Ctrl + Alt + Defence

Dropping now: Episode 31 of Ctrl Alt Defence.

Join Shiv Aroor and Vishnu Som as they discuss the commissioning of India's second MH-60R Seahawk helicopter squadron and explain why this platform is increasingly being described as India's new "Flying Frigate."

Key highlights from the episode:

India has commissioned INAS 335 'Ospreys', the Indian Navy's second MH-60R squadron, at INS Hansa, Goa.

The first MH-60R squadron, INAS 334, was commissioned in Kochi in 2024. With INAS 335, the Western Seaboard now gains a major multi-role maritime capability.

The MH-60R is referred to as a "Flying Frigate" due to its extensive suite of sensors, radar systems and weapons, enabling it to perform roles typically associated with surface warships.

The helicopter is a critical anti-submarine warfare (ASW) platform, equipped with dipping sonar and Mk-54 lightweight torpedoes for detecting and engaging submarines across the Indian Ocean Region.

It provides a strong anti-surface warfare capability, armed with Hellfire missiles for precision strikes against hostile vessels.

The MH-60R features advanced multi-mode radar and FLIR systems, allowing effective surveillance and targeting during both day and night operations over vast maritime areas.

Beyond combat roles, the helicopter supports search and rescue, medical evacuation, and vertical replenishment, making it a versatile multi-mission asset.

It is fully compatible with operations from INS Vikrant, INS Vikramaditya, as well as Indian Navy destroyers and frigates.

The induction of the MH-60R enhances India–US defence interoperability, having already demonstrated its utility during major naval exercises and operations such as TROPEX.

The platform significantly strengthens India's maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean at a time of evolving and increasing regional security challenges.

Listen now and share your thoughts.

Episode 30 of #CtrlAltDefence drops! 

Link: https://youtu.be/5LPMqtuebGM

Focus: America's deep upgrade of Pakistan Air Force F-16s poses problems for the IAF!

Key Discussion Points:

Link-16 Data-link Transformation: How will the integration of the Link-16 data-link system revolutionize the situational awareness and network-centric warfare capabilities of Pakistan's F-16 fleet?

Progressive Upgrades: How have the Pakistan Air Force F-16s been systematically upgraded over time, including previous sustainment packages and MLU (Mid-Life Upgrade) programs?

Advanced AMRAAM Missiles: What are the strategic implications and potential new combat ranges if the US clears the transfer of advanced AMRAAM missiles (like the AIM-120D) for Pakistan's F-16s?

IAF Datalink Sophistication: In comparison, how sophisticated are the datalink systems and network-centric capabilities currently employed by the India Air Force (IAF), such as the indigenously developed systems?

Listen now for a full breakdown! 

On episode 29 of Ctrl Alt Defence, join Shiv Aroor and Vishnu Som as they look at India's Pakistani AWACS killer, the S-400 system. 

We have this podcast at a time when the Russian President Vladimir Putin is here in India and we reflect on its capabilities and its future avatar, the S-500 Prometheus.

Listen in.

Join Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor as they dive deep into the historic test of the K4 sub-launched ballistic missile! 

India's Naval Nuclear Deterrent just levelled up! 
A MASSIVE NOTAM declared off Vizag coast! This is BIG.

What does it mean for India's nuclear submarine programme? 

Have our SSBNs finally come of age? 

This could be India's most significant ballistic missile test EVER.

We tell you why! 

Vishnu & Shiv return to discuss the heartbreaking Tejas crash at the Dubai Airshow 2025.

Wing Commander Namansh Syal, we salute you. What does the newly emerged footage reveal? How do IAF families cope with such devastating losses? 

Join the conversation.

With the Pakistan Navy set to acquire its first few made-in-China Hangor class submarines, Shiv Aroor and Vishnu Som look at its potential impact on the Indian Navy, particularly since the Project 17I project to build a class of diesel-electric submarines in India is nowhere near realisation.

Join Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor in the latest installment of #CtrlAltDefence for a look at the future of the Rafale based on its wartime use during Op Sindoor. We also puncture Pak propaganda on their capture of IAF Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, who appeared in a photograph with President Murmu earlier this week. But the big questions on the Rafale remains - the IAF wants 114 more jets - but this will break the bank. Is the government willing to make this investment? Will Dassault, the manufacturer of the jet be ready for serious tech transfer to India if the jet is assembled here? Will Indian weapons such as the Astra 2 be integrated? Will there be problems in agreeing to the terms of integration? All that and a lot more in this deep-dive into the future of the Rafale in IAF service.

Can India match China's PL-15 in the skies? Are Indian air-to-air missiles already outgunned by Pakistan's F-16s? Is the IAF's Meteor on the Rafale really enough or already outranged? And what does it mean for India's Tejas and legacy fighters?

In CTRL ALT DEFENCE episode 24, Vishnu Som answers Shiv Aroor's burning questions on India's air defence vis a vis air-to-air missiles. A dive deep into the growing missile gap in South Asia  and what India must do to close it. From the Chinese PL-15's jaw-dropping range to the limitations of MICA, R-77, and even Meteor, this is a candid, fact-driven discussion on how ultra long-range air-to-air missiles are reshaping modern aerial combat.

Can India's Astra Mk2 arrive in time? Can indigenous tech hold its own?
And... can Vishnu and Shiv really make their INS Arihant dreams come true?
Recorded at the NDTV World Summit, this special edition brings the entire CTRL ALT DEFENCE team together - right from the heart of Bharat Mandapam.

Don't miss it. Defense is changing fast. Are we ready?

In this episode of #CtrlAltDefence, we look at a possible order of Russian-designed Su-57 stealth fighters for the Indian Air Force.  An interim buy if it happens, the Su-57 will be India's first stealth fighter until such time as the indigenous AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) becomes available for induction in the mid-2030s.  But should the IAF acquire the Su-57? Does it meet an IAF need? Is the technology good enough or is this a risky buy, even if it is manufactured in India? Can India close the stealth-gap with China which already operates a whopping 300 J-20 stealth fighters? Join Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor on the latest episode of #CtrlAltDfefence.

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It's Indian aviation's most challenging project — AMCA — the stealth Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, the Indian Air Force's future.

Join Vishnu Som and NDTV's Science Editor Pallava Bagla in a conversation with the man leading India's AMCA development programme — Dr. Jitendra Jadhav, Director General of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).

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When will India finally get the Tejas Mk2? When will the first Tejas Mk1A fly? And WHY is Shiv Aroor missing from this episode??? That and more as Vishnu Som explores HAL Tejas manufacturing stages with HAL CMD Dr. D. K. Sunil

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Months after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, the Narendra Modi government has announced India's most ambitious defence upgrade since Independence.

In this episode of CTRL ALT DEFENCE, Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor report on a comprehensive 15-year roadmap prepared by the Ministry of Defence, aimed at transforming the Indian Armed Forces through the infusion of billions of dollars and cutting-edge technology.

A copy of the roadmap, accessed by NDTV, outlines plans for a dramatic overhaul of India's military capabilities - including the induction of nuclear-powered warships, next-generation battle tanks, hypersonic missiles, stealth bomber drones, AI-powered weapons systems, and space-based warfare technologies.

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