In Our Defence – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor explore the future of India's armoured capabilities in light of the government's recent approval of ₹1,44,716 crore for capital acquisitions. This includes modernising the Indian Army's tank fleet through the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program.

The new tank FRCV aims to replace around 2,500 four-decade-old Soviet-origin T-72 tanks first acquired in 1982.

Why is the FRCV project necessary, and how does it address the shortcomings of previous tank modernisation efforts, such as the Arjun project? What is the current status of India's tank fleet, and how do the ageing T-72s and T-90s fit into the Army's broader defence strategy?

The Arjun tank project—marked by controversy and unmet expectations between the Army and DRDO—is analysed, with the hosts reflecting on its failures. The two explain this by giving an overview of tank evolution, from their roles in World Wars I and II to their enduring importance in modern warfare, particularly for India's territorial defence. The FRCV is seen as a corrective step, aiming to build a modern, modular, and agile tank capable of meeting diverse battlefield needs while fully indigenised.

But, some critics believe that the FCRV program seems like an Arjun 2.0. Is it?

Also, don’t miss the discussion on Sunil Shetty’s iconic tank-lifting scene in the movie Border—could it really happen?

Listen in!

Produced by Anna Priydarshini

Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

India, a nation that has landed on the moon and built fighter jets, still imports basic infantry rifles. Why? The Ministry of Defence has recently signed a repeat order for 73,000 SIG716 rifles from the U.S., with delivery expected by the end of 2025. This follows an earlier procurement of 72,400 rifles in 2019.

The move has sparked controversy, highlighting India's continued reliance on foreign arms despite its advanced defence capabilities.

In this episode of "In Our Defence," host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor examine India's ongoing struggle with small arms procurement. They question why India still depends on emergency imports despite private companies like SSS Defence developing advanced firearms. What does this say about the nation's defence policies?

The episode delves into the failures of the INSAS rifle and the contradictions in India's defence policies. Are domestic manufacturers being sidelined by the import lobby? What does this reliance on foreign weapons mean for India's strategic autonomy? Shiv calls for a systemic shift towards supporting domestic innovation and reducing dependency on foreign suppliers, questioning why a nation that excels in complex engineering can't produce its own infantry rifles.

Revisit our INS Arighat episode here:https://podcasts.indiatoday.in/politics-&-history/in-our-defence/indias-nuclear-saga-from-peace-to-power-in-our-defence-s02-ep-12-896714-2024-02-22

Produced by Anna Priydarshini

Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

India and the United States are progressing in their discussions to collaboratively produce the latest generation of Stryker armoured infantry combat vehicles (ICVs).

Initially, the project will involve a limited off-the-shelf acquisition of Strykers through the US Foreign Military Sales program. Subsequent phases will include joint production in India, culminating in the co-development of future versions.

Host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor discuss the American Stryker combat vehicles deal and the ICVs' battlefield applications. They raise the larger question: Does India need this deal? With private players like Mahindra, Tata, or Ashok Leyland, couldn't India build something similar, given that the Stryker ICVs have few exemplary specifications? “I am not saying that India can do better than the Stryker right now, but we sure can get close,” says Shiv. They also explore how a deal for armoured vehicles from the US might threaten the 'Make in India' initiative.

Moreover, the Canadian aspect of the deal cannot be ignored amid the flared-up diplomatic tensions between India and Canada. How will this be factored in and pan out?

Tune in to know more!

Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound mix by Nitin Rawat

In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of how special operations are carried out, interspersed with fascinating anecdotes from Abhishek Bhalla. Tune in!

What is the China-Taiwan tension post-Pelosi visit? What happens in the military drills? In this episode, we untangle the Taiwan tangle. Tune in!

Was there a larger objective of the Pakistani military army when they intruded into India across the Line of Control capturing strategic mountain peaks? In this episode, we revisit the days and the aftermath of the war, bringing out its in-depth nuances. Tune in!

What does the norm of caste-based stratification in the Indian military imply? Did independent India continue with the caste and region-based regiments due to their history and ethos? Listen in!

What's going on in Sri Lanka? What role does the military play in the midst of this political turmoil? Tune in!

In the wake of the killings, we address the security ramification of the gruesome murders. Tune in!

The episode discusses the dynamics of the life of civilians who reside in the “occupied” territories. Tune in!