BALAKOT REVISITED: 26 FEB 22

DISCUSSION ON SANSAD TV

 

Bottom Line

Air Power is a potent and effective tool for statecraft and national security.

High deterrence value is essential.

 

Question

Are we doing enough to increase the deterrence value?

 

Suggestions and value additions are most welcome

 

For regular updates, please register here

Latest on Ukraine-Russia Conflict (23 Feb 22)

 

  • Over the past few months, Russia has stationed a large number of troops at the border between itself and Ukraine. This has raised concerns about invasion. Events have escalated in the past 24 hours.
  • (Muscle flexing for strategic coercion)

 

  • Reports suggest a witness saw tanks and other military hardware moving through the separatist-controlled city of Donetsk.
  • (Testing the waters and gradual escalation)

 

  • Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, has said that he plans to sign a decree recognising two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as an independent.
  • (a move that would provide legitimacy for putting Russian boots in two regions of Ukraine).

 

  • UNSC assembles. In light of Putin’s announcement, the United Nations Security Council convened rapidly at the request of the United States, Britain, and France. Member nations have appealed and pleaded with Russia and asked Putin to step back.
  • (Multilateralism is still alive)

 

  • Sanctions galore. During the UNSC meeting, multiple nations announced plans to sanction Russia, with Britain’s representative saying there would be “far-reaching economic consequences if Russia doesn’t withdraw. 
  • (Have sanctions deterred in the past?) 

 

  • Britain. “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has already begun, so Britain will impose sanctions on Russia,” a senior British minister said on Tuesday.
  • (Quick on the draw, US announcement on sanctions is still awaited)

 

Bottom Line

Humans can not stay in peace.

Multilateralism is still live.

 

 

Question

Will Russia invade Ukraine?

What will be China’s stand?

 

Suggestions and value additions are most welcome

 

For regular updates, please register here

Subscribe

References and credits

To all the online news channels.

 

S-400 Air Defence System

 

 

It was great interacting with Aadi Achint on Def Talks on a very current and valid topic.

(All information is based on open sources and views expressed are personal)

 

For selective viewing please click on the links below:

  1. Introduction (Up to 2:00).
  2. Perspective on AD & S-400 (2:00 – 07:37).
  3. System Description (7:37 – 13:55).
  4. Threats it can Handle (13:55 – 16:00).
  5. US Objections & Threat of Sanctions (16:00 – 26:25).
  6. Capability Enhancement, Employment & Effect on Adversary  (26:25 – 35:00).
  7. Cost Factor and Future Systems (35:00 onwards).

 

Bottom Line

 The system is much needed and is a game changer.

 

Question

Will we ever become self reliant on defence equipment, weapons and systems?

 

Suggestions and value additions are most welcome

 

 

For regular updates, please register here

Subscribe