Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu’s recent visit to the United States marks a crucial shift in Pakistan’s defence diplomacy. It is the first visit by a sitting PAF chief to the US in over ten years and comes at a time when Pakistan is actively reevaluating its strategic partnerships. This outreach closely follows Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir’s rare meeting with former US President Donald Trump, signalling Islamabad’s intent to reset ties with Washington amid growing concerns over the reliability of Chinese military equipment. These concerns intensified after the performance of Chinese-supplied defence systems faltered during the recent Operation Sindoor, a conflict with India.

During Operation Sindoor, Indian missiles and drones were able to penetrate and, in several cases, destroy key Pakistani air defence positions guarded by Chinese HQ-9P and HQ-16 (LY-80) systems. The apparent failure of these platforms raised alarm within Pakistan’s military and led to internal reviews and reported dissatisfaction with Chinese suppliers.

In Washington, Air Marshal Sidhu met senior US officials, including US Air Force Chief of Staff General David Allvin and Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs Kelly Seybolt, to discuss enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, joint operations, and technology transfers. He also met with US lawmakers to strengthen political and defence ties.

Pakistan is now seeking to modernise its air force through the acquisition of American equipment, such as the F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles, and possibly the HIMARS rocket system. These platforms are viewed as vital to closing the gaps revealed during recent engagements and to reestablishing a credible deterrent posture.

This pivot towards the United States reflects a broader reassessment within the Pakistani military. While China remains a key defence partner, the underperformance of its systems has spurred Pakistan to consider alternatives, including from the US and possibly Turkey. Analysts see this as a calculated balancing act by Islamabad to reduce its dependency on Beijing, diversify military assets, and restore strategic flexibility.

The shift carries regional implications. A renewed defence partnership with the US could significantly enhance Pakistan’s operational capabilities and alter the balance of power in South Asia. At the same time, China’s muted response and its reluctance to accept fault over its systems’ failures expose reputational risks in the global arms market. Ultimately, Pakistan’s outreach to the US is driven by both tactical frustrations and strategic foresight. It underscores a desire to modernise, diversify, and mitigate the risks of over-reliance on a single defence supplier, especially as tensions with India persist.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.

Amid the ongoing Operation Sindoor, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is preparing to approve a massive defence modernisation plan worth over ₹1 lakh crore. This will be the first major meeting of the DAC since the launch of Operation Sindoor — India’s strategic counter-terror and surveillance initiative — and highlights the government's urgency to enhance national security in response to growing threats.

The proposals under consideration span all three branches of the armed forces. For the Army, a ₹30,000 crore project aims to deploy DRDO-developed Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) systems. These are designed to quickly intercept and destroy aerial threats like aircraft, drones, and missiles within a 30-kilometre range, significantly boosting India’s air defence capabilities.

The Indian Air Force is seeking approval for the purchase of three I-STAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting, and Reconnaissance) aircraft. These planes, to be acquired from global manufacturers and upgraded locally by DRDO and private partners, are expected to enhance real-time intelligence gathering and precision strike abilities, giving the Air Force a stronger tactical advantage.

In the maritime domain, the Indian Navy has proposed the induction of pressure-based moored sea mines developed by DRDO. These mines will serve as a deterrent against enemy submarines and surface vessels, adding a layer of protection to India’s coastal and strategic waters. Additionally, the Navy is also pushing for the procurement of unmanned underwater vessels. These autonomous drones will be used for surveillance and intelligence missions beneath the surface, helping India maintain a secure and well-monitored maritime environment.

Another major proposal includes the long-awaited upgrade of 84 Su-30MKI fighter jets. This modernisation plan will focus on fitting the aircraft with advanced avionics, enhanced weapons systems, and improved electronic warfare capabilities, ensuring that these frontline fighters remain effective in future combat scenarios.

Altogether, these high-value proposals represent a major step toward strengthening India’s defence infrastructure through a mix of indigenisation and cutting-edge technology. The DAC’s decisions are expected to not only meet immediate operational needs but also build long-term resilience in the face of shifting regional and global security dynamics, especially under the ongoing pressure of Operation Sindoor.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.

During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Navy showcased its high level of readiness and operational strength, playing a crucial role in reinforcing India's maritime dominance and strategic influence, as noted by Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. The operation was launched in retaliation to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam and involved a coordinated military response by the Navy, Army, and Air Force, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Admiral Tripathi highlighted that Indian naval assets—including ships, submarines, and aircraft—were strategically positioned and fully prepared to counter any maritime threats from Pakistan.

The Navy's swift and calculated deployment demonstrated India's regional power projection capabilities and sent a firm message of deterrence, eventually compelling Pakistan to agree to a ceasefire. The Carrier Battle Group, supported by MiG-29K fighters and surveillance helicopters, ensured continuous monitoring and maintained a strong air defence, limiting Pakistani air operations along their western coast.

India's evolving doctrine—treating terrorism as an act of war—has reshaped the Navy’s strategic posture, reflecting growing regional threats and operational complexity. The Navy's ability to deploy advanced missile systems, such as BrahMos and submarine-launched cruise missiles, further affirmed its robust deterrence and defence capabilities.

Operation Sindoor led to the destruction of nine terrorist bases affiliated with groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen, neutralising over 100 terrorists. Pakistan’s retaliatory efforts, including drone strikes and cross-border shelling, were mostly neutralised by India’s air defence.

The four-day operation ended with a ceasefire on May 10, reportedly initiated by Pakistan under pressure. Admiral Tripathi concluded that the Navy's decisive role in Operation Sindoor not only demonstrated India's maritime superiority but also highlighted its vital role in national defence amid a dynamic global security environment. The operation stands as a powerful example of the Navy’s bravery and dedication to the nation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.

Iran’s top adviser network crippled : Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, has seen his key military and security advisers eliminated by Israeli airstrikes, severely weakening his inner leadership structure, according to five people familiar with his decision-making process. Those killed include major figures from the Revolutionary Guards—the elite military faction—including commander Hossein Salami, aerospace head Amir Ali Hajizadeh, and intelligence chief Mohammad Kazemi. The loss of these trusted lieutenants has significantly reduced the roughly 15–20-strong advisory group that surrounds Khamenei and advises on defence, clerical, and political affairs.

Strategic risks escalate amid growing isolation: Sources warn that this depletion of trusted military counsel heightens the risk of miscalculations in Iran’s defence posture and domestic stability. A regular attendee of Khamenei's advisory meetings described the situation as “extremely dangerous,” underscoring the challenges of making critical decisions without seasoned, loyal military voices. Khamenei—who values counsel despite his famously stubborn grip on power—is now increasingly reliant on less experienced figures like his son, Mojtaba, and other non-military confidants to fill the vacuum.

Power shift toward civilian and familial networks: With the removal of high-ranking Guards leaders, Khamenei has leaned more heavily on a broader network of advisers, including his son Mojtaba, deputy security official Ali Asghar Hejazi, and senior figures such as Mohammad Golpayegani, Ali Akbar Velayati, Kamal Kharazi, and Ali Larijani. Mojtaba Khamenei, in particular, has emerged as a central coordinator among disparate factions, leveraging his deep connections within the Guards. Meanwhile, Israel’s strikes—and related blows to Iran’s “Axis of Resistance,” including the deaths of Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah and the collapse of Assad in Syria—have left Khamenei increasingly isolated within a fracturing regional alliance.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

On May 18, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that Israel would relax its blockade to allow limited food supplies into Gaza, following the military’s declaration of “extensive ground operations” in both the northern and southern regions of the enclave. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman provide the latest updates from Stephen Zunes, Professor of Politics at the University of San Francisco.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

India's military operations chief is set to meet with his Pakistani counterpart to discuss the next steps following the ceasefire. After some initial violations, there were no reports of explosions or projectiles overnight. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman provide the latest update with insights from Dr. Christopher Snedden, a political scientist and author.
Disclaimer: This Video is taken from CNA.