Ctrl + Alt + Defence
Category
News
12 Episodes
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
Episodes 12
AI 171 Crash: Should We Get More Info About What Happened In The Cockpit? | CTRL ALT Defense - EP 12
Update on : Jul 19, 2025 08:00 (IST)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
Episodes 11
Can Tejas Take On Pakistan And China's Stealth Threat? | CTRL ALT DEFENCE Ep 11
Update on : Jul 12, 2025 18:00 (IST)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
Episodes 10
China, Pakistan And A Proxy War Against India? What The Army Just Revealed | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 10
Update on : Jul 4, 2025 21:05 (IST)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.
Episodes 9
Operation Midnight Hammer, B2, And GBU-57: Inside The US Strike On Iran | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 09
Update on : Jun 28, 2025 18:00 (IST)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
Episodes 8
India's AMCA Vs Pakistan's J-35: The Stealth Gap | CTRL ALT DEFENCE Ep 08
Update on : Jun 21, 2025 18:00 (IST)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.
Episodes 7
Black Box: Why Are DFDR And CVR Important After Plane Crashes | CTRL ALT DEFENCE EP 07
Update on : Jun 13, 2025 22:33 (IST)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.
Episodes 6
Tata-Dassault Partnership & 'Make In India' Rafales | CTRL ALT DEFENCE Ep 06
Update on : Jun 9, 2025 17:57 (IST)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!
Episodes 5
Tactical Mistakes, Downed Jets, And Operation Sindoor | CTRL ALT DEFENCE Ep 05
Update on : Jun 4, 2025 17:06 (IST)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.
Episodes 4
Ctrl + Alt + Defence | How Samtel Is Shaping the Future of Indian Defence Tech
Update on : May 31, 2025 18:00 (IST)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.
Episodes 3
How Indian Drones Changed the Game in Operation Sindoor | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 03 | NDTV Podcast
Update on : May 29, 2025 18:00 (IST)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.
Episodes 2
Operation Sindoor: The Untold Story of India's Naval Power | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 02 | NDTV Podcasts
Update on : May 24, 2025 18:00 (IST)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.
Episodes 1
Drones, Airstrikes, Media Narratives: Weapons Of Operation Sindoor | NDTV Podcast | CTRL+ALT+Defence
Update on : May 17, 2025 08:00 (IST)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.
-
News Updates
-
Featured
-
More Links
-
Follow Us On