SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy is on the cusp of a significant milestone in its quest for a robust nuclear triad, with the impending induction of INS Aridhaman, the third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) of the Arihant-class, later this year. As an upgraded variant of its predecessors, INS Arihant and INS Arighaat, INS Aridhaman promises to enhance India’s sea-based nuclear deterrence, a critical component of its strategic defense posture. With its advanced features, increased missile capacity, and higher indigenous content, INS Aridhaman is poised to play a pivotal role in safeguarding India’s national security interests in an increasingly volatile Indo-Pacific region.

The Arihant-class submarines, developed under the Indian Navy’s secretive Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project, represent India’s first indigenous foray into nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. The lead vessel, INS Arihant, was commissioned in August 2016, marking a historic achievement as the first SSBN built by a nation outside the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. The second submarine, INS Arighaat, was commissioned on August 29, 2024, after extensive sea trials, further solidifying India’s sea-based nuclear deterrence.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant push to enhance its military capabilities through space-based assets, India is set to launch 52 dedicated satellites for intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and surveillance. The announcement was made by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan during his address at the Indian DefSpace Symposium, held at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in New Delhi. Organized by the Indian Space Association (ISpA), the symposium brought together key stakeholders from the military, space industry, and policy domains to discuss India’s growing ambitions in the militarization of outer space.

General Chauhan also revealed that a military space doctrine, which will serve as a guiding policy for the armed forces, is expected to be finalized within the next three months, marking a pivotal step in India’s strategic evolution as a space power.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has long relied on its fleet of SEPECAT Jaguar aircraft for deep-strike and ground-attack missions, but the ageing fleet’s safety record has come under scrutiny following a series of crashes in recent years. Air Commodore (Retd) A.S. Bahal, a veteran IAF officer, recently highlighted the Jaguar’s troubling history, noting that the fleet had suffered 50 crashes by 2015, resulting in the loss of 65 aircraft out of the 140 originally inducted.

As of April 2025, the IAF’s Jaguar fleet stands at 115 aircraft, with 83 remaining operational, and the crash frequency has settled at an alarming rate of approximately two aircraft per year in recent years. This persistent accident rate, combined with the IAF’s broader squadron shortages, raises serious questions about the fleet’s sustainability and the urgent need for modernization.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy’s Ilyushin Il-38 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), fondly nicknamed the “Winged Stallions,” have been a cornerstone of the nation’s maritime surveillance for nearly half a century. After 46 years of distinguished service, the fleet was officially retired in 2023, having clocked an impressive 52,000 hours of operational flying.

While their days of soaring over the Indian Ocean are over, at least two of these iconic aircraft remain parked at INS Hansa, the naval air station co-located with Goa’s Dabolim Airport, awaiting their final resting places. These relics of naval aviation history are poised to inspire future generations as they prepare for permanent display at heritage sites in Gujarat and Karnataka.

SOURCE: AFI

In the shadowy realm of nuclear deterrence, Russia’s Perimeter system—commonly dubbed the “Dead Hand”—stands as a chilling testament to Cold War ingenuity. Designed to ensure retaliatory nuclear strikes even if Moscow’s leadership is wiped out, this semi-automated system can reportedly launch Russia’s arsenal in response to a detected nuclear attack, triggered by sensors detecting radiation, seismic activity, and communication failures.

As India navigates an increasingly volatile nuclear neighborhood with Pakistan and China, the question arises: Should New Delhi develop its own version of a “Dead Hand” system to safeguard its second-strike capability? The idea, while provocative, demands a nuanced look at India’s strategic needs, technological capacity, and the risks of such a radical escalation.