Ajai Shukla
 "Ajai Shukla")
Ajai Shukla
Colonel Ajai Shukla (Retired) is a columnist, commentator and journalist who covers regional security issues in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific, military technology and India’s defence economy. He writes primarily for Business Standard. He was earlier a prime-time news anchor and war correspondent with NDTV from 2001-2008. Before taking up journalism, he served in the military, in a combat arm, for over two decades before opting for voluntary retirement at the rank of colonel.
Colonel Ajai Shukla (Retired) is a columnist, commentator and journalist who covers regional security issues in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific, military technology and India’s defence economy. He writes primarily for Business Standard. He was earlier a prime-time news anchor and war correspondent with NDTV from 2001-2008. Before taking up journalism, he served in the military, in a combat arm, for over two decades before opting for voluntary retirement at the rank of colonel.
Page 35 - Ajai Shukla
As Rafale pact is inked, many concerns remain
Key element in price negotiations is 'benchmarking', or comparing Dassault's price with other contracts involving the same fighter
 "As Rafale pact is inked, many concerns remain")
Russia chopper plan in slow lane
Deal to give 50.5% stake to HAL, and 49.5% to Russian Helicopters
 "Russia chopper plan in slow lane")
Ajai Shukla: Not another MMRCA fiasco, please
The government must forswear political caution in the national interest and identify the best choice of aircraft for India
While 'surgical strikes' were under way, govt cut Army's disability pensions
New rules to come into effect retrospectively from January 1
 "While 'surgical strikes' were under way, govt cut Army's disability pensions")
IAF kicks off contest to make single-engine fighters
Competition likely between American F-16 Block 70 and Swedish Gripen E
 "IAF kicks off contest to make single-engine fighters")
Army silent as soldier, surgical strikes feature in BJP election posters
After Kargil war, General VP Malik had asked Vajpayee to stop NDA from using army images
 "Army silent as soldier, surgical strikes feature in BJP election posters")
IAF chief blames UPA for procurement delays, spells out schedule for boosting fighter squadrons
Confirms plan to build another fighter; said matter is 'on the table'
 "IAF chief blames UPA for procurement delays, spells out schedule for boosting fighter squadrons")
Pakistan goes global to deny surgical strikes
A CNN television report stated that Pakistan's military had 'brought in a busload of foreign journalists' to one of five posts that Indian Special Forces had claimed to have struck
 "Pakistan goes global to deny surgical strikes")
Indian Army's cross-LoC raid: Reading the fine print
So far, Pakistan's army and government has been dismissive of Indian claims, which would suggest that the situation might not escalate uncontrollably
 "Indian Army's cross-LoC raid: Reading the fine print")
Ajai Shukla: Mr Modi's signature Indo-Pak initiative
The challenge to Pakistan to fight a 1000-year war against poverty helped de-escalate tensions after the Uri attack
India signs euro 7.8-bn deal for 36 Rafale fighters
Each Rafale to cost Rs 686 cr; will be IAF's most expensive fighter
 "India signs euro 7.8-bn deal for 36 Rafale fighters")
Military men to have say on 7th Pay Commission
On Wednesday, the Punjab & Haryana HC issued notice to the Central govt, directs the Anomalies Committee to take the views of defence personnel
 "Military men to have say on 7th Pay Commission")
Military men to have say on 7th Pay panel
Now servicemen, in uniform and retired, will have their say, too.
Uri attack: Military reviews 'escalation ladder'
With public opinion and media aroused, both sides of the LoC are bracing for what might come
 "Uri attack: Military reviews 'escalation ladder'")
Army reserves right to respond, but struggles to find options
Casualty count increased to 18 with the death of a wounded soldier in hospital on Monday
 "Army reserves right to respond, but struggles to find options")
Parrikar visits US facility that will build India's Chinook choppers
American choppers joining IAF fleet traditionally dominated by Russia
 "Parrikar visits US facility that will build India's Chinook choppers")
17 soldiers killed, 23 injured in cross-LoC strike on Uri camp
Worst-ever casualties in Jammu & Kashmir insurgency; intelligence warnings ignored
 "17 soldiers killed, 23 injured in cross-LoC strike on Uri camp")
Despite launch of new stealth destroyer, navy still faces major fleet shortfall
With private sector capacities under-utilised, continuing shortfalls are building pressure for the procurement of warships from overseas
 "Despite launch of new stealth destroyer, navy still faces major fleet shortfall")
Ajai Shukla: Spending a big defence budget
For the military, the central problem is that the government has multiple finance divisions that impede, rather than assist, each other
Parrikar visits US facility that will build India's Chinook choppers
American choppers joining IAF fleet traditionally dominated by Russia
