Current Events :
Yesterday, I stepped out to pick up a loaf of bread from a nearby bakery. The moment I entered, the world outside seemed to come to a pause. The place wrapped itself around me like a quiet embrace — soft, amber lighting, the comforting scent of warm loaves mingling with the sweet whisper of vanilla, and fairy lights curled lovingly around old wooden beams like forgotten wishes. The girl at the counter, all smiles and warmth, asked me to wait a moment while she packed my order. I took a seat near the window, letting the hush of the space settle over me.
Outside, life passed by gently — ordinary, unbothered. For a brief moment, everything felt still, almost sacred. As if the world hadn’t been shaken. As if nothing was burning at the borders. As if peace were a birthright, not a fragile gift kept alive by blood and sacrifice.Then a voice broke through.
At the next table, a group of young adults, probably in their early thirties, lounged in the comfort of the café. They laughed over pizza and mocktails, voices light but pointed. They spoke fervently about the state of the nation, condemning decisions, mocking the government, declaring themselves champions of peace. One of them proudly spoke of a reel they had posted — a blackout screen with a quote about peace. The others nodded, their fingers scrolling over glowing screens, satisfied.
And as I watched them — safe, carefree, basking in the soft glow of comfort — I felt something twist inside me. How effortless it is to preach peace in a climate-controlled café, where the biggest war is between two brands of coffee. How easy it is to raise slogans from behind screens, when your feet have never touched the dust of duty, when your nights have never been filled with the ache of waiting.
They weren’t just voicing opinions — I longed to tell them. They were treading on the quiet devotion of a soldier who stands guard under a sky swollen with silence. They were brushing off the endless nights of a mother who sleeps with her phone on her chest, fearing a call that might never come. And they were forgetting the wife — strong, unseen — who carries the home on her shoulders, while her husband carries the nation on his.
Peace is not the absence of war; it is the presence of sacrifice. It is not typed, or posted, or hashtagged. It is built by those who shoulder rifles so others may carry coffee cups. It is prayed for by those who stand in the crosshairs, not behind filters.
Every fibre in me burned to ask, “Have you ever waited for a knock at the door, dreading the uniform on the other side? Have you seen a Tricolour draped over the dreams of a family? Have you loved someone who gave their life for people who will never know their name?”
But I didn’t. I left quietly, bread in hand, a storm in my heart.
If you cannot serve, at least don’t sermon. True patriotism isn’t posted. It’s lived. And peace? Peace is a soldier’s most sacred prayer, but if duty calls, he will walk through fire to protect it.
bagga.aastha23@gmail.com
The writer is a Hoshiarpur-based freelance contributor
Operation Sindoor was launched by India as a decisive and strategic military response to the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people. The operation commenced on May 7, 2025, and was aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure and deterring cross-border hostilities originating from Pakistani territory.
The primary objective of Operation Sindoor was to neutralize terror launchpads and infrastructure affiliated with groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The operation was characterized by its precision and intensity, with Indian armed forces, particularly the Border Security Force (BSF), carrying out targeted strikes up to 2.2 kilometers inside Pakistani territory. These strikes were meticulously planned and executed, focusing on terror bases and Pakistani army posts that were believed to be supporting infiltration and cross-border attacks.
Pre-emptive Strikes: On the night of May 8, BSF surveillance detected a group of 40–50 terrorists near Sialkot, prompting a pre-emptive strike in the Samba region to thwart infiltration attempts.
Destruction of Terror Infrastructure: The BSF confirmed the destruction of multiple terror launchpads, including a major Lashkar-e-Taiba facility in the Looni area near the Line of Control, as well as launchpads in Mastpur and Chabbra.
Targeting Pakistani Military Posts: Indian forces struck 76 Pakistani border posts and 42 forward defense locations (FDLs), causing significant damage to both terror infrastructure and Pakistani military positions. The operation also eliminated a major ISI-operated launch pad near the Sunderbani sector.
Visual Evidence And Transparency: The BSF released dramatic video footage showing Pakistani Rangers and soldiers fleeing their posts under heavy Indian fire. The visuals captured the destruction of Pakistani army outposts and the chaos among Pakistani forces, underscoring the precision and scale of India’s response.
Following India’s offensive, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling along the Line of Control and in various sectors of Jammu and Kashmir. There were also attempts at drone attacks in border regions. In response, India escalated its operations, targeting and damaging radar systems, communication hubs, and airfields at 11 Pakistani airbases.
The intense military exchanges culminated in an understanding between India and Pakistan to cease hostilities, which was formally announced on May 10, 2025. Despite the cessation, Indian officials have emphasized continued vigilance and operational preparedness, highlighting that the security situation remains dynamic and that any future provocations will be met with strong retaliation.
Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s capability and resolve to respond decisively to cross-border terrorism. The operation not only inflicted heavy losses on terrorist groups and Pakistani military infrastructure but also sent a clear message regarding India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and its commitment to safeguarding national security.
Operation Sindoor stands as a significant chapter in India’s counter-terrorism efforts, marked by precision, transparency, and strategic impact, with the BSF and Indian armed forces playing a pivotal role in restoring deterrence along the border.
Agencies
India’s approval of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Program Execution Model by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on May 27, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s aerospace and defence capabilities. This decision positions India among an elite group of nations capable of developing indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft, joining the ranks of the United States, China, and Russia in this technologically demanding field.
The AMCA program represents more than just an aircraft development initiative; it embodies India’s strategic commitment to self-reliance in defence technology while addressing mounting regional security challenges from both Pakistan and China. The timing of this approval is particularly significant, coming amid heightened tensions and as regional adversaries rapidly advance their own stealth fighter capabilities, making indigenous fifth-generation fighter development not just advantageous but strategically imperative for India’s national security.
Understanding Fifth-Generation Fighter Technology
Fifth-generation fighter jets represent the pinnacle of modern aerial combat technology, distinguished by their advanced stealth capabilities, superior situational awareness, and ability to achieve supersonic cruise speeds without engaging afterburners. These aircraft are specifically designed to obtain tactical advantage through their ability to evade enemy detection while maintaining superior awareness of the battlefield environment. The stealth characteristics are achieved through sophisticated design elements including low radar cross-sections, radar-absorbent materials, and internal weapons bays that prevent external ordnance from compromising the aircraft’s stealth profile.
Beyond stealth capabilities, fifth-generation fighters incorporate advanced sensor fusion technology that integrates multiple data streams to provide pilots with unprecedented situational awareness. This technological integration enables these aircraft to engage threats at longer ranges while remaining undetected, fundamentally changing the dynamics of aerial combat. The super-cruise capability, which allows sustained supersonic flight without afterburners, provides significant advantages in fuel efficiency and tactical engagement scenarios. Currently, only a select few nations possess the technological expertise and industrial capacity to develop such sophisticated aircraft systems, making fifth-generation fighter development a marker of advanced aerospace capabilities.
The AMCA Program: Technical Specifications And Capabilities
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft represents India’s ambitious entry into fifth-generation fighter technology, designed as a 25-tonne twin-engine, all-weather, multi-role stealth fighter with comprehensive combat capabilities. The aircraft features impressive physical specifications, including a length of 18 meters, wingspan of 11.13 meters, and maximum take-off weight of 25 tons, making it larger than existing Indian Air Force fighters like the Su-30MKI. With an internal fuel tank capacity of 6.5 tonnes and the ability to reach speeds up to Mach 1.8 while operating at a ceiling of 55,000 feet, the AMCA is designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern aerial warfare.
The AMCA’s advanced technological features position it as a formidable platform for multiple combat roles including air superiority, ground strikes, suppression of enemy air defences, and electronic warfare. The aircraft incorporates an Electronic Pilot powered by Artificial Intelligence for advanced decision-making, Netcentric Warfare Systems for real-time combat coordination, and Integrated Vehicle Health Management for predictive maintenance. Its internal weapons bay can carry up to four long-range air-to-air missiles and several precision-guided munitions, with a total payload capacity of 1,500 kilograms. The fighter also features Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, sophisticated sensor fusion capabilities, and a smart cockpit with integrated decision aids that enhance pilot situational awareness and operational autonomy.
Indigenous Engine Development And Technical Challenges
A critical component of the AMCA program involves the development of an indigenous 120kN engine, marking a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of complete self-reliance in fighter aircraft technology. This engine development project has overcome long-standing challenges through unified collaboration between key domestic partners including the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Indian Air Force, Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), and academic institutions. The project has reached the pre-sanction stage, with senior government stakeholders actively monitoring progress and strong political and administrative support evident.
The 120kN engine represents a substantial advancement from previous indigenous engine development efforts, building upon lessons learned from the earlier Kaveri engine project. Major global Original Equipment Manufacturers have been consulted to provide critical insights and help align India’s technological capabilities with international standards. The engine is specifically designed to deliver high thrust while maintaining the low radar signature essential for fifth-generation stealth operations. This indigenous engine development is crucial for ensuring complete self-reliance in the AMCA program and avoiding dependency on foreign suppliers for critical propulsion technology.
Strategic Context And Regional Security Implications
India’s development of fifth-generation fighter capabilities comes at a time of heightened regional security challenges, particularly from China’s rapidly advancing aerospace capabilities and Pakistan’s efforts to acquire advanced fighter technology. China has already operationalized fifth-generation stealth fighters like the J-20 and is reportedly developing sixth-generation aircraft with even more advanced capabilities. More concerning for India’s security calculus is China’s reported plans to supply 40 fifth-generation J-35 fighters to Pakistan, which could significantly alter the regional balance of air power.
The strategic implications of these developments cannot be understated, as they represent a fundamental shift in the regional military balance that could potentially compromise India’s air superiority advantages. The Indian Air Force is currently operating with only 30-32 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons, with at least eight more squadrons scheduled for retirement over the next decade. This capability gap, combined with the introduction of advanced stealth fighters by regional adversaries, creates an urgent imperative for India to develop its own fifth-generation capabilities to maintain strategic parity.
The AMCA program also aligns with broader geopolitical developments, including potential cooperation with the United States on advanced fighter technology. Recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump during a joint news conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hinted at America’s willingness to facilitate the eventual sale of F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters to India. However, indigenous development through the AMCA program ensures that India maintains complete control over its critical defence technologies while reducing dependency on foreign suppliers for essential military capabilities.
Indigenous Development And Self-Reliance Goals
The AMCA program represents a cornerstone of India’s Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) initiative in the aerospace sector, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to developing indigenous expertise and industrial capacity in advanced defence technologies. The program’s execution model provides equal opportunities to both private and public sectors on a competitive basis, allowing companies to bid independently, as joint ventures, or as consortia, provided they are Indian companies compliant with national laws and regulations. This approach is designed to harness the full spectrum of indigenous expertise, capability, and capacity available within India’s aerospace industrial ecosystem.
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will lead the AMCA project in collaboration with private industry partners, creating a model for public-private cooperation in advanced defence technology development. This collaboration framework enables the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as sensor fusion, internal weapons bays, advanced avionics, and super-cruise capability while building domestic technological competence. The program also emphasizes the development of Netcentric Warfare Systems for real-time combat coordination and integration with unmanned aerial vehicles for manned-unmanned teaming operations.
The indigenous development approach extends beyond just the aircraft platform to include critical subsystems and technologies that ensure complete self-reliance in fifth-generation fighter capabilities. The development of the 120kN indigenous engine represents perhaps the most challenging aspect of this self-reliance goal, as engine technology has historically been one of the most closely guarded aerospace technologies globally. Success in indigenous engine development would position India among the very few nations capable of complete indigenous fifth-generation fighter production, significantly enhancing the country’s strategic autonomy and defence industrial capabilities.
Implementation Timeline And Development Challenges
The AMCA program follows an ambitious but realistic timeline that acknowledges the technological complexities inherent in fifth-generation fighter development. The Aeronautical Development Agency has committed to delivering the first prototype by 2031, with series production scheduled to commence by 2035. This ten-year development timeline parallels the experience of other nations developing fifth-generation fighters, reflecting the substantial technological hurdles that must be overcome in areas including stealth airframe design, advanced propulsion systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and integrated battle networks.
The initial phase of the program involves an investment of Rs 15,000 crore for the development of five prototypes, representing a significant commitment to advancing India’s aerospace capabilities. The development challenges are multifaceted, requiring innovations not only in aerodynamic design and stealth technology but also in advanced materials, sophisticated avionics, and integration of artificial intelligence systems. The Electronic Pilot powered by AI for advanced decision-making represents one of the more ambitious technological goals of the program, requiring substantial research and development in autonomous systems and human-machine interface technologies.
Manufacturing and production planning present additional challenges that must be addressed as the program progresses from prototype development to series production. The execution model’s emphasis on competitive bidding between private and public sector entities is designed to leverage the best capabilities available within India’s aerospace industry while ensuring cost-effectiveness and technological advancement. The integration of unmanned aerial vehicles for manned-unmanned teaming operations adds another layer of complexity, requiring the development of sophisticated communication and coordination systems that represent the future of aerial combat operations.
Conclusion
India’s development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft represents a transformative initiative that extends far beyond the creation of a single weapons platform to encompass broader goals of technological self-reliance, strategic autonomy, and regional security enhancement.
The approval of the AMCA Program Execution Model marks India’s formal entry into the exclusive group of nations capable of developing fifth-generation fighter aircraft, demonstrating the country’s growing technological sophistication and industrial capabilities. With its advanced stealth features, artificial intelligence integration, and comprehensive combat capabilities, the AMCA is positioned to serve as a cornerstone of India’s future air power projection and defence strategy.
The strategic timing of this program, amid rising regional threats and rapid advancement in adversary capabilities, underscores its critical importance to India’s national security architecture. The indigenous development approach, while challenging, ensures that India maintains complete control over critical defence technologies while building domestic expertise that will benefit the broader aerospace sector.
The successful implementation of the AMCA program, with its ambitious timeline targeting prototype delivery by 2031 and series production by 2035, will not only enhance India’s military capabilities but also establish the foundation for future advancement in aerospace technology and potentially sixth-generation fighter development. As global competition in advanced military aviation intensifies, India’s commitment to indigenous fifth-generation fighter development represents a crucial investment in both immediate security needs and long-term technological sovereignty.
Based On FP Report
In the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, a series of precise cross-border strikes targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation began on May 7, 2025, with Indian armed forces demolishing nine major terror hubs, including those linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Bahawalpur, resulting in significant casualties among terrorists, their aides, and Pakistani military personnel.
Facing heavy losses, Pakistan’s Director-General of Military Operations (DGMO) reached out to his Indian counterpart twice, first on the evening of May 7, seeking a cessation of hostilities. Despite these overtures, Indian officials remained sceptical about Islamabad’s intentions, noting that requests for a ceasefire were accompanied by renewed attacks on Indian military targets.
The sincerity of Pakistan’s appeals was thus in question, especially as cross-border firing and drone incursions from Pakistan continued even as ceasefire discussions were underway.
After three days of intense military exchanges, a DGMO-level conversation occurred on May 10 at 3:35 PM, leading to a ceasefire understanding. This truce was negotiated directly through established military communication channels between the two countries, without US mediation, and aimed to de-escalate the rapidly rising tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours. The ceasefire officially took effect later that day, with both sides agreeing to halt all hostilities on land, air, and sea.
Operation Sindoor inflicted severe losses on Pakistan. More than 160 individuals—primarily terrorists, their aides, and Pakistani military personnel—were killed in the Indian strikes, with over 20 deaths reported in Bahawalpur alone, including relatives of JeM chief Masood Azhar.
Pakistani armed forces suffered an estimated 35 to 40 fatalities, though Islamabad officially acknowledged only 11 military deaths and 78 wounded. Indian strikes also caused casualties at several Pakistani air bases: Lahore Airport (2 killed), Sargodha (2 killed, 7 injured), Rahimyar Khan (5 injured), Bahawalpur (2 killed, 8 injured), Sialkot (11 killed), and Rawalpindi (4 killed).
The Indian response was characterised by precision, targeting only terror infrastructure and avoiding civilian areas, as confirmed by Indian officials. The operation also saw significant engagement from Indian security forces, including the Border Security Force (BSF), which targeted launch pads and responded to Pakistani drone incursions.
Despite the current ceasefire, Indian defence officials remain cautious, emphasising that Pakistan’s intentions will continue to be judged by its concrete, verifiable, and irreversible actions against terrorism. Operational readiness remains high along the border, with Indian forces prepared for any potential misadventure from the Pakistani side under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Operation Sindoor marked a significant escalation in India-Pakistan hostilities, resulting in heavy casualties for Pakistan and prompting Islamabad to seek a ceasefire twice through military channels. While the ceasefire holds for now, the situation remains tense, with India maintaining a vigilant posture and demanding sustained action from Pakistan against terrorist groups operating from its soil.
Agencies
A Bangladesh Air Force Yakovlev Yak-130 on final approach at one of its air base
India is accelerating the revival of the long-defunct Kailashahar airfield in Tripura as a direct response to growing strategic concerns over China’s involvement in the redevelopment of Bangladesh’s Lalmonirhat airbase, located less than 20 kilometers from the Indian border and near the critical Siliguri Corridor—often referred to as the “chicken’s neck”. This corridor is a narrow, 22-kilometre stretch that connects mainland India to its north-eastern states, making it a major strategic vulnerability for India.
The Lalmonirhat airbase, a World War-II-era facility, is reportedly being upgraded with Chinese assistance, which has set off alarm bells in New Delhi. The proximity of this airbase to the Siliguri Corridor raises the specter of increased Chinese military influence and surveillance capabilities in a region vital to India’s territorial integrity.
The development is seen as part of a broader pattern of deepening China-Bangladesh defense ties, especially after recent political changes in Bangladesh that have led to a less India-friendly interim administration.
In response, India has moved quickly to revive Kailashahar Airport, which has been non-operational for over three decades. On May 26, 2025, senior officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) conducted a site visit to assess infrastructure, land availability, and operational feasibility, marking the first concrete step toward restarting the airfield.
The airport played a significant role during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, serving as a launchpad for Indian Air Force operations and the initial missions of ‘Kilo Flight’, the precursor to the Bangladesh Air Force. Its recommissioning is expected to serve dual purposes: enhancing regional civilian connectivity and providing a strategic military outpost capable of supporting rapid mobilization and surveillance in a sensitive frontier region.
The revival of Kailashahar is also aligned with India’s broader strategy of strengthening its northeastern infrastructure to counterbalance China’s growing footprint in South Asia. The dual-use modernization plan aims to boost civilian air travel under schemes like UDAN while simultaneously upgrading facilities to accommodate military aircraft in times of need.
This move is intended to reinforce India’s deterrence posture, ensure logistical preparedness, and secure vulnerable border regions, particularly in light of the evolving geopolitical landscape and ongoing India-China tensions.
While India has refrained from officially commenting on China’s role in the Lalmonirhat project, the swift action to revive Kailashahar underscores its resolve to address emerging security challenges and maintain strategic stability in the Northeast. The development of Kailashahar Airport is thus both a symbolic and practical response, reflecting the intersection of historical legacy, regional connectivity, and national security imperatives.
Agencies
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has recently expressed a renewed willingness to engage in dialogue with India to resolve longstanding disputes, including the contentious issues of Kashmir, water-sharing, and trade. During a joint press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran, Sharif emphasised Pakistan’s readiness to seek peaceful solutions through negotiations.
He stated, “We are ready to talk, for the sake of peace on water issues with our neighbour,” and extended this willingness to areas such as trade and counter-terrorism. Sharif underscored that Pakistan’s desire for peace is genuine and that the country is prepared to demonstrate its sincerity if India reciprocates the offer for dialogue.
Sharif’s visit to Iran is part of a broader diplomatic tour, which also includes stops in Turkiye, Tajikistan, and Azerbaijan, signalling Pakistan’s intent to strengthen regional ties and seek broader support for dialogue-based conflict resolution. Iranian President Pezeshkian, for his part, echoed the call for a durable ceasefire between India and Pakistan and advocated for dialogue among regional countries to address disputes and foster peace.
The context of Sharif’s statements is particularly significant given the recent deterioration in India-Pakistan relations. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, India took several stringent measures against Pakistan. One of the most consequential was the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, a key agreement signed in 1960 that governs the sharing of water resources from the Indus River and its tributaries.
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal have both reiterated that the treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irreversibly ceases its support for cross-border terrorism. Jaiswal also highlighted that climate change, demographic shifts, and technological advancements have further complicated the ground realities, necessitating a re-examination of traditional frameworks like the Indus Water Treaty.
In addition to suspending the treaty, India imposed an immediate and comprehensive ban on the import and transit of all goods originating from or exported via Pakistan, effectively halting bilateral trade. This move, formalised through a notification by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, further underscores the depth of the current impasse.
While Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s overture signals Pakistan’s willingness to resume dialogue, the path to normalisation remains fraught with challenges. India’s position remains firm that any resumption of talks or treaties is contingent upon Pakistan taking credible action against terrorism.
The involvement and encouragement of regional actors like Iran indicate a recognition of the broader stakes for peace and stability in South Asia, but tangible progress will depend on substantive shifts in policy and trust-building measures from both sides.
Based On ANI Report
India’s Operation Sindoor, executed in May 2025, has sent shock waves through the global defence community, exposing critical vulnerabilities in the US defence establishment and highlighting the urgent need for reform. The operation’s success, driven by rapid innovation, cost-effective systems, and decisive execution, stands in sharp contrast to the slow, monopolistic, and expensive defence practices that dominate the United States.
Operation Sindoor: Precision, Speed, And Impact
Operation Sindoor was launched in response to a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, killing 26 civilians. India’s military response was swift and surgical: over a four-day campaign, Indian forces targeted terrorist camps and, when Pakistan retaliated, escalated to precision strikes on Pakistani air bases and command centres.
The operation crippled Pakistan’s radar and air defence networks, dismantled command and control, and exposed the weaknesses of Chinese and Turkish-supplied systems. Within hours, Pakistan was forced to seek a ceasefire, underscoring the effectiveness and deterrent value of India’s approach.
Cost-Effective Innovation Vs US Defence Monopolies
India’s military achievements are not just about battlefield success—they are rooted in a philosophy of affordable, scalable, and rapidly deployable systems. The Pinaka rocket, for example, costs less than $56,000, compared to the US GMLRS missile at $148,000. The Akashteer missile defence system was developed and fielded at a fraction of the cost of US-made Patriot or NASAMS platforms. This stands in stark contrast to the US, where a handful of defence giants—Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and General Dynamics—dominate the landscape, stifling competition and innovation.
The US defence industry, once a symbol of strength, now resembles a cartel. The number of prime contractors has shrunk from 51 to fewer than 10, making it difficult for the Pentagon to negotiate or drive innovation. Cost-plus contracting further insulates these firms from risk, encouraging cost overruns and the development of over-engineered, expensive platforms—exemplified by the F-35 fighter jet’s $1.7 trillion lifetime cost and persistent performance issues.
Structural Challenges In The US Defence Industry
The United States defence industry faces significant structural challenges that limit its ability to compete effectively with emerging alternatives like India’s cost-effective manufacturing model. The industry’s concentration among a small number of prime contractors has created what analysts describe as a cartelized system with limited genuine competition. According to Department of Defence studies, the number of prime defence contractors has declined dramatically from 51 to fewer than 10, fundamentally altering the competitive landscape and reducing incentives for innovation and cost reduction. This consolidation has occurred despite soaring defence budgets expected to approach $1 trillion by 2025, indicating that increased spending has not translated into improved competition or efficiency.
The monopolistic concentration of the US defence industry manifests in several problematic ways that directly impact military readiness and fiscal responsibility. Major contractors like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Technologies, and General Dynamics dominate the global arms market, with nine of the world’s top 20 defence firms by revenue being American companies. While this concentration once represented strength through specialization and scale, it has evolved into a system where contractors have little incentive to drive innovation, reduce costs, or adapt quickly to changing requirements. The lack of genuine market competition has created an environment where cost-plus contracting shields firms from the consequences of budget overruns and delays.
A 2024 study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies revealed that 61% of major defence contracts now go to companies with no commercial business, rising to 86% when firms like Boeing with limited commercial operations are included. This isolation from broader market pressures has created a defence industry that operates according to different economic principles than the competitive commercial sector. The resulting system prioritizes technical specifications over cost-effectiveness and favours complex, expensive platforms over simpler, more affordable alternatives that might prove more suitable for contemporary warfare requirements.
Acquisition Process Inefficiencies
The US defence acquisition process has become notoriously slow and bureaucratic, often requiring years or even decades to field new equipment. This timeline mismatch with the pace of modern warfare has been starkly exposed by conflicts like the war in Ukraine, where rapid adaptation and production scaling proved crucial to military effectiveness. While American weapons systems like Javelins and HIMARS demonstrated their technical superiority, production systems struggled to keep pace with demand, forcing the Pentagon to rely on ageing factories and slow supply chains to meet urgent requirements.
The acquisition system’s fundamental structure creates perverse incentives that prioritize compliance with bureaucratic processes over operational effectiveness and speed. Many battlefield innovations since 9/11, including counter-IED kits and unmanned systems, were introduced through emergency procurement channels that bypassed formal acquisition processes. While these stopgap measures enabled rapid deployment of critical capabilities, they highlighted the systematic failures of the standard procurement system to respond to urgent operational needs. The reliance on emergency measures for innovation demonstrates that the formal acquisition process has become an obstacle to rather than an enabler of military effectiveness.
Cost-plus contracting models further exacerbate these systemic problems by removing financial risk from contractors and creating incentives for program complexity and duration rather than efficiency and speed. The F-35 fighter jet program exemplifies these challenges, with a lifetime cost estimated at $1.7 trillion and a development process characterized by delays and performance shortfalls. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall’s acknowledgment that the F-35 represented “a serious mistake” and his warning about creating “perpetual monopolies” reflects growing recognition within the defence establishment that fundamental reform is necessary to maintain American military competitiveness.
Systemic Weaknesses And The Need For Reform
The US acquisition system is notoriously slow, with new equipment often taking years or decades to reach the field. The war in Ukraine exposed the inability of the US industrial base to surge production or adapt quickly, forcing reliance on outdated factories and slow supply lines. Many battlefield innovations since 9/11 were only fielded through emergency channels, bypassing normal procurement—highlighting systemic delays that remain unaddressed.
A further problem is the increasing isolation of US defence firms from commercial markets. Over 60% of major contracts now go to companies with no commercial business, rising to 86% when including firms like Boeing with limited commercial work. This insularity, a legacy of post-Cold War consolidation, has led to a defence sector resistant to market pressures and innovation.
Lessons From India: Agility, Affordability, And Scalability
India’s approach offers a compelling alternative. Its defence industry emphasises rapid development, integration of advanced technology, and cost-effective production. Systems like BrahMos and Akashteer are not boutique prototypes but proven, battle-ready platforms. India’s integrated air defence network, which seamlessly links air force and ground forces, is described by experts as “unique”—even surpassing current US capabilities in some respects.
This model demonstrates that lethality, affordability, and scalability can coexist. India’s ability to deploy, test, and validate new systems in actual combat provides a blueprint for the US to follow, especially as global threats evolve and the pace of conflict accelerates.
Urgent Path Forward For The US
Experts warn that the time for incremental change is over. The US must:
Reform its acquisition process for speed, iteration, and frontline feedback
Break up monopolies or foster genuine competition and alternative suppliers
Treat allies like India and Israel as co-equal production partners, not just buyers
Establish permanent learning teams embedded in conflict zones to feed real-time lessons into system design
A recent White House executive order has acknowledged these issues, directing the Secretary of Defence to deliver a reform plan. But experts caution that true change requires a full-scale overhaul of both procurement and organisational culture.
Facing The China Challenge
China’s massive military and population advantage mean future conflicts will be won not by size, but by the ability to innovate, produce economically, and adapt at speed. As India’s Operation Sindoor has shown, wars of the future will be decided by those who can “think faster, build faster, and fight smarter”.
Conclusion
Operation Sindoor is more than a military victory for India—it is a clarion call for the US to reform its defence establishment. Without urgent action to break monopolies, speed up innovation, and build adaptable, scalable systems, the US risks losing its military edge. The clock is ticking, and the lessons from India are too clear to ignore.
Based On ET News Report
India’s defence establishment has achieved significant milestones in developing autonomous combat capabilities through the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior program, marking a transformative shift toward indigenous unmanned combat aerial vehicles. This comprehensive initiative represents a strategic convergence of cutting-edge technologies, including stealth design principles, artificial intelligence integration, and advanced propulsion systems.
The CATS Warrior, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in partnership with NewSpace Research and Technologies, embodies India’s commitment to reducing dependency on foreign defence imports while establishing technological sovereignty in unmanned warfare systems. Simultaneously, the ongoing trials of the indigenous Kaveri engine in Russia signal renewed prospects for self-reliant propulsion technologies that could power future unmanned platforms, creating a synergistic ecosystem of indigenous defence capabilities.
Development And Strategic Context of The CATS Warrior Program
The CATS Warrior represents a paradigmatic shift in India’s approach to aerial combat, emerging from the Aircraft Research and Design Centre under HAL as part of a comprehensive Combat Air Teaming System program. This initiative fundamentally reimagines the traditional pilot-aircraft relationship by introducing autonomous wingman capabilities that can operate in coordination with manned fighter jets, particularly the LCA TEJAS, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), Su-30MKI, and Jaguar platforms. The program’s genesis can be traced to India’s recognition of evolving global warfare dynamics, where unmanned systems increasingly serve as force multipliers that enhance operational effectiveness while minimising human risk exposure.
The strategic imperative driving the CATS Warrior development stems from the need to counter sophisticated enemy air defence systems that pose significant threats to manned aircraft and pilots. Modern integrated air defence systems can detect, track, and engage aircraft from considerable distances, making penetration missions extremely hazardous for human pilots operating expensive fighter platforms.
The CATS Warrior addresses this challenge by serving as an expendable yet highly capable asset that can undertake high-risk missions, including Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) operations, reconnaissance, and precision strikes against critical targets. This approach aligns with global trends in unmanned warfare, where leading military powers increasingly rely on autonomous systems to maintain operational superiority while preserving human resources and costly platforms.
The program received substantial institutional support with HAL management approving internal funding of ₹390 crore (equivalent to ₹438 crore or US$52 million in 2023) for development as of February 2021. This investment reflects the organisation’s confidence in the project’s strategic value and technological feasibility. The development timeline indicates ambitious goals, with integration with the CATS MAX mothership expected to take 1-2 years and first flights scheduled for 2024-25, demonstrating India’s commitment to rapid technological advancement in critical defence sectors.
Technical Design And Stealth Capabilities
The CATS Warrior’s design philosophy prioritises low observability while maintaining operational versatility, incorporating advanced stealth features that enable effective penetration of contested airspace. The aircraft employs a composite structure with hybrid design elements, drawing inspiration from proven platforms such as the MQ-28 Ghost Bat wingman in its front section and the XQ-58 Valkyrie in its mid-fuselage to tail configuration. This design synthesis represents a strategic approach to leveraging successful international concepts while adapting them to Indian operational requirements and manufacturing capabilities.
The stealth characteristics of the CATS Warrior are achieved through multiple design elements that collectively reduce its radar cross-section and enhance survivability in hostile environments. The aircraft features an internal weapons bay that maintains a clean external profile during operations, eliminating the radar signature penalties associated with external weapon carriage. The composite construction materials and carefully sculpted airframe geometry work in concert to scatter and absorb electromagnetic radiation, significantly reducing detectability by enemy radar systems. Additionally, the single serpentine air intake positioned on the top of the fuselage leads to twin engines while minimising radar reflections from the engine compressor faces, a critical design consideration for maintaining stealth characteristics.
Advanced Avionics And Mission Systems Integration
The CATS Warrior incorporates sophisticated avionics systems that enable autonomous operation while maintaining compatibility with manned aircraft platforms. The core avionics suite includes an electro-optic/infrared payload system that provides real-time visual and thermal imaging capabilities for target identification and battlefield surveillance. An Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system delivers advanced target detection and tracking capabilities while maintaining low probability of intercept characteristics that enhance stealth performance. The integration of an inertial navigational unit ensures precise navigation and positioning even in GPS-denied environments, critical for operations in contested airspace where electronic warfare may disrupt satellite-based navigation systems.
The electronic warfare capabilities of the CATS Warrior extend beyond passive stealth measures to include active jamming systems designed to disrupt enemy radar and communication systems. These capabilities enable the platform to serve multiple roles within a single mission profile, transitioning seamlessly between reconnaissance, electronic attack, and kinetic strike operations as tactical situations evolve. The prototype utilises an indigenous Mission Computer developed by the Systems for Landing and Reconnaissance Development Centre (SLRDC), demonstrating India’s growing capability in critical avionics technologies that were previously dependent on foreign suppliers.
The autonomous capability framework incorporates dynamic mission scheduling systems that optimise aircraft deployment for real-time combat scenarios. This advanced artificial intelligence integration enables the CATS Warrior to adapt mission parameters based on evolving battlefield conditions, threat assessments, and target prioritisation without requiring constant human intervention.
Propulsion System And Performance Characteristics
The CATS Warrior employs a twin-engine configuration utilising modified PTAE-7 engines developed by the Aero Engine Research and Development Centre, designated as PTAE-W variants specifically optimised for the unmanned platform. These engines represent a significant advancement over the original PTAE-7 engines used on the DRDO Lakshya target drone, incorporating enhanced performance characteristics and improved reliability features. Each PTAE-W engine measures 1.27 meters in length, 330 millimetres in diameter, and weighs 65 kilograms, providing a compact yet powerful propulsion solution that contributes to the aircraft’s overall stealth profile.
The exhaust system design incorporates chevron nozzle technology similar to that employed on the F-35 Lightning II, serving dual purposes of reducing jet blast noise signatures and minimising radar emissions. This design feature contributes to the aircraft’s overall stealth characteristics while improving acoustic signature management, particularly important for covert operations and reduced detection probability. The performance envelope includes a maximum speed of Mach 0.9, cruise speed of 790 km/h (Mach 0.6), and a service ceiling of 9,000 meters, providing substantial operational flexibility across diverse mission profiles. The combat range of 350 kilometres enables effective operations within the tactical radius of manned aircraft, while the maximum range of 700 kilometres extends operational possibilities for long-range autonomous missions.
Weapon Systems And Combat Capabilities
The CATS Warrior’s armament configuration reflects a sophisticated approach to multi-role combat operations, incorporating both internal and external weapon carriage options that optimise stealth performance while maximising firepower. The internal weapons bay accommodates two DRDO Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAAW), each weighing up to 155 kilograms, providing substantial precision strike capability against hardened targets and critical infrastructure. The external hard-points can carry two short-range or beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, with each external station capable of supporting up to 170 kilograms of ordnance. This configuration enables the platform to engage both air and ground targets within a single mission profile, maximising operational efficiency and mission success probability.
The total weapon load capacity of 650 kilograms provides substantial firepower for a platform of the CATS Warrior’s size class, enabling engagement of multiple targets or employment of specialised munitions for specific mission requirements. The modular weapon system design accommodates future integration of advanced munitions, including the CATS ALFA-S precision-guided munitions, with capacity for up to 24 units of these smaller weapons systems. This flexibility ensures the platform can adapt to evolving threat environments and mission requirements without requiring fundamental design modifications.
The integration of precision-guided munitions capability transforms the CATS Warrior from a simple target drone into a sophisticated combat platform capable of conducting complex strike missions. The combination of internal storage for larger weapons and external carriage options for air-to-air missiles enables the aircraft to serve as both a loyal wingman providing defensive capabilities and an offensive strike platform capable of independent target engagement. The autonomous target engagement capability, combined with real-time data sharing with manned aircraft, creates a synergistic combat system that multiplies the effectiveness of traditional fighter aircraft operations.
Conclusion
The HAL CATS Warrior program represents a transformative milestone in India’s defence technology development, demonstrating the nation’s capability to conceive, develop, and produce cutting-edge unmanned combat systems that address critical operational requirements while reducing dependency on foreign suppliers.
The comprehensive integration of stealth technology, artificial intelligence, autonomous operation capabilities, and indigenous propulsion systems creates a platform that significantly enhances India’s aerial warfare capabilities. The program’s emphasis on manned-unmanned teaming operations positions Indian Air Force capabilities at the forefront of global military aviation trends while providing unique operational advantages in contested environments.
The successful development and deployment of the CATS Warrior, combined with the maturation of the indigenous Kaveri engine program, establishes India as a significant player in the global unmanned systems market while creating strategic advantages that extend beyond immediate military applications.
IDN (With Inputs From ET News)
With snow still covering area around the gurdwara, a path has been cleared for pilgrims
The doors of Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara, a famous Sikh pilgrimage site in the upper Garhwal Himalayan region in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, opened for devotees on Sunday.
After the arrival of ‘Panj Pyare’ in the morning, the doors were opened for the devotees amidst ‘ardas’, Shabad Kirtan and Gurbani.
With this, the pilgrimage to the Hemkund Sahib has commenced.
The gurdwara, situated at an altitude of 15,000 feet, was decorated with flowers and colorful flags. President of Hemkund Gurdwara Trust Narendrajit Singh Bindra and other officials were also present.
With snow still covering the area around the gurdwara, a path has been cleared for devotees.
On Saturday, the first batch of Sikh devotees led by ‘Panj Pyare’ from Govindghat Gurdwara left for Hemkund Sahib with the holy ‘Nishan Sahib’. The group stayed the night at Ghangaria Gurdwara. In the morning, the group left for Hemkund Sahib amid chants of ‘Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal’.
The pilgrimage to Hemkund Sahib begins in May every year and continues till October. During this, lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad reach there to pay obeisance.
Arrangements have been made by the police to ensure the safety and smooth journey of the devotees. Teams of State Disaster Response Force have also been deployed at the main stops of pilgrimage route
