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In Our Defence is a weekly podcast that breaks down wars, weapons, and the world of military power with clarity, curiosity, and zero jargon.
Hosted by journalist Dev Goswami, each episode features sharp, story-rich conversations with leading defence experts, offering distinct perspectives and nuances on how nations prepare, fight, and defend.
From battlefield strategy and military tech to geopolitics, intelligence, and national security -- In Our Defence focuses on conversations that are grounded, engaging, and made for curious minds.
No fluff. No noise. Just a clear line of sight into the world of conflict.
Hosted by journalist Dev Goswami, each episode features sharp, story-rich conversations with leading defence experts, offering distinct perspectives and nuances on how nations prepare, fight, and defend.
From battlefield strategy and military tech to geopolitics, intelligence, and national security -- In Our Defence focuses on conversations that are grounded, engaging, and made for curious minds.
No fluff. No noise. Just a clear line of sight into the world of conflict.
162 Episodes
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Kamikaze drones, or loitering munitions, have been everywhere in recent conflicts, from the Russia-Ukraine war to battles in the Middle East. They're cheap, deadly, and changing how militaries think about strikes and defence. In this episode, host Dev Goswami sits down with defence journalist Sandeep Unnithan to trace the idea back to its WWII origins and ask why India, despite having a buzzing drone startup scene, still doesn't have its own kamikaze drones. The two break down: - What kamikaze meant in WWII and how the idea evolved into unmanned drones. - How these drones are being used in Ukraine and what lessons India should take. - Why India relied on Israeli Harop drones in Operation Sindoor. - Procurement and development blind spots that explain India's slow adoption. - Why India urgently needs to build and maintain a credible kamikaze drone force. Produced by Taniya Dutta Sound Mix by Suraj Singh
India is betting big on the Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island, a decades-long project to build a massive transshipment port, a new airport, a power plant, a township, and associated military build-up at the doorstep of the Strait of Malacca, the world’s busiest shipping lane.The project had been flying under the radar until this month when concerns of ecological damage and impact on tribal population put the spotlight on this venture.On this episode, host Dev Goswami and national security expert Sandeep Unnithan dive deep into this project and explore why this could be India’s most significant infrastructure project in history.What makes the Malacca Strait the most crucial chokepoint in global trade?And how does Great Nicobar give India a leg up in its long-running maritime rivalry with China?The two decode the geopolitics of the Indian Ocean, the ecological and tribal concerns around the project, and why the next big global contest may not be on land, but at sea.Produced by Taniya DuttaSound Mix by Rohan Bharti
In this episode of In Our Defence, host Dev Goswami and national security expert Sandeep Unnithan unpack the debate over theaterisation -- the buzzword that has divided India's armed forces for years. Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh's recent comments about India not needing theaterisation right now have once again opened a debate that was meant to have been settled with the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff. On this episode, Dev and Sandeep go from the origins of theatre commands in World War II, to India's 17 separate service commands, to the Air Force's worries -- and the famous committees (Kargil Review, GoM, Naresh Chandra, Shekatkar) that studied this reform to death. The two explore: - What is theaterisation and why does it matter? - Why is the Indian Air Force pushing back? - Did General Bipin Rawat's death stall the project? - What role do decades of committees and bureaucratic delays play? - And most importantly, does India actually need theatre commands for future wars? Produced by Taniya Dutta Sound Mix by Rohan Bharti
India's latest Agni-V missile test, just days before the PM's visit to China, got tongues wagging this week. Was it a message to Beijing? Islamabad? Or both? In this episode of In Our Defence, national security expert Sandeep Unnithan joins host Dev Goswami to unpack the story of how and, more importantly, why India became a nuclear power. From the first "Smiling Buddha" test in 1974 to the Pokhran-II Shakti series in 1998, and today's Agni-V, this is the story of India's nuclear weapons programme. Produced by Taniya Dutta Sound Mix by Suraj Singh
Five years after the deadly Galwan Valley clash, India and China are suddenly warming up again. Flights are restarting, a Modi-Xi meeting is on the cards, and Beijing says that the setbacks of the past years were not in anybody's interests. But is this thaw for real or just another chapter in the freeze-thaw cycle of India-China relations? In this episode of In Our Defence, host Dev Goswami and national security expert Sandeep Unnithan unpack: - The Galwan clash and Operation Snow Leopard - India's mountain warfare edge vs China's infrastructure push - Why negotiations dragged on for 5 years - What Beijing and Delhi each gain from a "thaw" - The China angle during India's Operation Sindoor - The Donald Trump factor and whether it's pushing India and China closer
Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir recently made wild headlines in the US, casually threatening nuclear apocalypse at a private dinner. He claimed that if India ever attacked, Pakistan would "take half the world down" with it. Yes, really. In this episode, defence journalist Sandeep Unnithan joins host Dev Goswami to unpack what's behind this latest nuclear sabre-rattling. Why would Pakistan's top general say something so reckless -- and why now, and in Florida of all places? We also dive into: -The factors behind the US's new-found but old love for the Pakistan military -The "Mercedes vs dump truck" analogy -The US designation of Baloch Liberation Army as a terror group, timed right after Munir's visit -How Pakistan developed nukes so fast after India's 1998 Pokhran -The legend of US control over Pakistan's nuclear button -How worried should India be about Asim Munir's Produced by Garvit Srivastava Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti
India's buying cheap Russian oil. Trump's not happy. And now he's slapped 50% tariffs on Indian goods. Officially, it's about funding Russia's war machine. Unofficially? It might be about one man's ego, a Nobel Peace Prize dream, and India refusing to play along. From the MEA's unusually sharp statement to the PM's vow to "pay any price to protect farmers," we unpack the real stakes amid the India-US showdown over tariffs. - Is India's "multi-alignment" foreign policy reaching breaking point? - Why agriculture is a red line in India-US trade talks. - How diplomats handle unpredictable leaders like Donald Trump. - The shift in India's diplomatic tone - and why a career diplomat as EAM matters. - Will India hit back with counter-tariffs or play the long game? Veteran national security journalist Sandeep Unnithan joins host Dev Goswami to decode this latest round of diplomatic warfare -- from South Block's air-conditioned strategy rooms to the high-stakes oil politics of Moscow and Washington. Produced by Garvit Srivastava Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti
India's 30-year submarine plan promised a world-class fleet. A mix of conventional diesel-powered submarines and both nuclear-powered attack and ballistic submarines. But decades later, delays, policy paralysis, and shifting priorities have left the Indian Navy with far fewer submarines than it planned for. In this episode, Dev Goswami and Sandeep Unnithan dive deep into the Navy's Project 75, 75I, and beyond -- exploring what went wrong, where things stand, and why building a submarine is far harder than it seems. From nuclear-powered ambitions to the delays in conventional fleets, this is the full story of India's undersea puzzle. Produced by Garvit Srivastava Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti
In this episode of In Our Defence, host Dev Goswami marks the anniversary of India's victory in the 1999 Kargil conflict by turning sights on the unsung hero of that war: artillery. The episode dissects how the much-maligned but battle-proven Bofors guns turned the tables on the intruding Pakistani soldiers and rained fire to help India win the conflict. The episode also takes a deep dive into India's march to self-reliance in the field of artillery with systems like the next-gen ATAGS. What makes artillery such a game-changer in modern warfare? What role did artillery play in turning the tide during Kargil? And how does India's current artillery landscape look like? Dev breaks this down and more with defence expert Sandeep Unnithan. We also explore: The Bofors "sniper mode" legend during Kargil war India's current artillery inventory The rise of ATAGS & Make-in-India success Whether artillery is outdated or innovating Ukraine war lessons for gunners Produced by Garvit Srivastava Sound mix by Rohan Bharti
India’s worst aviation disaster in recent years. Air India Flight 171 crashed within a minute after takeoff -- killing 260 people. In this episode of In Our Defence, journalist and aviation enthusiast Sandeep Unnithan joins host Dev Goswami to unpack the preliminary probe report that has sparked a polarised debate on the cause of the crash: How did the fuel switches end up in the off position? The two break down: Why air crash investigations aren’t about blame, but prevention What the AI 171 preliminary report reveals (and what it doesn’t) How the fuel switches were turned off -- accident, error, or something else? The intense public reaction -- is it okay to even suggest “pilot error”? Whether India’s aviation investigators can resist the pressure Will this become another unsolved mystery like MH370? While we await the final report into the tragedy, tune in for the first impressions on a preliminary report that raises more questions than it answers. Produced by Garvit Srivastava Sound mixed by Aman Pal
In a world of delayed defence projects and botched indigenous systems, India's BrahMos cruise missile stands out. Co-developed with Russia, BrahMos is one of the fastest and most accurate supersonic cruise missiles in the world -- and it's made in India. In this episode, national security expert Sandeep Unnithan and host Dev Goswami deep dive into the BrahMos story: What kind of missile is BrahMos? How is it different from ballistic missiles? The origin story: India-Russia partnership and how it all began Why BrahMos succeeded where so many Indian defence projects failed How much of it is really Indian? And why didn't Russia ever buy it? BrahMos II and the future of hypersonic missiles Is BrahMos nuclear-capable? How does the upcoming Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) fit into India's strategy? Also: We talk about APJ Abdul Kalam's legacy and his lasting influence in India getting everthing right when it comes to missile development. Produced by Garvit Srivastava Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti
The Middle East is on fire. Again. What began as Israel's retaliation against Hamas after the October 7 attacks has now exploded into a multi-front conflict involving Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and now Iran. In this episode of In Our Defence, veteran journalist and national security expert Sandeep Unnithan joins host Dev Goswami to break down how the war escalated so dramatical, and what it means for the region and the world. The two look at Iran's underestimated military, its dual-army structure, and the massive blow dealt to its leadership in just the first week of fighting. Why does Israel seem so unbending, even at the cost of global condemnation and regional chaos? And could any of this be happening without backing from the US? Dev and Sandeep also explore the philosophical irony behind Western nations - especially the US - dictating nuclear rules to countries like Iran, even as they maintain massive arsenals themselves. Is this another chapter in global double standards? And finally, the two unpack a surprising development: Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir's meeting with Donald Trump during his US visit. Could this signal a renewed American effort to position Pakistan as a behind-the-scenes player in the Israel-Iran war? Produced by Garvit Srivastava Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti
Inside India’s Fight Against Naxalism | Is This the End of Red Terror? | Ft. Sandeep Unnithan In this deep-dive episode of In Our Defence, veteran defence journalist Sandeep Unnithan joins host Dev Goswami to unpack India’s decades-long battle with Left Wing Extremism (LWE) — often called Naxalism or Red Terror — and the recent decisive push to eradicate it by March 2026. Dev and Sandeep explore the evolution of the Naxal movement from its origins in Naxalbari in 1967 to its spread across India’s infamous “Red Corridor”, and the multi-pronged strategy that has brought the insurgency to its lowest levels in decades. Key topics include: The historic neutralisation of CPI (Maoist) General Secretary Basavaraju in Operation Black Forest The spike in encounters and surrenders in 2024–25 Why counter-insurgency in jungles is as deadly — and complex — as high-tech border warfare. Why the Indian Army was never deployed against Naxals — and what could have happened if they had. The role of urban intellectual support in sustaining the movement — and why that’s now faded. This episode is an eye-opening look at one of India’s longest-running internal conflicts, now seemingly entering its final phase. Tune in. Produced by Garvit Srivastava Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti
In this episode of In Our Defence, veteran defence journalist Sandeep Unnithan joins host Dev Goswami to break down Ukraine’s daring drone strike deep inside Russian territory — an operation that has stunned the world. Using covertly disguised container trucks and remotely launched drones, Ukraine struck key Russian airbases housing Tu-95 bombers and A-50 AWACS, marking a significant escalation in the four-year-old war. Produced by Prateek Lidhoo Sound mix by Aman Pal
India’s next-gen stealth fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), just got a massive push from the government with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh clearing an execution model for the jet’s design and development. On this episode of In Our Defence, veteran defence journalist Sandeep Unnithan breaks down what this means for the future of Indian airpower, how private players like Tata and L&T could shape the aircraft production ecosystem, and what role the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is likely to play. Sandeep also decodes the different generations of fighter aircraft, detailing what makes a fifth-generation jet stand out from the current crop of Indian Air Force jets such as the Rafales, Tejas, Sukhois and Mirages, among others. The episode also features a discussion on India’s attempts to develop its own fighter jet engine and how that quest -- unsuccessful so far -- becomes all the more important for the AMCA. Produced by Prateek Lidhoo Sound mix by Rohan Bharti
In this episode, veteran defence journalist Sandeep Unnithan joins host Dev Goswami to decode Operation Sindoor — India's response to Pahalgam terrorist attack.Sandeep and Dev dive deep into how India’s layered air defence network, including the IACCS (Integrated Air Command and Control System), played a pivotal role in thwarting Pakistani aerial threats. What was the X factor that gave India the edge? Was the much-talked-about S-400 system deployed? What was sitaution like in the commmand and control centre?The two also explore the escalation ladder — a concept from military theory — and how India used it both during the days of fighting of Operation Sindoor and more broadly to counter Pakistan’s nuclear posturing. Why is this theory studied so deeply in strategic circles? And how does it play out in real-time decision-making?Sandeep and Dev also look at the Indian Navy's posturing during the conflict as well as the roles played by the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. And as a final thought, the two discuss Pakistan's Kirana Hills and the speculation that the nuclear weapons storage site may have been hit during the operation.Produced by Prateek LidhooSound mix by Suraj Singh
In this gripping episode of In Our Defence, host Dev Goswami sits down with Major LS Chaudhary (Retd.) to explore the reality of counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir, and the rigorous training life at the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Military Academy (IMA). From close-quarters combat against Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists to the psychological toll of surviving a life-altering injury, Major Chaudhary gives a rare, first-person account of what it truly means to serve in a conflict zone. The episode also focuses on the reality of counter-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, and what people usually get wrong about such operations. Finally, the episode dives deep into the discipline, myths, and unfiltered truths of military training—the relationship between cadets and drill ustaads, the secret rule-breaking, iconic NDA/IMA moments, and the real story of actor Hrithik Roshan being corrected on set by a drill instructor during the filming of Lakshya. Produced by Prateek Lidhoo Sound mix by Aman Pal
In this episode of 'In Our Defence', Dev Goswami talks to Major Manik M Jolly about his time in military intelligence, how to gather information after a major terrorist attack like Pahalgam, and how accurate is the "intelligence failure" question that is being asked.Produced by Prateek LidhooSound mix by Suraj Singh
In the latest episode of In Our Defence, Commander Naveen Pandita (Retd.) joins host Dev Goswami for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation that spans the valleys of Kashmir to the decks of warships and the skies above the sea.Born in the Kashmir Valley, Commander Pandita reflects on his early childhood battling a life-threatening illness, the harrowing memory of the Kashmiri Pandit exodus of 1990, his journey through the prestigious RIMC and NDA, and finally life in the Indian Navy. As a Naval Aviator and warship commander, he shares rare insights into life in uniform - from flying reconnaissance missions in the Dornier 228 and the iconic IL-38 Sea Dragon to leading air squadrons and captaining INS Agray.Commander Pandita recounts tales from NDA, close calls while flying, and leadership lessons learned over 15 transfers in 21 years. Tune in!
What does it take to lead soldiers in the world's harshest battlefield? In this episode of In Our Defence, Major General Sudhakar Jee (Retd.) shares powerful lessons in leadership drawn from his deployments in Siachen and along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) against China. Through gripping personal anecdotes, General Jee takes host Dev Goswami through what it means to command troops in freezing altitudes, under constant threat, and in terrain that tests not just physical endurance but mental clarity. We explore the burden of leadership in high-stakes environments, how officers manage their men in the face of danger, and what India's military posture along the LAC reveals about evolving strategic priorities with respect to the border standoff with China. Tune in! Produced by Prateek Lidhoo Sound mix by Aman Pal
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Jai hind!! 🇮🇳
these episodes are so knowledgeable!