Gunners Shot

I am writing this as India plays England in the league phase of the ICC world Cup.   The outcome of the World Cup is not known. We do not know if Team India and our men in blue will emerge victorious or not. However, I am clear that we in the Armed Forces have a lot to learn from them. All the best to our men in blue. May you bring the cup home.           We have beaten Pakistan when it matters on the cricket field and on the battlefield without fail. Despite many ups and downs in Indian Cricket and periods of domination by Pakistan, we have a 7-0 record in the World Cup. Similarly, despite all Pakistani attempts at proxy war in Punjab and J&K, we have beaten them soundly in all battles. No wonder that Team India and our Men in Blue have such a crazed following. Similarly, it is no wonder that the Indian Armed Forces are the most trusted by Indians. Indian faith that these two entities will deliver to the nation when it matters is boundle...

original article is available at bharatshakti.in Editor’s Note India has a problem just beyond its borders that has abundant ramifications on our side of the divide. Even with the recent infusion of billions of dollar by a few countries, the Pakistani economy shows no signs of progress. The same goes for social cohesion, law and order and almost every other factor that could form a part of the matrix in identifying failing states. Imran’s chants and the Pakistani military driven governance is unable to stall Pakistan’s southwards skid. The author provides a no holds barred assessment. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… In the early days, everyone from Churchill to the last Pakistani felt that a heterogenous India was unnatural, ready to disintegrate anytime. After cycles of seemingly chaotic electoral democracy, India is striding forward to take its natural place in the world order – stronger and cohesive despite its huge contradictions. Natural to Unnatural St...

Image Courtesy: Dassault Aviation Rafale: The Deal and the Din: A way forward Editor’s Note The Rafale deal has been dragged to the streets. It’s not the first time that a defence deal has been questioned so volubly by our political parties, however, the facts and barbs being directed at the deal need to be viewed on their merits rather than their value in terms of gathering headline space. The author uses his long experience in acquisition of equipment to go into the details. Hopefully, the truth will drown the din and the IAF will get its much-needed fleet of Rafales. Rafale: The Deal and the Din: A way forward India Todays article “The Rafale Dog Fight” personifies our political class. The Rafale is the bone? One says that everything is wrong. The other says everything is perfect. A battle of perception is being played out. I have no problems with political parties and their associated loose cannons going hammer and tongs at each other till their kingdoms come. That is democracy. Pa...

Image Courtesy: India Today Hunting for Nasr? Editor’s Note The issue of Pakistan using tactical nuclear weapons in the event of a military confrontation with India has been discussed often. They could use it on our spearheads as they get close to the borders or use it once these formations have penetrated into Pakistan. However, what’s not too often beenthe discourse is what will be the effect of such a use and especially so if it’s used inside Pakistani territory.How will the Pakistanis respond to being nuked by their own forces? The author analyses the much touted Pakistani Nasr missile system and has some interesting observations for the readers. Hunting for Nasr? Prologue Image Courtesy: India Strategic Recently, I attended a Dedication Ceremony where two 155mm guns (M 777 ULH and K9 Vajra),were handed over to the Chief of Army Staff by our RM. Combine it with two more indigenous 155mm guns (Dhanush and Sharang) on the verge of  induction.In  five years,Indian Artillery w...

Shri Narendra Modi Prime Minister of India Honourable Prime Minister, At the outset, a very good day to you. I am a retired Army officer, presently in the Aerospace Engineering Department of IIT Madras and have been trying to bridge the yawning gap between our brains and our brawn.   Sir, when you became our PM in 2014, you took a farsighted decision to establish the NITI Ayog to transform India. It has started showing results. However, the Armed Forces were left out of this ambit.  Were they not part of India or were they considered holy cows, or did they not need transformation? This question has always troubled me.  I am writing to you in this connection after considerable thought and reflection with the twin hope that this reaches you and you will have the time to consider the issues I am highlighting. The Need – The Stomach As India grows rapidly, its international roles, regional responsibilities and domestic necessities are expanding. ...

The subject and content of this article are largely based on environmental feedback recieved from time to time    Preface to the book  Generalship its Diseases and Their Cure  by Maj Gen JFC Fuller At the battle of Waterloo, Colonel Clement, an infantry commander, fought with the most conspicuous bravery; but unfortunately, was shot through the head. Napoleon, hearing of his gallantry and misfortune, gave instructions for him to be carried into a farm where Larrey the surgeon-general was operating. One glance convinced Larrey that his case was desperate, so taking up a saw he removed the top of his skull and placed his brains on the table. Just as he had finished, in rushed an aide-de-camp, shouting: ‘Is General Clement here?’ Clement, hearing him, sat up and exclaimed: ‘No! but Colonel Clement is.’ Oh mon General cried the aide-de-camp, embracing him, ‘the Emperor was overwhelmed when we heard of your gallantry, and has promoted you on the f...