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Ctrl + Alt + Defence

'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…

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 48 min
Latest: 3 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

3 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 18 min

IAF Foxbats Over Pakistan: The True Story Revealed | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 59

For nearly 25 years, the Indian Air Force operated one of the world's fastest and most secretive reconnaissance aircraft in near-total secrecy. The MiG-25 Foxbat could climb beyond 65,000 feet, cruise at more than twice the speed of sound and cross sensitive airspace before an adversary could fully react. But what was it actually like to fly this extraordinary machine? On Episode 59 of #CtrlAltDefence, Shiv Aroor and Vishnu Som speak to Air Marshal Sumit Mukerji and Wing Commander Pradeep Jaswant Thakur, two former MiG-25 pilots who reveal what it was like to fly the Foxbat and carry out…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

26 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 13 min

Uri Surgical Strikes: The Truth Nobody Knows | 10th Anniversary | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 58

What really happened behind India's 2016 surgical strikes across the Line of Control? How was the operation planned, what happened inside the crucial meetings before the mission, and what did it take to bring every soldier back safely? On Episode 58 of #CtrlAltDefence, Shiv Aroor and Vishnu Som speak to Lieutenant General Satish Dua (retd.), the former Chinar Corps Commander who was at the centre of the planning and execution of the 2016 surgical strikes, in a rare first-hand account of one of India's most significant special forces operations. Ten years after the Uri terror attack and the…
19 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 6 min

Greatest IAF Pilot's Last Interview | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 57

What does it take to face four enemy fighters alone, survive a close-range dogfight and return to base with a damaged aircraft and almost no ammunition? On Episode 57 of #CtrlAltDefence, Shiv Aroor and Vishnu Som speak to Flt Lt Alfred Tyrone Cooke, Vir Chakra, one of the most remarkable fighter pilots of the 1965 India-Pakistan War, in what became his final interview. Flt Lt Alfred Cooke passed away on September 18, 2026, just three days after recording this conversation. Episode 57 Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfZ6UBjj2Hw The September 7, 1965 mission that made Alfred Cooke a…
12 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 27 min

India's Nuclear Submarine Story, Arihant's 1st Captain Speaks | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 56

What does it take to build, operate and sustain a nuclear submarine? And after INS Arihant, where does India's undersea warfare capability go from here? On Episode 56 of #CtrlAltDefence, Shiv Aroor and Vishnu Som speak exclusively to Vice Admiral Sanjay Mahindru (retd.), the first commanding officer of INS Arihant, India's first homegrown nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. Episode 56 Watch now: https://youtu.be/wxUwPjfiKgI How INS Arihant went from years of preparation to its first sea trials The reactor's first criticality and the journey towards full power How India progressively…
5 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 7 min

War's New Epoch Is Here - India Must Leap, Or Lose | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 55

India's military is at a once-in-a-century turning point - and drones, AI, autonomy and software could fundamentally change the character of warfare. On Episode 55 of #CtrlAltDefence, Shiv Aroor speaks to Lieutenant General Raj Shukla (retd.) about the technological revolution reshaping modern warfare, the lessons emerging from Ukraine, and why India needs to rethink its military doctrines, force structures and defence spending before it falls behind. Episode 55 Watch now: https://youtu.be/YXpr9hrkPFc Why drones and AI are transforming the character of warfare How autonomous systems and…
29 Aug 2026 · 53 min

MQ-9B For India: Win Or Waste? | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 54

India has signed a ₹1,900 crore deal for two more MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones - but is the capability worth the cost, and what does it mean for India's push for indigenous military technology? On Episode 54 of #CtrlAltDefence, Shiv Aroor and Vishnu Som break down the new lease deal, the Indian Navy's experience with the MQ-9B, and the debate over whether expensive foreign platforms are undermining India's own drone programmes. Episode 54 Watch now: https://youtu.be/rdhppF4kbp0 How the Indian Navy is using the MQ-9B for persistent maritime surveillance Why the MQ-9B offers capabilities that…
22 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 3 min

Who's Killing Kaveri & Tejas? | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 53

India's indigenous fighter programme was meant to transform the country's combat aviation. So why is the Tejas Mk1A still facing delays, and what does that mean for the Tejas Mk2 and AMCA? On Episode 53 of #CtrlAltDefence, Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor speak to independent defence analyst and aviation photographer Angad Singh about the state of India's fighter aircraft programmes, the problems with project management and accountability, and the long road towards an indigenous jet-engine capability. Episode 53 Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9hvPY2Xre4 Why Tejas Mk1A is still delayed…
15 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 7 min

How Bholari Got BRAHMOS'd | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 52

Operation Sindoor put India's air power to the test. But what happened inside the IAF's command rooms as the strikes unfolded? On Episode 52 of #CtrlAltDefence, Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor speak to Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, former Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force and former Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southwest Air Command, about his first-hand experience of Operation Sindoor and the decisions made during the 88-hour conflict. This episode of Ctrl Alt Defence with Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor was recorded ahead of the release of Declassified: Operation Sindoor, a two-part docuseries on…
8 Aug 2026 · 42 min

Does India Need More Rafales? | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 51

The Rafale deal is moving forward. But behind the headline number lies a much bigger question: how much of this fighter programme can India truly make its own? On Episode 51 of #CtrlAltDefence, Shiv Aroor and Vishnu Som discuss France's ₹3.25 lakh crore bid for 114 Rafales, the push to integrate Indian weapons, and the proposed Safran-DRDO engine partnership. Episode 51 Watch now: https://youtu.be/h3cFYeoA12Y France submits its techno-commercial bid for 114 Rafales Why 94 of the fighters are expected to be built in India The push to integrate Astra, BrahMos and other Indian weapons What…
1 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 10 min

The Indigenous Engine That Could Transform India's Defence | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 50

India's quest for indigenous propulsion technology may have reached a turning point. Can a new rotating detonation engine developed by an Indian startup transform the future of missiles, drones, hypersonic weapons—and even space launch systems? On this week's #CtrlAltDefence, Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor are joined by Saurav Jha, founder and CEO of D-Propulse, to decode one of India's most ambitious indigenous propulsion projects and why it could redefine military technology.
26 Jul 2026 · 55 min

Project Kusha Explained: India's New Air Defence Shield Alongside S-400 | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 49

India has successfully tested its next-generation indigenous long-range air defence system, Project Kusha (Extended Range Surface-to-Air Missile), marking a major milestone in the country's missile programme. Can this become India's answer to the S-400—and eventually protect against stealth fighters like China's J-20? On this week's #CtrlAltDefence, Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor break down India's biggest indigenous air defence project, why Project Kusha matters, and how it fits into India's layered air defence network.
18 Jul 2026 · 43 min

The Stealth Score: China: 500+, India: 0 | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 48

A startling new assessment suggests China may already have over 500 operational J-20 stealth fighters-and could field 1,000 by 2030. What does this mean for India's security? On this week's #CtrlAltDefence, Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor examine China's unprecedented military-industrial expansion, the growing air power imbalance, and what India must do to prepare for the future. Episode 48 Watch now: https://youtu.be/d1E1SQMXWpQ China may have over 500 operational J-20 stealth fighters today Why Beijing's fighter production is now outpacing global expectations What China's stealth fleet means for…
11 Jul 2026 · 39 min

Yeh Dil Maange More | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 47

A deeply personal conversation on the life, legacy and enduring spirit of Captain Vikram Batra, PVC, one of India's most celebrated war heroes. On this special episode of Ctrl Alt Defence, Vishnu Som speaks with Vishal Batra, Captain Vikram Batra's identical twin brother, about the man behind the legend-from their childhood and shared dream of serving the nation to the defining moments of the Kargil War that made "Yeh Dil Maange More" a battle cry etched into India's military history. The discussion explores Vishal Batra's new book, Yeh Dil Maange More, which draws on Captain Vikram Batra's…
4 Jul 2026 · 42 min

China's Border Buildup | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 46

China's expanding footprint along the India-China border comes under the spotlight on this week's #CtrlAltDefence with Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor. NDTV's world-exclusive satellite investigation reveals new Chinese villages, roads and infrastructure in a part of Arunachal Pradesh occupied by China since 1959. The podcast raises fresh questions about Beijing's long-term border strategy. Episode 46 Watch now: https://youtu.be/lxs0KDTKTPI NDTV's exclusive satellite images reveal China's construction activities in a remote part of Arunachal Pradesh that it has encroached upon since 1959. New…
27 Jun 2026 · 48 min

India's Jet Engine Blackhole | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 45

A deep dive into India's biggest defence technology challenge on this week's #CtrlAltDefence with Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor. We discuss why fighter jet engines remain India's weakest strategic link. Episode 45 Watch now: https://youtu.be/URhJzZI19OM AMCA faces fresh uncertainty amid reports of a GE engine pricing dispute Why India's frontline fighter programmes still depend on foreign engines Tejas Mk2, AMCA and the long-running F414 negotiations explained The Kaveri engine story: where India's indigenous programme fell short Safran vs Rolls-Royce: who could power India's next-generation…
13 Jun 2026 · 43 min

Is France's FCAS The IAF's Future? | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 44

A fiercely debated episode of #CtrlAltDefence as Shiv Aroor and Vishnu Som tackle one of India's biggest defence dilemmas - should India join France's futuristic FCAS fighter programme, or double down on an indigenous solution? Episode 44 of the podcast Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FrVFtWQWAA Should India join the French-led FCAS sixth-generation fighter programme? AMCA vs FCAS: Can India afford two parallel fighter projects? Lessons from the FGFA/Su-57 partnership with Russia China's sixth-generation aircraft and the growing airpower gap Can India realistically develop…
30 May 2026 · 48 min

Can HAL Deliver? | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 43

A high-intensity episode of #CtrlAltDefence as Shiv Aroor and Vishnu Som unpack the crisis, delays and big questions surrounding HAL, Tejas and India's future airpower ambitions - just as HAL gets a new chief at a critical moment. Episode 43 of the podcast Watch now: https://youtu.be/L6bK3cscsF8 Tejas Mk1A delays: What's really holding back deliveries? New HAL Chairman Ravi K takes charge amid mounting pressure Dhruv helicopter setbacks and HAL's credibility challenge Tejas Mk2, AMCA & India's struggle to keep pace with China AI warfare, drone swarms & the future of unmanned combat Can HAL…
23 May 2026 · 51 min

The Big Boom | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 42

A power-packed episode of #CtrlAltDefence as Shiv Aroor and Vishnu Som break down India's rapid missile advancements, hypersonic ambitions, MIRV capability, and the future of strategic deterrence. Episode 42 of the podcast Watch now: https://youtu.be/Cw9eowMnT7k India's "Big Boom" moment - major missile tests explained Agni-5 MIRV test signals a major leap in India's nuclear deterrence Scramjet breakthrough pushes India closer to hypersonic weapons Can hypersonic weapons make missile defence obsolete? BrahMos evolution, naval firepower & India's future war doctrine Why modern warfare is…
25 Apr 2026 · 49 min

India's Unmanned Bombers/Fighters: A Reality? | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 41

A high-stakes, future-facing episode of #CtrlAltDefence as Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor sit down with AI Defence Tech Founder building the next generation of warfare systems. Episode 41 of our podcast Watch now: https://youtu.be/E2CpesS5jfg From viral bomber to cutting-edge combat tech — Suhas Tejaskanda, Founder & CEO of Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace, breaks it all down: India's first unmanned bomber concept Drone warfare after Operation Sindoor Loitering munitions, swarm drones & autonomous combat systems Inside YAMA and next-gen counter-drone tech Electronic warfare, GPS jamming &…
4 Apr 2026 · 36 min

Who Is Winning The War? | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 40

A gripping episode of #CtrlAltDefence as Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor cut through the fog of war with hard data and on-ground insight. *Episode 40 of our podcast * Watch now: https://youtu.be/yQ_1guQ6lk8 5 weeks into the conflict — numbers tell a very different story U.S. claims vs battlefield data — what's really happening? Iran's missile & drone attacks continue despite heavy strikes Interceptor missiles running low — less than 12 days of buffer in worst-case scenarios War of attrition: both sides burning through critical resources Gulf nations taking the biggest hit —…
21 Mar 2026 · 47 min

Vishnu Som's Operation Sindoor Book Is Here! | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 39

Vishnu Som's The Sky Warriors: Operation Sindoor Unveiled delivers a riveting, bone-chilling chronicle of the 88-hour air war that permanently altered South Asia's military balance in May 2025. With a career spanning the Kargil heights in 1999 to the Rafale era, Vishnu combines sharp tactical analysis with gripping combat storytelling. Centered on Operation Sindoor—the IAF's crushing "heavy hammer" response to the Pahalgam terror attacks—the book elevates the conflict far beyond a simple border clash, presenting it instead as a masterclass in multi-domain warfare. Vishnu's crisp…
14 Mar 2026 · 48 min

Shahed Drones: Winning Iran The War? | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 38

A fascinating new episode of #CtrlAltDefence as Shiv Aroor and Vishnu Som decode the battlefield impact of Iran's Shahed drone. Episode 38 of our podcast https://youtu.be/e3uZUTfrVMU Iran's Shahed drone often called the "AK-47 of the skies" Estimated cost: $20,000-$25,000 per drone Intercepting it can cost up to $1 million in missiles Cheap UAVs challenging advanced air defence systems Drone swarms could overwhelm missile defences Electronic warfare & jamming key to stopping drones Ukraine emerging as leader in counter-drone tactics What lessons does India need to learn? Modern warfare is…
5 Mar 2026 · 43 min

How Iris Dena Was Sunk | Ctrl Alt Defence Ep 37

A fantastic episode of #CtrlAltDefence. We are joined by a 4-time Kilo Class submarine commander. Episode 37 of our podcast. Link: https://youtu.be/NFzocTmBPL8 US sub torpedoes Iranian frigate IRIS Dena off Sri Lanka
28 Feb 2026 · 40 min

India To Choose Su-57? India To Join FCAS Next? | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 36

Episode 36 of #CtrlAltDefence is here! LINK: https://youtu.be/CEdu7DK04ck Breaking: India eyes game-changing moves in air power! Potentially acquiring Russia's Su-57 stealth fighters & showing interest in Europe's FCAS 6th-gen program. Here's why this could reshape the skies. Su-57 Acquisition: India may buy 36-40 Su-57E jets in a major deal, including source code access for deep customization. A fast bridge to boost IAF stealth power while AMCA matures! FCAS Interest: With tensions in the Franco-German FCAS project, India signals strong readiness to partner with France on co-developing true…
14 Feb 2026 · 38 min

Rafale vs J-20 Fighter Jets: Who Would Win? | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 35

In Episode 35 of #CtrlAltDefence, hosts Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor break down how India's induction of the 4.5-generation Dassault Rafale is reshaping the air power equation with China. They compare it head-to-head with Beijing's fifth-generation stealth platform, the Chengdu J-20-examining stealth versus combat experience, long-range missile reach versus real-world operational performance, and what the Meteor-equipped Rafale means for the balance of power in the region.
7 Feb 2026 · 41 min

HAL Under Fire: Perform Or Perish? | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 34

In Episode 34 of #CtrlAltDefence, hosts Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor tackle HAL's high-stakes moment: Private sector giants shortlisted to build AMCA prototypes, sidelining HAL for India's 5th-gen stealth fighter. Can HAL deliver capable Tejas Mk-1As on schedule amid delays and scrutiny? Perform or perish-deep dive now! Pre-order your copy of The Sky Warriors by Vishnu Som now: https://bit.ly/4qnYIht
17 Jan 2026 · 44 min

Is The IAF Getting 114 Rafales? | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 33

NEW EPISODE ALERT! The second episode of the new year is here! Episode 33 of #CtrlAltDefence with @ShivAroor and @VishnuNDTV has officially dropped! Topic: Is the IAF set to get 114 new Rafales?
10 Jan 2026 · 42 hr

IAF Tanker Quest, 25 Years Of 'Any Day Now' | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 32

Episode 32 of #CtrlAltDefence Drops! Topic: The IAF's Tanker Woes 2003: First IL-78 arrives 2009-2018: Multiple tenders, multiple cancellations 2025: Finally leases a KC-135 (but only for training, no combat) 2026: Boeing 767 deal 'expected soon' 25 years of 'coming soon' vibes. Fingers crossed!
28 Dec 2025 · 41 min

India's Flying Frigate: The MH-60 'Romeo' | CTRL ALT Defence Ep 31

Dropping now: Episode 31 of Ctrl Alt Defence. Join Shiv Aroor and Vishnu Som as they discuss the commissioning of India's second MH-60R Seahawk helicopter squadron and explain why this platform is increasingly being described as India's new "Flying Frigate." Key highlights from the episode: India has commissioned INAS 335 'Ospreys', the Indian Navy's second MH-60R squadron, at INS Hansa, Goa. The first MH-60R squadron, INAS 334, was commissioned in Kochi in 2024. With INAS 335, the Western Seaboard now gains a major multi-role maritime capability. The MH-60R is referred to as a "Flying…
13 Dec 2025 · 44 min

Pak F-16s Are Now Smarter | F 16 Fighter Jet | F-16 Jet Pakistan | CTRL ALT Defence Episode 30

Episode 30 of #CtrlAltDefence drops! Link: https://youtu.be/5LPMqtuebGM Focus: America's deep upgrade of Pakistan Air Force F-16s poses problems for the IAF! Key Discussion Points: Link-16 Data-link Transformation: How will the integration of the Link-16 data-link system revolutionize the situational awareness and network-centric warfare capabilities of Pakistan's F-16 fleet? Progressive Upgrades: How have the Pakistan Air Force F-16s been systematically upgraded over time, including previous sustainment packages and MLU (Mid-Life Upgrade) programs? Advanced AMRAAM Missiles: What are the…

About Ctrl + Alt + Defence

Ctrl + Alt + Defence is a English news podcast from NDTV. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: NDTV
Language: English
Category: News
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 48 min
Latest episode: 3 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1815128434
Website: ndtv.com

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