SOURCE: AFI

In recent years, the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II has emerged as a contender in discussions about modernizing the Indian Air Force (IAF), often pitted against alternatives like the Rafale, Su-35, or indigenous options like the Tejas and AMCA. However, a persistent concern raised by the anti-F-35 lobby in India revolves around a rumored “kill switch”—a supposed mechanism that would allow the United States to remotely disable the aircraft if India were to act against American interests. This narrative, steeped in conspiracy and mistrust, has gained traction in defense circles. But is there any truth to it? Let’s unpack the myth, examine the systems fueling these fears, and explore where the real control lies.

At its core, the “kill switch” myth suggests that the U.S. can flip a switch—either mid-flight or on the ground—and render an F-35 inoperable, effectively neutralizing an ally’s air power at will. The idea is seductive in its simplicity: a high-tech safeguard ensuring compliance, straight out of a sci-fi thriller. In the Indian context, skeptics argue that such a mechanism would undermine national sovereignty, leaving the IAF at the mercy of a foreign power. But despite its narrative appeal, there’s no evidence or technical basis to support this claim.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy is setting its sights on enhancing its maritime surveillance and command capabilities by planning to integrate deck-based Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft into its future aircraft carrier fleet. As of March 06, 2025, this move aligns with the Navy’s Vision 2047, aiming to bolster its operational reach in the Indo-Pacific amid rising regional threats, particularly from China’s expanding naval presence.

With its current carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, relying on the Kamov Ka-31 helicopter for airborne early warning (AEW), the Navy seeks a more robust, fixed-wing AWACS solution capable of carrier takeoff and landing (CTOL) to provide 360-degree radar coverage, extended range, and enhanced battle management. Several aircraft stand out as potential candidates for modification to meet these dual requirements of deck-based operations and AWACS functionality.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant boost to India’s defense manufacturing capabilities, Belgium’s John Cockerill Defence (JCD), a global leader in turret systems, has joined forces with Pune-based Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (EPH) to produce the advanced Cockerill 3105 turret, featuring the NATO-standard Cockerill® 105 mm High Pressure (HP) Gun, in India. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in equipping the Indian Army’s Zorawar Light Tank program, designed to counter the growing presence of Chinese ZTQ-15 tanks along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The partnership, formalized as a 60:40 joint venture with JCD holding the majority stake, aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and aims to establish the country as a hub for advanced defense technology. The announcement confirms earlier reports by Indian Defence Research Wing (idrw.org), which had projected that the Indian Army would eventually procure 700 Zorawar Light Tanks in the long term. Initially, the Army plans to induct 350 units to bolster its combat readiness in high-altitude regions, a figure that gained further credence when Belgium’s Defence Minister recently stated, “A big batch of 700 Zorawar Tanks will protect Indian borders.”

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant step toward enhancing India’s space-based earth observation capabilities, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has shortlisted six consortiums to build and manage a ?1,500 crore constellation of earth observation satellites. The selected consortiums include SatSure, Pixxel, Dhruva Space & PierSight; Ananth Technologies, Solar Group & XDLINX; Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) & Sisir Radar; and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd & Centum.

This ambitious public-private partnership (PPP) project aims to bolster India’s geospatial data infrastructure, catering to both civilian and strategic needs while fostering innovation in the private space sector.

SOURCE: AFI

India, a nation with a rich history and diverse geography, shares volatile borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh—two neighbors with whom relations have often been strained. Over the decades, both countries have been accused of employing indirect conflict measures, including supporting insurgencies, facilitating illegal infiltration, and leveraging proxies to destabilize India and encroach upon its territory. These tactics, often subtle and deniable, pose a significant threat to India’s sovereignty and security. This article explores why India cannot afford to overlook these strategies and outlines aggressive border control measures, including the deportation of illegal immigrants, particularly from Bangladesh, to counter such plans.

Pakistan’s use of indirect conflict against India is well-documented. Since the partition in 1947, Pakistan has sought to challenge India’s control over Jammu and Kashmir, employing both conventional warfare and, more insidiously, support for terrorist groups and insurgencies. The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has historically backed outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, which have carried out attacks on Indian soil, from the 2001 Parliament attack to the 2019 Pulwama bombing. Beyond Kashmir, Pakistan has been linked to separatist movements in India’s northeast, using Bangladesh as a staging ground during its time as East Pakistan and even after its independence in 1971.