Rakesh Krishnan Simha

–The writer is a globally cited defence analyst based in New Zealand. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda

Sky Wars: India’s Role in Shaping the Global Drone vs Anti-Drone Arms Race

The world is witnessing a dramatic transformation in the skies. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), also known as drones, have evolved from niche military tools into powerful, multi-purpose machines that are reshaping industries, redefining warfare,...

From a Reluctant Giant to Global Game-Changer: India’s Path to Strategic Leadership

in the rapidly evolving 21st-century global order, the question of leadership is more complex and contested than ever before. The post-World War II international system, shaped by US-led liberal hegemony, is in a state...

From Ahimsa to Armament: Operation Sindoor Redefines India’s Strategic Posture

Indians feel a sense of pride when they talk about Dharma Yuddha – the Hindu Code of War, which lays out strict rules for fighting for both sides. The Vedas laid out thousands of...

How to Take Down Pakistan Without Firing a Bullet

In the spring of 1971, the Indian subcontinent teetered on the edge of chaos. The Pakistani military’s brutal crackdown on Bengali civilians during Operation Searchlight — which led to the deaths of 2.6 million...

Throttle Up: India’s High-Stakes Quest for a Jet Engine

Developing an indigenous aeroengine remains one of India’s most challenging yet critical technological ambitions. For decades, India has sought to master the complex technology of jet engines for military aircraft, a capability that underpins...

Fighter Dilemma: Balancing Short-Term Upgrades with Long-Term Air Superiority

As the Indian Air Force seeks to upgrade, modernise and replenish its dwindling fighter fleet, India is under increasing US pressure to choose between Lockheed Martin’s F-21 and Boeing’s F-15EX for its Multi-Role Fighter...

Stealth Shootout: F-35, Su-57 or AMCA?

Ever since Donald Trump dangled the prospect of two squadrons of F-35s for India, and especially after the stunning aerial ballet of the F-35 and Su-57 at Aero India this past February, the Indian...

Aero India 2025: Soaring to New Heights, But Room for Improvement

It was a big event all right. The biennial Aero India 2025, held at Yelahanka Air Base in Bengaluru was spectacular, uniting the world's aviation and defence industry under one roof like never before....

Donald Trump’s F-35 Offer: Should India Bet on Stealth or Build Its Own Sky Dominator?

In a major aviation development, US President Donald Trump has offered India two squadrons of the F-35 stealth fighter. This announcement has created a buzz in the aviation world, with many wondering if India...

India’s Air Combat Dilemma: To Continue or Scrap the MRFA Project?

Two key developments in military aerospace are poised to significantly impact the balance of air power in India’s neighbourhood. Firstly, China’s premier fifth-generation fighter jet, the J-20 Mighty Dragon, has entered mass production and...

Tech-Infused Warfare: Quantum Leap for Indian Army

In an era where warfare is no longer defined by traditional weapons and national borders, the battlefield is evolving rapidly, and with it, the strategies that shape global military powers. Modern conflicts are increasingly...

Navigating the Future: How Unmanned Systems Are Revolutionising the Indian Navy

The Indian Navy has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, particularly with the integration of Tactical Unmanned Systems into its operational framework. This evolution is driven by the need to enhance maritime security,...

Force Multipliers: Supercharging IAF’s Firepower

The concept of force multipliers is a key element of military doctrine that asserts a country can fight with limited resources and win. In the broadest sense, a force or combat multiplier is a...
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