Anil Khosla – Air Marshal's Perspective

October 6, 2026October 6, 2026

861: INPUTS TO MEDIA QUESTIONNAIRE ON IAF

The IAF will celebrate its 94th anniversary on 08 Oct 2026.

Shared my views on some of the aspects the media highlighted.

You have discussed India’s air power and the challenges beyond the border on both sides, as well as China’s extensive modernisation. What challenges has the IAF faced in your time in pushing for modernisation? Has it been enough? What would you have liked to see done in your time?

Perspective: China is rapidly modernising its defence forces. It is in competition with the USA and pulling way ahead of us. In the process, they are also pulling along their ally Pakistan, narrowing the gap with India. Of late, both have been belligerent.

India’s Past Approach to Military Modernisation. Until about a decade back, India’s approach was incremental. It was phased and reactive, with war-triggered acquisitions and reforms. It aimed to replace the legacy systems rather than prepare for the future.

Fresh Impetus. In the last decade or so, the approach has shifted to a more proactive stance, driving defence modernisation, self-reliance, and the development of the defence production ecosystem.

Past Challenges:

- Budgetary Constraints. In the past, India did not spend enough on enhancing the capabilities of its defence forces.
- Prolonged Procurement Cycles. Procurement processes were tedious and time-consuming, involving approvals, evaluations, trials, negotiations, clearances, and scrutiny.
- Self-Reliance. The approach towards self-reliance was a step in the right direction. Unfortunately, the leapfrog method didn’t work due to several reasons. A classic example is the Tejas story.
- Defence Production Ecosystem. The components of the defence production ecosystem worked in individual silos. Further, DPSUs faced no competition because the protectionist approach prevented private-sector participation.

Adequacy of Modernisation. Over the years, the IAF has grown in capability (high-altitude ops, Day, night, and all-weather ops, Precision, standoff, reach, strategic airlift, Combat support ops, etc.). However, its capacity to endure (e.g., the number of fighter squadrons and combat support aircraft) has not kept pace with the perceived threats.

Since your tenure as VCAS, there have been considerable changes in how AI, and specifically LLMs, are used in warfare, with the most recent example being Iran-US and Anthropic. What challenges might the IAF face in adopting such autonomous systems? Is it outdated training, or is it domestic capacity and data security?

AI has made a significant impact on the aviation sector, including defence aviation. All three factors mentioned are important.

- Data Security. AI-enabled fusion of sensors, platforms, and weapons has become central to airpower. The effectiveness of the fusion depends upon software, algorithms, and data. They need comprehensive protection.
- Training and Doctrine. Air crew, ground crew, and commanders need training to operate in an AI-enabled environment. Synthetic training environments and advanced simulation have become essential. Training exercises need to include operations in degraded environments. Further, Air Forces need to incorporate institutional mechanisms for experimentation, contingency handling, and converting lessons into doctrine.
- Indigenous Capability. This is the most important aspect to retain strategic autonomy. It also offers scalability when needed.

Broader Challenges. Beyond the challenges above, broader challenges remain.

- Change of Mindset. The mindset needs to shift from platform-centric (bean-counting) to developing a comprehensive combat ecosystem.
- Technology Absorption Cycle. Technological development outpaces procurement cycles. A two-speed mechanism is required. Long-term procurement cycles for platforms, systems, and weapons, and a faster (Experimental and adaptive) cycle for technology absorption.
- MUM-T Challenge. Manned-unmanned teaming is the future of combat. The loyal wingman concept is already being developed. Beyond the advantages, it also brings associated challenges. The vulnerabilities related to communications, electronic warfare, cyber aspects, and decision support systems need to be addressed.
- Interconnected Domains. Operations in space, cyber, electronic, and information domains are interconnected. These operations require organisational adaptation. China combined all four domains into a single service. However, after a decade-plus, it realised the drawbacks and reverted to the US model of independent commands for each domain. India has agencies for space, cyber and special forces ops.
- Extent of Autonomy. The world is still grappling with this question. Technology allows humans to be removed from the kill chain. The bigger question is about responsibility, legality, and ethics.

It has been 94 years since the formation of the IAF, and nearly 8 decades since Indian sovereign skies have been protected. You have talked about different “eras” in the force’s life (pilot, platform, weapon); what comes next? AI and LLMs?

Air warfare has continuously changed in how air operations are conducted. It has changed from a pilot-centric era to a platform-centric one, and now to a weapon-centric one.

In my opinion, the next will be the era of three Cs. That is the era of Coherent, Collaborative Combat. Air combat will take place in an environment where all components (sensors, platforms, systems, and weapons) of airpower (ground-, air-, and space-based; manned and unmanned) work as a coherent combat ecosystem.

The acronym RADIANT summarises the characteristics of such a system.

- Resilience. Can sustain ops even under degraded conditions.
- Autonomous. With human oversight, accruing the advantage of mass and persistence.
- Distributed. Ability to generate airpower from multiple, maybe mobile locations.
- Indigenous. Allowing strategic freedom with the advantage of scalability.
- Adaptive. Ability to adapt to changes rapidly.
- Networked. Coherent and resilient architecture.
- Technology Absorptive. Ability to develop and integrate new technology rapidly.

From Operation Safed Sagar (part of Op Vijay) to Operation Sindoor, the IAF has carried out multiple direct strikes to protect its sovereignty. How have you seen the IAF’s operational capacity and strategy change to address direct and ubiquitous threats? Or has it been a mentality of “if not broken, don’t fix it”?

Proactive Approach. IAF’s approach to modernisation and capability enhancement has been proactive and continuous. Its air strategy has evolved over time.

Historical Evolution. The IAF was formed during the British era. It was tactical, supporting ground forces. It remained reactionary post-partition. Post-partition, it grew, with its role expanded to include border and airspace protection. 1971 war saw air campaigns being conducted in parallel. The IAF modernised in the last two decades of the previous century, inducting advanced platforms, systems, and weapons. During the Kargil War, the IAF demonstrated the capability to apply air power innovatively at high altitudes. Over the last two-plus decades, the IAF has transformed into a capable strategic air force.

Doctrinal Adaptation. The IAF has also been evolving doctrinally. It has published three Doctrines. The first, published in 1995, was a basic doctrine on airpower, the importance of combat support ops, and modernisation. The second doctrine, published in 2012, linked airpower to the national objectives. It included airpower’s role in combating terrorism, as well as space ops, HADR, and the IAF’s role in nation-building. The last one was published in 2022, signalling a shift from airpower to aerospace power, with an emphasis on Multidomain ops and technology absorption.

With gender parity in forces a major focus these days, and AVM Shakti Sharma becoming ACAS Education, do you think women fighter pilots will also see themselves elevated to senior ranks soon? Will the IAF see its first woman Chief of Air Staff before completing 100 years of operations?

The induction of women in the IAF has been gradual. From the medical branch to supporting services, then to combat and command roles. 1992, women officers were inducted into the admin branch for the first time. Thereafter, they were inducted into the flying branch (helicopters and transport aircraft) and eventually began flying fighters from 2015 onwards. From initial induction into the short service commission, they were granted a permanent commission. They are now even being utilised for combat and command roles. Now, women are joining the training institutions (NDA and Sainik schools) and being inducted into the non-officer ranks.

The IAF has led the integration of Women in the service. It has the highest percentage of women officers. The IAF has a good track record of balancing their individual aspirations with organisational goals. The IAF’s policies are gender-neutral, providing equal opportunities with no differentiation in performance or standards.

They have already started reaching the senior officer ranks. Someday, one of them may become Chief of the Air Staff. However, becoming CAS by the IAF’s 100th anniversary may not be possible, as they would not reach that seniority within the next six years.

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October 5, 2026

860: GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY AMID PROLONGED ARMED CONFLICTS

Shared my thoughts on the subject with the news channel.

The ongoing Russia–Ukraine war and the 2026 Iran–US/Israel conflict are creating a compounding shock across global food, fuel and fertiliser markets. The two conflicts affect different parts of the supply chain: the Russia–Ukraine war has primarily disrupted grain exports, energy supplies and Black Sea trade, while the Iran conflict has created a major energy, fertiliser and shipping shock centred on the Strait of Hormuz. Together, they raise production and transport costs while increasing the risk of lower agricultural yields and tighter food supplies.

Fuel and Energy

Russia–Ukraine War. The war has disrupted Russia’s exports of energy and caused damage to its refining facilities. Attacks by Ukraine on Russian refineries have lowered the amount of fuel that can be processed and have thus led to more strained global markets for diesel and gasoline, while Russia’s limitations on fuel exports have increased the pressure on the supply side. Earlier cuts in Russia’s pipeline gas exports to Europe also meant that global energy markets had to depend more on liquefied natural gas.

Iran–US and the Strait of Hormuz. The Iran conflict has added a much larger chokepoint risk. The Strait of Hormuz normally carries roughly one-fifth of global oil and LNG trade and is also critical for Gulf fertiliser shipments. Conflict, attacks, insurance problems and shipping restrictions have sharply reduced traffic through the strait. Reportedly, Middle Eastern oil exports in September 2026 remained around 3.2 million barrels per day below their February pre-war level, while Brent crude was around $103 a barrel at the end of September.

Combined effect. The two conflicts therefore reinforce one another. Russian refining and export disruption and Hormuz disruption result in tighter fuel markets. Higher oil, diesel and gas prices manifest as higher costs for farming, irrigation, harvesting, processing and transportation. Fuel is a cross-cutting cost because virtually every stage of the food chain depends on it.

Fertiliser

Fertiliser is arguably the most important connection between the energy conflicts and future food supplies. Nitrogen fertiliser production depends heavily on natural gas. When gas and energy become more expensive or unavailable, fertiliser production becomes more expensive or is curtailed. Farmers then face a choice between paying much higher prices or reducing fertiliser application.

Russia–Ukraine. Russia remains a major exporter of nitrogen, phosphate and potash fertilisers. The war, sanctions, export restrictions and attacks on plants, ports and transport infrastructure have periodically tightened these supplies and forced importing countries to find alternative sources.

Iran–US and the Gulf. The Middle East is even more important for some fertiliser products. Gulf countries account for approximately 30–35% of global urea exports, 20–30% of ammonia and about 50% of sulphur exports. Sulphur is particularly important for phosphate fertilisers. The Hormuz disruption has therefore had an effect on both the production and transport of fertilisers. Plants in the Gulf have suffered production interruptions, and shipments of urea, ammonia and sulphur have been delayed or halted. Prices for fertilisers have gone up sharply, with urea prices rising by about 30–40% during periods of severe disruption. FAO has reported that 1.5–3 million tonnes of monthly fertiliser trade had been delayed by the disruption. The crucial effect is that the higher fertiliser prices today can translate into lower crop yields later. This makes fertiliser potentially more consequential for future harvests than the immediate effect of the energy shock itself.

Food and Grain Supplies

The two conflicts affect food supplies in different ways.

Russia–Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine are major suppliers of wheat, maize, barley, sunflower oil and other agricultural commodities. The war has disrupted farmland, ports, storage, processing facilities, vessels, and Black Sea shipping. Attacks on Black Sea infrastructure and shipping have intensified in 2026. Ukrainian agricultural exports have consequently fallen substantially in some periods, while attacks on Russian infrastructure have also affected grain and energy logistics.

Iran–US conflict. The Iran conflict initially affects food more indirectly. Its principal impact is through fuel, gas, fertiliser and shipping costs rather than a direct loss of major global grain production. Farmers facing unaffordable fertiliser may reduce application or switch to less fertiliser-intensive crops. The resulting reduction in yields could affect wheat, maize, rice and other crops in subsequent growing seasons.

The Compounding Effect. The two wars are affecting different links of the same agricultural chain at the same time. The key difference is that Russia–Ukraine has directly affected agricultural output and exports, while the Iran conflict has delivered a particularly severe energy and fertiliser shock. Together, however, they create a feedback loop in which higher energy costs make fertiliser more expensive, expensive fertiliser reduces agricultural input use, and reduced input use can eventually reduce food production.

Effect on India

India is on the receiving end of both aspects of this shock since its energy and fertiliser needs are largely met through imports, and at the same time it has a big agricultural sector that makes heavy use of these imports. It is reported that India obtains about 35% of its fertilisers from the Gulf. Fertiliser prices have increased significantly. In response, the government has increased its fertiliser subsidies and lowered fuel taxes, but this means that part of the external price shock is passed on to the public finances.

India does have an important buffer in the form of food stocks. Government warehouses held substantial quantities of wheat and rice, providing some protection against an immediate food shortage. However, this stockpile does not eliminate the longer-term problem of higher fertiliser, fuel and transport costs, particularly if weather conditions reduce domestic agricultural production.

Concluding Thoughts

The result of wars is a dual supply shock. The Russia–Ukraine war constrains important agricultural and energy flows through the Black Sea and Russian infrastructure, while the Iran conflict constrains energy and fertiliser flows through the Strait of Hormuz. The greatest longer-term concern is the fertiliser channel because today’s shortage or high prices can translate into lower harvests in subsequent growing seasons.

The principal risk is not necessarily that the world immediately runs out of food. The more significant risk is a sustained increase in the cost of producing, transporting and processing food.

The countries most exposed are those that are simultaneously dependent on imported fuel, fertiliser and food, particularly lower-income countries with limited fiscal capacity to subsidise these imports.

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References:-

Arita, S., Wang, M., & Glauber, J. How fertilizer policies could exacerbate Hormuz price shocks. International Food Policy Research Institute. (2026, May 22).

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Global agrifood implications of the 2026 conflict in the Middle East: Impacts on energy and fertilizer trade, and food security. 2026

Glauber, J., & Arita, S. How are fertilizer markets coping with the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz? International Food Policy Research Institute. IFPRI article, 18 Sep 2026.

International Energy Agency. Oil market report – June 2026. (2026, June 17).

International Energy Agency. How global oil supplies have readjusted to help fill the huge gap left by the Strait of Hormuz shock. (2026, June 22).

Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India. 15 vessels safely cross Strait of Hormuz; India’s fertilizer stocks set to rise. Press Information Bureau, Government of India. (2026, July 5).

Pal, B. D., Kumar, A., Sirohi, S., Sainath, B., Sharma, K., & K. V., P. (Iran war supply chain disruptions: Impacts on India’s economy. International Food Policy Research Institute. 2026, June 25).

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. From gas to grain: Fertilizer disruptions raise risks for food security and trade. UNCTAD. 30 Mar 26.

Welsh, C., Curtis, E., & Glauber, J. How do the latest Black Sea attacks affect global food security? Center for Strategic and International Studies. (2026, September 11).

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. FAO Chief Economist warns of severe global food security risks from disruption to Strait of Hormuz trade corridor. (2026, March 26).

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Strait of Hormuz crisis: FAO Director-General outlines risks, actions and policy responses. 28 Apr 26.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Export prices of wheat, maize and rice generally increased in August 2026, despite weaker Black Sea quotations. 14 Sep 26.

September 26, 2026September 25, 2026

859: BOOK REVIEW: BIRD’S-EYE VIEW OF CYBER SECURITY V 2.0 BY BISWAJIT SAHU

By Air Marshal Anil Khosla

Cybersecurity has become essential to modern life as individuals, businesses, governments, and institutions increasingly depend on digital technologies. A key part of cybersecurity education is the human element. Technical security controls alone cannot eliminate cyber risk. Weak passwords, phishing, social engineering, unsafe browsing practices, poor access management, and inadequate awareness can all contribute to security incidents. A broad treatment of cybersecurity can help readers appreciate the relationship between technology, people, processes, and organisational policies.

The book “Bird’s-Eye View of Cyber Security v2.0,” written by Biswajit Sahu, addresses this important topic by offering a broad, accessible account of cybersecurity. The title suggests the author aims to offer readers a comprehensive survey of the cybersecurity field rather than focus on a single technical aspect.

Biswajit Sahu is a Sr. Cybersecurity Consultant at Starlight Data Solutions (Bengaluru), with prior roles as a security engineer, presales engineer, and security analyst in Indian cybersecurity firms. The 134-page book (V2.0 edition, published March 2025, with paperback editions appearing in 2026) reflects his half-decade-plus industry experience and his work related to educating the cybersecurity community.

The book bridges the gap between foundational security concepts and the rapidly evolving technological frontiers reshaping domain defence. It is a concise, high-level map of the digital security landscape. The book systematically covers basic cyber hygiene, attack surface mapping, network security fundamentals, and Security Operations Centre (SOC) dynamics.

The 2.0 version goes beyond conventional IT security to include key operational areas such as Industry 4.0/OT systems, the security of critical national infrastructure, and the integration of autonomous or AI-powered threat detection. Because Sahu focuses on this subject, the text stresses the need for organisations to prepare for the coming post-quantum cryptography (PQC) era, explaining that they must adapt before existing encryption standards become vulnerable to quantum attacks.

True to its title, the text offers a thorough macro-level survey without getting into detailed code or vendor-specific settings. It draws on practical experience in real-world situations across critical infrastructure, defence and intelligence sectors, and law enforcement systems. A major advantage of a wide-ranging cybersecurity reference is that it helps readers understand the overall security ecosystem. The book’s concise structure makes it easy for decision-makers, cross-domain managers, and technical generalists who need a quick introduction to current cyber resilience requirements.

The main potential limitation of a high-level cybersecurity book is that breadth can sometimes come at the expense of technical depth. Readers with substantial experience in penetration testing, digital forensics, security engineering, malware analysis, or incident response may need more specialised resources for practical and advanced study. Thus, the book is particularly valuable as an overview and foundation, while specialised texts and hands-on laboratories remain important for developing advanced skills.

The topic is particularly relevant because cyber threats keep evolving as technology advances. Nowadays, organisations place greater trust in cloud services, connected devices, digital payments, remote working arrangements, and online platforms. As a result, cybersecurity needs to include not only technological protections but also user awareness. An effective introductory book on this subject should prompt readers to view security as an ongoing process which involves prevention, detection, response, and recovery.

Bird’s-Eye View of Cyber Security v2.0 can be viewed as a work aimed at developing a wider understanding of cybersecurity and its importance in the digital era. Its broad perspective is potentially useful for readers who want to understand how different aspects of cyber protection fit together. For students and newcomers to cybersecurity, such an approach can provide a foundation for further exploration of specialised areas. The book is a practical, quick-read executive briefing. It is particularly well-suited for military/defence leaders transitioning into multi-domain digital security, corporate executives seeking high-level risk literacy, or practitioners needing a broad framework to align emerging tech with threat readiness.

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The information and data in this blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to the respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.