Vivek Kapur

Stealth Technology and its Effect on Aerial Warfare

In aerial warfare technology has progressed rapidly from the frail and flimsy machines seen in the air in the first half of the twentieth century. This monograph attempts to commence...

US-India Defence Technologies for Transfer: Cultural Change

India-US defence ties are shifting away from a ‘buyer-seller’ path to one of co- development and co-production. In Washington this is viewed as a change from a ‘culture of presumptive...

Vivek Kapur |
October 15, 2013 |
IDSA Comments

Indian Airpower Afloat

The Indian navy has long aspired for a true blue water capability and the aircraft carrier project is a critical part of safeguarding India’s maritime interest that includes providing security...

Vivek Kapur |
September 02, 2013 |
IDSA Comments

Evolution of Aerial Combat

Trends towards direct energy weapons (DEW), though yet to be fully mature and battle proven, indicate a major shift in the conduct of aerial combat in the coming decades.

Vivek Kapur |
July 08, 2013 |
Issue Brief

IAF Equipment and Force Structure Requirements to Meet External Threats, 2032

In keeping with the theme ‘IAF Deep Multidimensional Change 2032: Imperatives and a Roadmap’, this article focuses on the responses to the external threat challenges that are likely to be...

Challenges for Indian Air Force: 2032

This is the first in a four-article series on the theme ‘IAF Deep Multidimensional Change 2032: Imperatives and a Roadmap’. It examines the challenges that the Indian Air Force (IAF)...

Chinese Aerial Patrols Over Senkaku Islands

China’s escalation of the Senkaku ownership dispute by commencing air patrols over the islands by OSA aircraft has the potential to trigger a war between China and Japan.

Vivek Kapur |
December 24, 2012 |
Issue Brief

Ballistic Missile Proliferation: Implications for India

To counter the consequences flowing from growing ballistic missile proliferation in its neighbourhood, India must expand its BMD programme to include boost phase and mid-course phase intercept capability.

Vivek Kapur |
December 19, 2012 |
IDSA Comments

Chinese Aircraft Industry’s New J-31 Stealth Fighter: Implications for India

Instead of inducting another fourth generation aircraft under the MMRCA programme, it may be better to replace the MMRCA with a mix of F-35s and increased numbers of Su-30MKI and...

Vivek Kapur |
November 09, 2012 |
IDSA Comments

Rafale MMRCA Deal: Last Minute Glitches?

The Rafale deal is especially important as it is IAF’s best bet to stem and even reverse the recent and continuous fall in the combat aircraft squadrons fielded.