Amit's Blog

Rafale Reborn: India's High-Flying Gamble on Tech Transfer, Indigenous Firepower, and Drone-Driven Dominance Prelude In the crisp winter skies over Delhi on January 19, 2026, as the Defence Procurement Board gives its nod to one of India's most ambitious defence acquisitions, the Rafale fighter jet stands at the crossroads of aspiration and reality. Once mired in controversy, the French marvel—sleek, lethal, and battle-proven—now symbolizes a bold pivot: from off-the-shelf imports to a "Make in India" powerhouse. With the Defence Procurement Board clearing the proposal for 114 additional Rafale jets valued at approximately ₹3.25 lakh crore ($36–39 billion), India edges closer to a fleet exceeding 176 aircraft, including the 26 Rafale-M already secured for the Navy. This isn't merely about numbers; it's a narrative of urgency amid squadron shortfalls, technological sovereignty through indigenous weapons like Astra and BrahMos-NG, and industrial transformati...

The India-UK Defense Partnership: A 60-Year Journey from Colonial Legacy to Strategic Collaboration The India-UK defense partnership, spanning over 60 years, has evolved from a colonial supplier-recipient dynamic to a strategic alliance, with the UK providing $10–15 billion in arms since the 1950s. From Centurion tanks and Hunter jets in the early years to Hawk trainers and potential Eurofighter Typhoons today, the UK has supplied aircraft, naval systems, and artillery. Joint ventures like HAL-BAE Systems for Hawk production align with India’s “Make in India” initiative. Despite historical tensions and competition from Russia and France, recent deals worth $3 billion (2015–2025) signal renewed momentum. Bilateral trade hit $21 billion in 2023–24. Over the next decade, expect deeper collaboration in AI, cyber, and naval tech, with trade projected to reach $30 billion by 2035, driven by shared democratic values and Indo-Pacific strategic alignment, though challenges like cost and geopo...

The India-France Defense Partnership: Six Decades of Strategic Collaboration and Technological Excellence The India-France defense partnership, spanning over 60 years, has evolved into a strategic alliance, with France as India’s second-largest arms supplier, delivering over $30 billion in systems since the 1950s. From Ouragan jets and AMX-13 tanks in the early years to modern Rafale fighters and Scorpene submarines, France has provided aircraft, naval platforms, missiles, and more. Joint ventures like the Scorpene project and co-development of jet engines strengthen India’s “Make in India” initiative. Despite high costs and competition from Russia and Israel, the partnership thrives, with $13 billion in recent contracts (2015–2025). Bilateral trade reached $15.7 billion in 2023–24. Over the next decade, expect deeper co-production in stealth tech, AI, and space, with trade projected to hit $25 billion by 2035, cementing a bond rooted in shared democratic values and strategic convergen...

The India-Russia Defense Partnership: Six Decades of Strategic Trust and Technological Evolution The India-Russia defense partnership, spanning over 60 years, is a cornerstone of India’s military capability, with Russia (and formerly the Soviet Union) supplying 60–70% of India’s arms imports since the 1960s. From MiG-21 jets and T-55 tanks in the Cold War to modern S-400 systems and Su-30 MKI fighters, Russia has delivered aircraft, tanks, submarines, missiles, and more, totaling over $70 billion in deals. Joint ventures like BrahMos Aerospace produce world-class missiles, while co-production of T-90 tanks and AK-203 rifles supports India’s “Make in India” initiative. Despite challenges—spares delays, geopolitical shifts, and competition from Western suppliers—the partnership remains robust, with $10 billion in recent contracts. Over the next decade, expect deeper co-development in AI, stealth tech, and space, with trade projected to hit $20 billion, reinforcing a resilient alliance ...