PODCAST · news
Ctrl + Alt + Defence
by NDTV
For more than two decades, Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor have covered wars, national and international security - on land, at sea and from the air. Together, Som and Aroor, two of India's most credible Editors come together for an unmissable weekly podcast - Ctrl+Alt+Defence - a no-holds barred conversation between two of India's leading experts on critical themes that define India's security
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India's Unmanned Bombers/Fighters: A Reality? | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 41
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.
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Who Is Winning The War? | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 40
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 
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Vishnu Som's Operation Sindoor Book Is Here! | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 39
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! 
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Shahed Drones: Winning Iran The War? | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 38
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! 
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How Iris Dena Was Sunk | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 37
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
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India To Choose Su-57? India To Join FCAS Next? | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 36
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!
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Rafale vs J-20 Fighter Jets: Who Would Win? | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 35
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.
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HAL Under Fire: Perform Or Perish? | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 34
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
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Is The IAF Getting 114 Rafales? | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 33
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?
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IAF Tanker Quest, 25 Years Of 'Any Day Now' | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 32
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! 
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India's Flying Frigate: The MH-60 'Romeo' | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 31
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.
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Pak F-16s Are Now Smarter | F 16 Fighter Jet | F-16 Jet Pakistan | CTRL ALT Defence Episode 30
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! 
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S-400: India's Pak AWACS Killer | CTRL ALT Defence Episode 29
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.
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K-4: The Big Boom | CTRL ALT Defence Episode 28
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! 
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Wings Of Resilience: Overcoming The Tejas Tragedy | Ctrl Alt Defence Episode 27
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.
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Pakistan's New Chinese 'Hangor' Subs: Indian Navy Losing Edge? | Ctrl Alt Defence Episode 26
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.
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Is The Rafale Good Enough For IAF's Future Needs? | CTRL ALT DEFENCE Ep 25
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.
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Air-To-Air Missiles: Can India Counter The PL-15 Threat? CTRL ALT DEFENCE Ep 24
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?
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Su 57 India Deal | Should India Procure Russian Su-57 Stealth Fighters?
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.   CTRL ALT DEFENCE IS POWERED BY IFFCO TOKIO
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AMCA Latest News | India's Stealth Challenge: When Will The AMCA Fighter Be Ready?
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). CTRL ALT DEFENCE IS POWERED BY IFFCO TOKIO
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Tejas Mk 2 | Tejas Mk 1 | Will Meteor-Armed Tejas Dominate? | CTRL ALT DEFENCE Ep 21
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 CTRL ALT DEFENCE IS POWERED BY IFFCO TOKIO
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N-Powered Warships, Laser Weapons: India's 15-Year Plan For Armed Forces | CTRL ALT DEFENCE Ep 20
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. NDTV CTRL ALT DEFENCE IS POWERED BY IFFCO TOKIO 
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Indian Army Zorawar Tank | Zorawar: India's 1st Indigenous Mountain Tank | CTRL ALT DEFENCE Ep19
India's first indigenous mountain tank has arrived. In this episode of the CTRL ALT DEFENCE, Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor bring you an exclusive look at the Zorawar light tank, developed specifically for high-altitude deployment in Ladakh. This is the first time any media organisation has been onboard the platform. Zorawar is the product of a remarkable collaboration between Larsen & Toubro and the DRDO. Designed and built in just 21 months, the tank is capable of operating in extreme terrain, from deserts to snow-bound valleys. It is amphibious, agile, and equipped with a 105 mm high-elevation gun designed to perform in the Himalayas. And yes, she is also amphibious.  This is not just a story of hardware, but of intent, speed, and innovation. A new generation of Indian defence engineering is taking shape. NDTV is proud to present the first in-depth look at the Zorawar. NDTV CTRL ALT DEFENCE IS POWERED BY IFFCO TOKIO
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INS Himgiri | INS Udaygiri | Indian Navy's BrahMos, Barak Equipped Warships | CTRL ALT DEFENCE Ep 18
Two warships. One historic moment. India commissions INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri, into the Navy's Eastern Command. With enhanced endurance, modern weapon systems, and entirely indigenous design, these ships mark a strategic leap in naval readiness. And NDTV's CTRL ALT DEFENCE duo Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor are aboard the latest Navy vessel, bringing you SUPER exclusive footage and conversations with the two commanding officers - Commodore Vikas Sood of INS Udaygiri and Captain Robin Chakravorty of INS Himgiri.  This is the first time two frontline warships, constructed by two different shipyards, are being commissioned together. With INS Nilgiri, the lead P17A of the class entering service in January, and her two sister ships Udaygiri and Himgiri entering service today, it's a landmark bonanza for the Navy - three warships of a type entering service the same year and that too within months of each other. NDTV CTRL ALT DEFENCE is powered by IFFCO TOKIO
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Hitting A Bullet With A Bullet: India's Sudarshan Chakra Sky Shield | Ctrl+Alt+Defence Ep 17
In this episode of Ctrl+Alt+Defence, NDTV's Shiv Aroor and Vishnu Som dive into Project Sudarshan Chakra-India's ambitious new air and missile defense initiative announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech.  Find out how this multi-layered shield aims to safeguard cities and vital assets using advanced radars, interceptors, and emerging technologies. Shiv and Vishnu decode the strategy, compare it with global systems like Iron Dome, and explain what makes Sudarshan Chakra a game-changer in national security.
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MiG-21 Mavericks: An Air Chief's High-Flying Tales | CTRL ALT DEFENCE Ep 16
In Episode 16 of Control Alt Defence, India's leading podcast on military, aerospace and defence, hosts Shiv Aroor and Vishnu Som turn their attention to the MiG-21 fighter aircraft, an icon of Indian military aviation now set for retirement. Joining them is former Chief of Air Staff Birender Singh Dhanoa, who brings valuable insights and in-depth analysis on the fighter jet.  CTRL ALT DEFENCE is powered by IFFCO TOKIO general insurance. https://www.iffcotokio.co.in/
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India Shot Down 6 Pakistani Aircraft During Sindoor: Air Chief | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 15
In this episode of Control Alt Defence, Shiv Aroor and Vishnu Som examine the Indian Air Force Chief's confirmation of Pakistani aircraft losses during Operation Sindoor. Speaking at the LM Katre Memorial Lecture in Bengaluru, Air Chief Marshal Amarpreet Singh stated that six Pakistani military aircraft were destroyed, including five fighters in the air and one surveillance platform at a distance of approximately 300 kilometres, likely using the S-400 missile system. Lets explore the strategic implications of the strikes, the technology involved, and the broader context of air power in modern conflict. We also address the political narrative surrounding the operation and the Indian Air Force's measured approach to disclosing operational outcomes. A grounded, analytical look at one of the most significant air operations in recent years. CTRL ALT Defence is powered by IFFCO TOKIO.
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Operation Sindoor In Parliament: Facts, Questions, And Missed Opportunity | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 14
Operation Sindoor returned to the centre of national debate this week as Parliament witnessed a stormy session. In this episode of Ctrl Alt Defence, Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor  move beyond the headlines to examine the facts, scrutinise the claims, and ask the questions that really matter. Did the government really "tie the hands" of the Indian Air Force, as Rahul Gandhi alleged in his speech? Were critical military decisions politically motivated or strategically sound? From remarks by the Defence Minister to references to military attachés, we unpack the claims, counterclaims, and the context behind them. This is not about choosing sides, but about seeking clarity. Was India's restrained approach a mature strategic decision? What was achieved and what was at risk? And when political statements cross into military matters, who really pays the price? There's a lot of noise, but in this episode we aim for substance, fact-checking, myth-busting, and a closer look at what was said and what wasn't.   CTRL ALT DEFENCE is powered by IFFCO TOKIO
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India's MiG-21 Legacy: Pakistan Buster Or 'Flying Coffin?' | CTRL ALT DEFENCE Ep 13
In Episode 13 of Control Alt Defence, India's leading podcast on military, aerospace and defence, hosts Shiv Aroor and Vishnu Som turn their attention to the MiG-21 fighter aircraft, an icon of Indian military aviation now set for retirement. Joining them is aviation historian Anchit Gupta, whose deep research and writing on the Indian Air Force bring valuable insight into the aircraft's six-decade-long service. The episode explores the MiG-21's complex legacy, its role in shaping India's aerial combat capabilities since 1963, its emotional and cultural resonance, and the persistent controversies around its safety record. With the last of the jets scheduled to retire by September 2025, the conversation separates fact from myth, addressing why the aircraft earned the grim nickname "flying coffin" and what truly lay behind its troubled reputation. Far from a technical overview, this is a nuanced and historically grounded discussion about an aircraft that has been both revered and criticised, an emblem of India's past and a reflection of its long journey toward modernisation. For those seeking clarity over sentiment, this episode is essential listening. CTRL ALT DEFENCE is powered by IFFCO TOKIO general insurance. https://www.iffcotokio.co.in/
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AI 171 Crash: Should We Get More Info About What Happened In The Cockpit? | CTRL ALT Defense - EP 12
What really happened in the cockpit of Air India Flight 171 before it crashed? Two reports by international news agencies, The Wall Street Journal and Reuters, suggest the captain may have cut the flow of fuel to the engines. India's official crash investigator Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has called the reports "irresponsible" but hasn't denied their contents.  Why hasn't the cockpit voice recording been made public? Is pilot error being scapegoated or is there more to the story? In this episode of CTRL ALT Defence, join Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor as they break down what we know, what's missing, and why transparency is critical in the Air India 171 crash investigation. Ctrl Alt Defence is powered by IFFCO TOKIO General Insurance  https://www.iffcotokio.co.in
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Can Tejas Take On Pakistan And China's Stealth Threat? | CTRL ALT DEFENCE Ep 11
This is the most requested episode for Ctrl Alt Defence. India's Tejas fighter jet has come to represent both ambition and uncertainty. Decades in development and backed by billions in public investment, the aircraft was meant to signal a new era of self-reliance in defence. But with the Tejas Mk 1A yet to enter service, and the Mk 2 still years away, tough questions are being asked. In this episode of Ctrl Alt Defence, Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor take a clear-eyed look at where the Tejas programme really stands. Is it a capable frontline fighter or just a stepping-stone toward more advanced platforms like the AMCA? What lessons can be drawn from the recent Operation Sindoor? And with China pushing rapidly ahead on sixth-generation aircraft, is India falling behind in the race for air dominance? Do questions like these go against the idea of 'Atmanirbhar' or these are necessary debates to have? Tune In. Ctrl Alt Defence us powered by IFFCO TOKIO general insurance 
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China, Pakistan And A Proxy War Against India? What The Army Just Revealed | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 10
In this episode of CTRL ALT Defence, Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor analyse the explosive revelation from an Indian Army on China's direct involvement in Operation Sindoor. For the first time, a senior Indian Army officer has publicly detailed how China provided real-time intelligence to Pakistan during India's cross-border strikes. The Deputy Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Rahul Singh, revealed that China not only armed Pakistan, but also gave it satellite data and surveillance inputs during the operation, suggesting a far more active role than previously acknowledged. What does this mean for India's military strategy going forward? CTRL ALT DEFENCE is powered by IFFCO TOKIO General Insurance.
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Operation Midnight Hammer, B2, And GBU-57: Inside The US Strike On Iran | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 09
In episode 9 of NDTV's CTRL ALT DEFENCE Podcast, Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor break down Operation Midnight Hammer - a historic, 36-hour global strike mission featuring America's B-2 stealth bombers, GBU-57 bunker busters, and over 120 support aircraft. We unpack how this unprecedented operation targeted Iranian nuclear sites, why the B-2 remains unmatched in strategic bombing, and what role fifth-generation fighters and Tomahawk missiles played in shaping the mission's success. Then we zoom out to ask: Why doesn't India field strategic bombers like the U.S., Russia, or China? Is the Su-30 enough? Are bombers even relevant in modern air combat? From radar suppression tactics to the B-21 Raider, this episode is packed with analysis, insight, and the bigger picture on power projection in 21st-century warfare. CTRL ALT DEFENCE is powered by IFFCO TOKIO General Insurance.  https://www.iffcotokio.co.in/health-insurance?utm_source=ndtv&utm_medium=DisplayBanner&utm_campaign=healthonline2 Health Insurance Plans | Buy Medical Insurance Policy Online - IFFCO Tokio Health insurance, also known as medical insurance, is your ultimate safety shield, safeguarding you and your loved ones from unforeseen medical emergencies.It is an investment to secure your future that provides coverage for daycare procedures, hospitalization expenses, and also rewards for being healthy.. 8000+ Cashless Hospitals. Simple Claim Process ... www.iffcotokio.co.in
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India's AMCA Vs Pakistan's J-35: The Stealth Gap | CTRL ALT DEFENCE Ep 08
In Episode 8 of the CTRL ALT DEFENCE  Podcast, Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor ask a hard question: Is India too late with the AMCA stealth fighter? With Pakistan set to receive the J-35 and China already flying sixth-generation prototypes, will India's AMCA—scheduled for induction only by 2035—still be relevant? We explore India's stealth strategy, air defense alternatives, the global stealth race, and the risks of delay. Should India go for a stopgap fighter like the Su-57 or F-35? What are the technological hurdles, and is the AMCA enough for future warfare? Tune in for a deep-dive discussion.
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Black Box: Why Are DFDR And CVR Important After Plane Crashes | CTRL ALT DEFENCE EP 07
The black box of the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that crashed immediately after take-off in Ahmedabad yesterday has been found. The hardy device which records vital data in an aircraft was found on the roof of the doctors' hostel that was hit by the aircraft. But why was it so important to find this device? And what is a black box or a DFDR? These and many more questions are answered by Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor in the seventh episode of CTRL ALT Defence.
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Tata-Dassault Partnership & 'Make In India' Rafales | CTRL ALT DEFENCE Ep 06
The landmark production transfer agreements announced by Dassault Aviation, which manufactures the Rafale fighter, and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) may be a key first step towards meeting a future Indian Air Force requirement for 114 multi-role fighters. But many have questions. Can we call it 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' or 'Make In india' if only a part of Rafale is being built by Tata? Why have many long-standing jet demands not been fulfilled? Why India needs to change many systems related to manufacturing infrastructure? The questions are heavy but not to worry, NDTV's Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor are here to answer all your queries!
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Tactical Mistakes, Downed Jets, And Operation Sindoor | CTRL ALT DEFENCE Ep 05
Was Pakistan rational during escalations after Operation Sindoor? Or was CDS Anil Chauhan incorrect? What 'tactical mistakes' did we make? Why did the air force not reveal the exact extent of damage caused to Pakistan? In this bonus episode of CTRL ALT DEFENCE, Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor decode CDS Anil Chauhan's statements to Bloomberg and why it is extremely important to rationalise during war like situations.
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Ctrl + Alt + Defence | How Samtel Is Shaping the Future of Indian Defence Tech
Discover the incredible journey of Samtel-an Indian company at the forefront of defence innovation. In this special episode of Ctrl + Alt + Defence, Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor delve into how Samtel is revolutionising India's defence technology and redefining the nation's strategic edge.  
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How Indian Drones Changed the Game in Operation Sindoor | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 03 | NDTV Podcast
In this bonus episode of CTRL ALT Defence, Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor dive into the incredibly important role of Indian-made (or 'atmanirbhar') drones in Operation Sindoor. From tiny reconnaissance UAVs to powerful loitering munitions, Indian drone startups and major companies have transformed warfare in the subcontinent. Discover how these indigenous drones were deployed across the battlefield - from surveillance in PoK to precision strikes on enemy targets - and what this means for the future of drone warfare in India and beyond. Join us as we explore cutting-edge technology, frontline combat stories, and the rising Indian drone ecosystem that's challenging global players.
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Operation Sindoor: The Untold Story of India's Naval Power | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 02 | NDTV Podcasts
In the second episode of CTRL ALT Defence, Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor highlight the Indian Navy's crucial but understated role in Operation Sindoor. From the impressive INS Vikrant carrier battle group to the formidable MiG-29Ks and cutting-edge warships equipped with advanced MF-STAR radars, discover how India's naval forces controlled the seas, restricted Pakistani military air movement, and secured maritime dominance. Join us as we unpack the scale, technology, and strategic impact of the Indian Navy's deployment - a true game-changer in modern naval warfare.
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Drones, Airstrikes, Media Narratives: Weapons Of Operation Sindoor | NDTV Podcast | CTRL+ALT+Defence
In the pilot episode of NDTV's new Defence podcast, CTRL + ALT + Defence, Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor discuss the many weapons used to either attack during Operation Sindoor (India's response to the terrible Pahalgam terror attack) or the machinery used to defend the country at the borders and in the skies. The duo brings decades of experience, knowledge, ground expertise, and a sheer passion for everything related to India's defence systems. Tune in to follow along the fiery, uncensored takes of NDTV's in-house experts - Shiv Aroor and Vishnu Som.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
For more than two decades, Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor have covered wars, national and international security - on land, at sea and from the air. Together, Som and Aroor, two of India's most credible Editors come together for an unmissable weekly podcast - Ctrl+Alt+Defence - a no-holds barred conversation between two of India's leading experts on critical themes that define India's security
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