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• China's Border Buildup | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 46 04.07.2026 41dk

  China's expanding footprint along the India-China border comes under the spotlight on this week's #CtrlAltDefence with Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor. NDTV's world-exclusive satellite investigation reveals new Chinese villages, roads and infrastructure in a part of Arunachal Pradesh occupied by China since 1959.  The podcast raises fresh questions about Beijing's long-term border strategy. Episode 46 Watch now: https://youtu.be/lxs0KDTKTPI NDTV's exclusive satellite images reveal China's construction activities in a remote part of Arunachal Pradesh that it has encroached upon since 1959. New border villages, roads and military-linked infrastructure explained Why these developments matter despite diplomatic engagement between India and China From Ladakh to Arunachal: How Beijing is changing facts on the ground India's border infrastructure push and the race to match China's build-up The McMahon Line, LAC and why the boundary dispute remains unresolved China's military advantage, India's response and the strategic balance along the frontier Can diplomacy with Beijing succeed without stronger military deterrence? A detailed discussion on China's border strategy, India's military preparedness and what NDTV's exclusive investigation reveals about the future of the India-China frontier.
• India's Jet Engine Blackhole | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 45 27.06.2026 47dk

  A deep dive into India's biggest defence technology challenge on this week's #CtrlAltDefence with Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor. We discuss why fighter jet engines remain India's weakest strategic link. Episode 45  Watch now: https://youtu.be/URhJzZI19OM AMCA faces fresh uncertainty amid reports of a GE engine pricing dispute Why India's frontline fighter programmes still depend on foreign engines Tejas Mk2, AMCA and the long-running F414 negotiations explained The Kaveri engine story: where India's indigenous programme fell short Safran vs Rolls-Royce: who could power India's next-generation fighter? How China built a world-class fighter engine ecosystem while India fell behind Why jet engines-not stealth or missiles-remain India's biggest defence technology gap A candid discussion on what India must do to achieve true aerospace self-reliance.  Watch now.
• Is France's FCAS The IAF's Future? | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 44 13.06.2026 43dk

  A fiercely debated episode of #CtrlAltDefence as Shiv Aroor and Vishnu Som tackle one of India's biggest defence dilemmas - should India join France's futuristic FCAS fighter programme, or double down on an indigenous solution? Episode 44 of the podcast Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FrVFtWQWAA Should India join the French-led FCAS sixth-generation fighter programme? AMCA vs FCAS: Can India afford two parallel fighter projects? Lessons from the FGFA/Su-57 partnership with Russia China's sixth-generation aircraft and the growing airpower gap Can India realistically develop next-generation fighter technology alone? Engines, stealth, sensors and the technology India still lacks Is FCAS a strategic partnership or simply a very expensive necessity? This episode is a deep dive in the hard choices facing Indian defence planners in an increasingly contested world.  
• Can HAL Deliver? | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 43 30.05.2026 47dk

  A high-intensity episode of #CtrlAltDefence as Shiv Aroor and Vishnu Som unpack the crisis, delays and big questions surrounding HAL, Tejas and India's future airpower ambitions - just as HAL gets a new chief at a critical moment. Episode 43 of the podcast Watch now: https://youtu.be/L6bK3cscsF8 Tejas Mk1A delays: What's really holding back deliveries? New HAL Chairman Ravi K takes charge amid mounting pressure Dhruv helicopter setbacks and HAL's credibility challenge Tejas Mk2, AMCA & India's struggle to keep pace with China AI warfare, drone swarms & the future of unmanned combat Can HAL reinvent itself and shed its old PSU culture? Why India may need private players to reshape defence aviation From fighter jet integration issues to sixth-generation warfare, this episode dives deep into the realities, risks and future of India's military aerospace ecosystem.  
• The Big Boom | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 42 23.05.2026 50dk

  A power-packed episode of #CtrlAltDefence as Shiv Aroor and Vishnu Som break down India's rapid missile advancements, hypersonic ambitions, MIRV capability, and the future of strategic deterrence. Episode 42 of the podcast Watch now: https://youtu.be/Cw9eowMnT7k India's "Big Boom" moment - major missile tests explained Agni-5 MIRV test signals a major leap in India's nuclear deterrence Scramjet breakthrough pushes India closer to hypersonic weapons Can hypersonic weapons make missile defence obsolete? BrahMos evolution, naval firepower & India's future war doctrine Why modern warfare is becoming impossible to intercept From hypersonic glide vehicles to submarine-launched deterrence, this episode dives deep into the technology shaping India's future battlefield edge.
• India's Unmanned Bombers/Fighters: A Reality? | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 41 25.04.2026 48dk

  A high-stakes, future-facing episode of #CtrlAltDefence as Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor sit down with AI Defence Tech Founder building the next generation of warfare systems. Episode 41 of our podcast Watch now: https://youtu.be/E2CpesS5jfg From viral bomber to cutting-edge combat tech — Suhas Tejaskanda, Founder & CEO of Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace, breaks it all down: India's first unmanned bomber concept Drone warfare after Operation Sindoor Loitering munitions, swarm drones & autonomous combat systems Inside YAMA and next-gen counter-drone tech Electronic warfare, GPS jamming & why most drones fail in real combat Why autonomy — not hardware — is the real battlefield advantage The future of warfare is cheaper, smarter, autonomous — and already here. Watch now.
• Who Is Winning The War? | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 40 04.04.2026 36dk

  A gripping episode of #CtrlAltDefence as Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor cut through the fog of war with hard data and on-ground insight. *Episode 40 of our podcast * Watch now: https://youtu.be/yQ_1guQ6lk8 5 weeks into the conflict — numbers tell a very different story U.S. claims vs battlefield data — what's really happening? Iran's missile & drone attacks continue despite heavy strikes Interceptor missiles running low — less than 12 days of buffer in worst-case scenarios War of attrition: both sides burning through critical resources Gulf nations taking the biggest hit — not just Israel Civilian infrastructure increasingly targeted — a dangerous escalation Data, not noise — decoding who's actually gaining ground War is messy, complex, and far from over — watch now 
• Vishnu Som's Operation Sindoor Book Is Here! | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 39 21.03.2026 47dk

  Vishnu Som's The Sky Warriors: Operation Sindoor Unveiled delivers a riveting, bone-chilling chronicle of the 88-hour air war that permanently altered South Asia's military balance in May 2025. With a career spanning the Kargil heights in 1999 to the Rafale era, Vishnu combines sharp tactical analysis with gripping combat storytelling. Centered on Operation Sindoor—the IAF's crushing "heavy hammer" response to the Pahalgam terror attacks—the book elevates the conflict far beyond a simple border clash, presenting it instead as a masterclass in multi-domain warfare. Vishnu's crisp journalistic voice converts complex topics like BVR engagement envelopes and S-400 interception logic into prose that races with the intensity of a low-level fighter sortie.  Grab your Amazon copy: https://bit.ly/4uGYvsX Also available at book stores near you! 
• Shahed Drones: Winning Iran The War? | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 38 14.03.2026 47dk

  A fascinating new episode of #CtrlAltDefence as Shiv Aroor and Vishnu Som decode the battlefield impact of Iran's Shahed drone. Episode 38 of our podcast https://youtu.be/e3uZUTfrVMU Iran's Shahed drone often called the "AK-47 of the skies" Estimated cost: $20,000-$25,000 per drone Intercepting it can cost up to $1 million in missiles Cheap UAVs challenging advanced air defence systems Drone swarms could overwhelm missile defences Electronic warfare & jamming key to stopping drones Ukraine emerging as leader in counter-drone tactics What lessons does India need to learn? Modern warfare is changing fast - watch now! 
• How Iris Dena Was Sunk | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 37 05.03.2026 43dk

  A fantastic episode of #CtrlAltDefence. We are joined by a 4-time Kilo Class submarine commander. Episode 37 of our podcast.   Link: https://youtu.be/NFzocTmBPL8 US sub torpedoes Iranian frigate IRIS Dena off Sri Lanka
• India To Choose Su-57? India To Join FCAS Next? | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 36 28.02.2026 39dk

  Episode 36 of #CtrlAltDefence is here!  LINK: https://youtu.be/CEdu7DK04ck Breaking: India eyes game-changing moves in air power! Potentially acquiring Russia's Su-57 stealth fighters & showing interest in Europe's FCAS 6th-gen program. Here's why this could reshape the skies. Su-57 Acquisition: India may buy 36-40 Su-57E jets in a major deal, including source code access for deep customization. A fast bridge to boost IAF stealth power while AMCA matures!  FCAS Interest: With tensions in the Franco-German FCAS project, India signals strong readiness to partner with France on co-developing true 6th-gen fighters. Jumping straight from 4th to next-gen tech!  Game Changer for IAF: Su-57 delivers 5th-gen muscle against regional rivals, while FCAS opens the door to unmanned, AI-driven future warfare. Squadron strength + leapfrog tech = massive edge! Tech Boost: Su-57 source codes enable indigenous upgrades & integration. FCAS collaboration could bring cutting-edge aero engines, stealth design & sensor fusion know-how. DRDO gets a huge R&D acceleration! Global Impact: Playing both Russia & France strengthens India's strategic autonomy in a multipolar world. A bold dual-track strategy that could surprise adversaries and reshape Indo-Pacific air power balance!
• Rafale vs J-20 Fighter Jets: Who Would Win? | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 35 14.02.2026 38dk

  In Episode 35 of #CtrlAltDefence, hosts Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor break down how India's induction of the 4.5-generation Dassault Rafale is reshaping the air power equation with China. They compare it head-to-head with Beijing's fifth-generation stealth platform, the Chengdu  J-20-examining stealth versus combat experience, long-range missile reach versus real-world operational performance, and what the Meteor-equipped Rafale means for the balance of power in the region.
• HAL Under Fire: Perform Or Perish? | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 34 07.02.2026 41dk

  In Episode 34 of #CtrlAltDefence, hosts Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor tackle HAL's high-stakes moment: Private sector giants shortlisted to build AMCA prototypes, sidelining HAL for India's 5th-gen stealth fighter. Can HAL deliver capable Tejas Mk-1As on schedule amid delays and scrutiny?  Perform or perish-deep dive now! Pre-order your copy of The Sky Warriors by Vishnu Som now: https://bit.ly/4qnYIht
• Is The IAF Getting 114 Rafales? | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 33 17.01.2026 44dk

  NEW EPISODE ALERT!  The second episode of the new year is here!   Episode 33 of #CtrlAltDefence with @ShivAroor and @VishnuNDTV has officially dropped!  Topic: Is the IAF set to get 114 new Rafales?
• IAF Tanker Quest, 25 Years Of 'Any Day Now' | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 32 10.01.2026 42sa

  Episode 32 of #CtrlAltDefence Drops! Topic: The IAF's Tanker Woes 2003: First IL-78 arrives  2009-2018: Multiple tenders, multiple cancellations  2025: Finally leases a KC-135 (but only for training, no combat)  2026: Boeing 767 deal 'expected soon'    25 years of 'coming soon' vibes. Fingers crossed! 
• India's Flying Frigate: The MH-60 'Romeo' | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 31 28.12.2025 41dk

  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.
• Pak F-16s Are Now Smarter | F 16 Fighter Jet | F-16 Jet Pakistan | CTRL ALT Defence Episode 30 13.12.2025 43dk

  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! 
• S-400: India's Pak AWACS Killer | CTRL ALT Defence Episode 29 05.12.2025 35dk

  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.
• K-4: The Big Boom | CTRL ALT Defence Episode 28 29.11.2025 38dk

  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! 
• Wings Of Resilience: Overcoming The Tejas Tragedy | Ctrl Alt Defence Episode 27 26.11.2025 32dk

  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.