SOUTH ASIA DEFENCE & STRATEGIC REVIEW
South Asia Defence & Strategic Review is a bi-monthly magazine focussing on issues related to Geostrategy, Military Technology, Defence and Strategic Affairs and their impact on South Asian Region. The aim of the magazine is to help shape policies and spread awareness amongst our readers on such matters in the region.
Started in March 2007, the magazine provides a 360-degree view of the latest developments and key issues in the defence and security domain. Over the years the magazine has carved out a large subscriber base in the Indian Subcontinent and rest of the world. The readership is amongst the uniformed communities, Ministries of Defence and External Affairs, think tanks, military analysts, educational and training institutions.
Our contributors include luminaries in the field of defence & strategy with military experts forming the core of our editorial team.
Vol 19 Issue 3 Jul – Aug 2025
Cover Story:
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Editorial

Col Ashwani Sharma (Retd)
As the nature of conflict evolves, so too must our understanding of warfare. Today, the battlefield is no longer confined to physical fronti... Read MoreGeostrategy
12Revisiting India’s Neighbourhood
A brief essay on India's neighbourhood and the emerging geopolitical landscape
15The 1965 Indo-Pak War
Preamble to the 1965 Indo Pak War
20The Rann of Kutch Skirmishes Prelude to the War
Operations in the Rann of Kutch in April – May 1965 (Op Desert Hawk)
23Indo Pak War 1965 : Op GIBRALTAR
Pakistan’s failed infiltration and uprising plan in J&K (1965)
25Capture of Hajipir Pass 28 Aug 1965
Brief account of an exceptional victory at the Hajipir pass
Military Affairs
28Contemporary Warfare
Our cover story on the emerging face of warfare
33The Sum of our Disquietude
The more we change, the more it remains the same when it comes to warfare
37Interview: Lt Gen AK Bhatt (retd)
Frank and forthright interview with DG ISpA
44Defence Acquisition Process
Recommendations for making the DAP more agile and adaptive
46Rethinking India’s Defence Procurement
What ails the Defence Acquisition Procedure and what needs to be done (basic issues)
56Narrative Wars, Perception Management & Armed Conflicts
How narrative warfare has become an essential part of modern warfare
Military Technology
41India’s Multi-layered Air Defence Network
A brief write up on IACCS and Akashteer Systems which proved worth during Op SINDOOR
50artillery modernisation: smart-Disruptive Vs Dumb-Lumbering
An essay on how Indian Artillery modernisation programme should proceed forward
59India’s shipbuilding sector takes shape
Ship building in India is taking off spectacularly
Regular Features
62Remembering Peshwa Baji Rao: One of the Greatest Cavalry Generals of India
A commentary on one of the greatest leaders in the Maratha Army
Interviews
Contributors
LT GEN SYED ATA HASNAIN
PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM & BAR (Retd)
is an eminent writer and speaker. He is a Distinguished Fellow of Vivekananda Foundation. The General is a former Military Secretary and GOC of two of India’s most important Corps.LT GEN JP SINGH
PVSM, AVSM (Retd)
former Deputy Chief of the Army Staff (P&S) is presently a Senior Advisor with DRDO. A cavalry officer, JP is one of the few who understand users’ requirements, state of R&D and the entire industrial landscape in India.
VICE ADMIRAL PRADEEP CHAUHAN
AVSM**, VSM, IN (Retd)
was the Navy’s first Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Foreign Cooperation and Intelligence) and later, Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command. A prolific writer, he retired as the Commandant, Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala.LT GEN VINOD BHATIA
PVSM, AVSM, SM (Retd)
is Director, Centre for Joint Warfare Studies. He is the former DG Infantry and DG Military Operations
LT GEN ARUN SAHNI
PVSM, UYSM, SM, VSM
is a former GOC in C of the South Western Command who served the Indian Army with great distinction. A renowned speaker on contemporary issues, General Sahni is an Artillery officer who played a leading role in modernisation of Indian Artillery.AIR MARSHAL ANIL CHOPRA
PVSM, AVSM, VM, VSM (Retd),
is a pioneer of the Mirage 2000 fleet. He commanded two operational bases and the IAF’s Flight Test Centre ASTE. He is a former member of AFT Lucknow.
LT GEN SHOKIN CHAUHAN
PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM (Retd)
had an illustrious career in the army. He commanded the prestigious 1 Corps and was the DG Assam Rifles.LT GEN AB SHIVANE
PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd)
had a very distinguished career in the Indian Army. He commanded 1 Corps and retired as the DG Mechanised Forces. He is a Senior Advisor to OFB.
DR VIJAY SAKHUJA
is an expert on maritime affairs and is a former Director, National Maritime Foundation, New Delhi.
LT GEN NB SINGH
VSM, (Retd)
former DG EME is presently a member of Armed Forces Tribunal, Jabalpur
LT GEN B S PAWAR (RETD)
is a former ADG Army Aviation and Commandant, School of Artillery.
LT GEN (DR) V K SAXENA
PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd)
is the former Director General of Army Air Defence
LT GEN BALBIR SINGH SANDHU (RETD)
is a former DGST and writes frequently on military affairs
MAJ GEN VINOD SAIGHAL (RETD)
is the Executive Director of Eco Monitors Society.
Maj Gen Harvijay Singh (Retd)
Maj Gen Harvijay Singh, SM was the Additional Director General in Signals Directorate at the Army HQ. He is a prolific writer.
COL MICHAEL PADGETT (RETD)
is a former AD, Ordnance and Acquisition Corps officer of the US Army.
AJAY SINGH
is an expert on security matters and has authored three books and over 170 articles for various journals. He writes and speaks extensively on geo-politics and contemporary warfare.
BRIG ARVIND THAKUR
a retired Cavalry Officer of the Indian Army is a graduate of the US Army War College.
Brig P Binuraj
is a retired Gunner Officer who was Director Operations in Artillery Directorate and commanded an Artillery Brigade. He is an alumni of College of Defence Management and Indian Institute of Foreign Trade.
