In Our Defence India Today Podcasts

Recent months have seen Boeing, the world’s largest aerospace firm, embroiled in multiple safety concerns, accidents, and reputational crises. Why is Boeing under intense scrutiny? What critical issues is it facing?

In this episode, host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor delve into these pressing issues on their show, questioning the apparent decline of this once-revered company. What has led to Boeing's reputation plummeting to such lows?

A series of incidents have spotlighted Boeing's troubles. Recently, an Alaska Airline Boeing 737 MAX 9 made an emergency landing in Portland, Oregon, after a piece of the fuselage detached mid-flight. Similarly, an ANA Boeing 737-800 was forced to return to Japan when a cockpit window developed a crack midair. These incidents come on the heels of two devastating crashes involving Boeing 737 MAX jets five years ago, which killed 346 people and resulted in the grounding of all 737 MAX aircraft for nearly two years.

The troubles don’t end with technical failures. This year, two Boeing whistleblowers, Joshua Dean and John Barnett, died under mysterious circumstances, leading to suspicions of foul play. Their deaths have raised fears among other whistleblowers, with concerns that they might be intimidated or meet similar fates.

Who's to blame for these incidents? What actions are officials taking?

Besides, Boeing is a key supplier to India’s defence, providing crucial equipment like the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III. India operates the largest fleet of C-17s outside the United States, essential for military airlift and humanitarian missions. What makes the C-17 Globemaster III impressive?

Tune in!

Meanwhile, binge on our favourite episodes so far, and send in your feedback to pods@indiatoday.com or WhatsApp us at +918588966996:

Deep Dive On India's Nuclear Submarines

How India Hit It Out Of The Park With Legendary Brahmos Cruise Missile

Israel-Hamas War: A Conflict With No Endgame?

Lakshadweep: From Tourism to Military Significance & Indian Navy 'Deep Water' Ambitions

China Threat Literally At Our Doorstep. Why India Should be Concerned

Is Iran Emerging Trouble-Maker-In-Chief And Are We In A 'World War'? 

Balakot Strike & Abhinandan's Return: The Tense Two Days Recalled

The LCA Tejas Saga: A Flight From Frustration To Fulfillment

Watch: Downfall: The Case Against Boeing

Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

The election season in India is heating up, and the rhetoric around Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) is becoming increasingly prominent among politicians. No surprises there! Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently addressed opposition allegations of constitutional changes by emphasising the government's focus on integrating PoK into India. Echoing this sentiment, Union Home Minister Amit Shah affirmed that PoK is "part of India", highlighting that people across the border in PoK are calling for freedom.

Since May 10, PoK has been experiencing significant unrest, with traders protesting against high electricity and food prices. Similar protests occurred in August 2023 over high electricity bills. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar commented on the ongoing unrest, contrasting the situation in PoK with the relative stability in Jammu and Kashmir.

In this episode, host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor delve into the history and politics surrounding PoK. They discuss whether the topic of Pakistan still resonates with Indian voters and examine the feasibility of politicians' claims about reclaiming PoK. Are these assertions even possible? The duo explores the practicality of India potentially reclaiming PoK and managing the aftermath. How realistic is it? What hypothetical actions or operations might India undertake, and what strategic or other purposes would these serve?

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Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

Where is the conflict in Gaza heading? After seven months of the Israel-Hamas war, are we witnessing the beginning of the end, or is it a war with no foreseeable conclusion?

Why does Netanyahu persist in his stance despite mounting international pressure? Is his stubbornness a response to the intelligence lapse exposed by the October 7 Hamas attack, or is it part of a calculated strategy aimed at achieving Israel's "objectives"? What comes after Israel fulfils its current objectives?

Host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor delve into the complexities of the conflict, recognising it as a narrative battle, particularly when Gaza is simplistically equated with Hamas.

They examine the United States' role, acknowledging its vested interests despite criticisms of President Joe Biden's handling of domestic student protests at Ivy League universities and support for Israel.

What has the United Nations contributed beyond condemnation? And where does India stand? What more can India do, especially as it aspires to global influence?

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Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

In this episode, host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor delve into India's nuclear submarine program, discussing its limited fleet despite a vast coastline of 6700 km. Why does a country with such a significant maritime border suffer from "sea blindness"? The Indian Navy, the smallest among the three armed forces, seems disproportionally under-equipped given the strategic importance of its maritime domain. So, what factors contributed to this stagnation?

India currently boasts only two nuclear submarines, INS Arihant and INS Arighat. But what sets nuclear submarines apart from their conventional and diesel-electric counterparts?

Consider this a masterclass on the SSBNs (nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines) and SSNs (nuclear-powered attack submarines).In February 2015, the Indian government approved the indigenous construction of six SSNs at the Ship Building Center (SBC) in Visakhapatnam. But we have yet to hear much about these projects since then. The absence of a nuclear-powered attack submarine in India's fleet has significant strategic implications. Why hasn't India yet commissioned one despite the urgency?

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Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

In this episode, host Dev Goswami and defence enthusiast Shiv Aroor delve into the cutting-edge advancements in India's missile programs and the coveted missile technology programs at large. They examine two significant tests: the successful launch of the indigenous Nirbhay cruise missile and a new variant of the Medium-Range Ballistic Missile, both of which showcase India's technological prowess.

Why is the Nirbhay test off Odisha's coast a monumental achievement for India?

Why is exporting homemade BrahMos, India's iconic missile, to the Philippines a significant development? BrahMos is gaining traction and making a resounding impact in international markets, including Southeast Asia and Africa. Some countries in West Asia have also expressed keen interest.

Listen in to know more about India's growing prowess in missile technology.

Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

The Indian Air Force is preparing for a significant upgrade with the upcoming test of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)'s Astra Mark 2 air-to-air missile. This missile, capable of hitting targets up to 130 km away, is a game-changer for India's air combat capabilities. The DRDO has been developing these missiles since 2001 to engage distant targets effectively.

In this episode, Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor discuss the importance of long-range missiles like Astra Mark 2 for modern air battles and why India needs them. They also reflect on the post-Balakot skirmish, which took place on 27 February 2019. India faced challenges in maintaining its position despite the Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) anticipated retaliation after the Balakot airstrike. The podcast analyses the dynamics of the skirmish and identifies the reasons that pinned India down.

This and more in In Our Defence!

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Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi