Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) could struggle to achieve parity, given its anticipated timeline for development and rollout.

The challenges India faces are compounded by the performance of its defense manufacturing ecosystem. Although the Indian government has embraced the “Atmanirbharta” (self-reliance) initiative in defense, significant delays and bottlenecks in the production of sophisticated systems hinder progress. While there is an emphasis on domestic production, particularly for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), the reliance on imports for critical components has raised concerns about sustainability and operational readiness.

The pace of technological advancement in the global defense landscape underscores the need for strategic partnerships to expedite development and diffusion of new technologies. Historical lessons from the development of systems like the F-35 and the Israeli Air Force’s initiatives show that collaboration can effectively bridge capabilities gaps.

Overall, addressing current shortfalls in fighter squadrons and enhancing the capabilities of UAVs, long-range precision weaponry, and electronic warfare systems should be central to India’s defense strategy moving forward. The IAF will need to pursue agile development frameworks while fostering synergy between public and private sectors to ensure cutting-edge innovations are produced domestically.

The modernization of the Indian Air Force requires a balanced approach that weighs technological advancement against quantity without compromising quality. A comprehensive strategy of timely implementation of projects, such as the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), alongside expedited production timelines for the AMCA and LCA variants, will be crucial. If executed effectively, these initiatives may position the IAF as a formidable deterrent force in the face of regional threats.

A man from Haryana was apprehended in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, for attempting to impersonate another individual during the Indian Air Force clerk post examination. The incident unfolded on November 9 at the Avadi Station, where numerous candidates were participating in the written examination.

During routine checks of the hall tickets, examiners observed a discrepancy between the photograph of the candidate and the person present in the examination hall. Upon further questioning, the suspect, identified as 25-year-old Praveen Kumar from Haryana, admitted to impersonating Mahendra Prabhu, the actual candidate from Uttar Pradesh.

Reports indicate that Praveen Kumar was allegedly offered Rs 3 lakh to take the exam on behalf of Mahendra. He was subsequently handed over to the Muthapudupet Police, where he faced charges related to cheating and impersonation.

The police inquiry revealed that Kumar had concealed a mobile phone and a Bluetooth device within the examination hall, which raises concerns about the potential use of technology to facilitate cheating. As investigations proceed, authorities are working to locate the original candidate who solicited the impersonator and to identify any other individuals who may be implicated in this fraudulent scheme.

This incident is part of a larger pattern of examination-related impersonation in the region. Earlier in 2023, the Greater Chennai Police had detained a 22-year-old man for similar misconduct during an exam conducted by the Customs department. The police continue to enhance their efforts to ensure the integrity of examination processes and discourage malpractice among candidates.

In a significant development for India’s military capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is preparing to test fire a new long-range anti-ship ballistic missile designed to strike moving naval targets, such as warships and aircraft carriers, from distances exceeding 1,000 kilometers. According to defense sources, this test is set to take place within the coming days, marking an important advancement in India’s strategic maritime defense.

This cutting-edge missile system is being specifically developed for the Indian Navy, offering the force enhanced capabilities to neutralize enemy vessels at considerable ranges. The missile can be launched from various platforms, including warships and shore-based locations, reflecting a versatile design intended to bolster naval power.

As part of an ongoing effort to strengthen its missile inventory, the Indian military has recently ordered multiple Pralay ballistic missiles for both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. The expansion of short and medium-range missile systems across all three branches of the Indian armed forces is aimed at ensuring the capacity to engage in prolonged conflicts, effectively adapting to modern warfare scenarios.

The increased reliance on ballistic missiles has been underscored by instances in recent conflicts where both state and non-state actors have employed such weapons extensively, with reports of hundreds of missiles being launched in rapid succession against enemy targets. As India faces ongoing tensions on its northern borders with China—an adversary with a formidable rocket force and a substantial stockpile of long-range weapons—there is an urgent need for Indian forces to enhance their missile capabilities.

High-level discussions are reportedly ongoing within Indian defense circles regarding the establishment of a dedicated rocket force. Such an organization would ensure a sizable inventory of missiles is available to address a range of security challenges facing the nation.

As India continues to develop and test advanced missile systems, the upcoming test of the anti-ship ballistic missile is poised to play a critical role in reinforcing the country’s maritime security strategy and demonstrating its growing strategic capabilities.

In Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, security forces are intensifying their search operations in the dense forests of Keshwan and surrounding areas, following a tragic incident where an Army officer lost his life during a confrontation with terrorists. This ongoing operation comes as part of a concerted effort to find those responsible for the abduction and murder of two Village Defence Guards (VDGs) last Thursday.

The search initiatives have been underway for over four days, as the military and police forces work in tandem to locate the terrorists believed to be involved in these heinous acts. The situation escalated dramatically on Sunday when a joint search team encountered the terrorists around 11 a.m. in the Keshwan forest area, prompting an intense gunfight that lasted over four hours.

The engagement resulted in the death of Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar, a Junior Commissioned Officer with the Army’s 2 Para unit. Additionally, three other soldiers sustained injuries during the exchange of fire. Since the encounter on Sunday, officials have reported that there has been no further contact with the terrorists. However, sources indicate that between three to four militants, implicated in the killings of the VDGs, remain hidden in the area, leading to a robust and expansive search operation aimed at neutralizing the threat.

Challenges persist for the security personnel as they navigate the challenging terrain, where thick foliage and difficult geographical features hinder their progress. Despite these obstacles, the forces are committed to tracking down the terrorists and restoring security to the region.

The series of events began last Thursday evening, when militants abducted two Village Defence Guards, Nazir Ahamed and Kuldeep Kumar, from the vicinity and executed them in the nearby Kuntwara forest. The brutal act has heightened tensions in the region and underscored the ongoing security challenges faced by local forces.

As the search operations continue, the local community remains on edge, anxiously awaiting further developments in the pursuit of justice for the murdered VDGs and safety from the lurking threats in the area.