Battle Cry: Gaurav Sawant With Lt Gen PR Shankar, Sandeep Unnithan & Manjeet Negi
On this episode of Battle Cry, host Gaurav Sawant discusses India's missile modernisation and conventional deterrence against regional adversaries with Lieutenant General PR Shankar, Sandeep Unnithan, and Manjeet Singh Negi. The panel analyses the combat performance of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the development of BrahMos NG and BrahMos-II, and the imperative for indigenous military production lines. Addressing border dynamics along the Line of Actual Control, the experts evaluate strategic shifts, the necessity of a dedicated drone, rocket, artillery, and missile force, and lessons from modern conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. Emphasising national defence readiness, Lieutenant General PR Shankar highlights: 'The alternative to air power is missile power. The alternative to air power is rocket and drone and artillery power.' The discussion also focuses on closing force structure voids, establishing robust command and control kill chains, and securing critical maritime choke points through ground-based standoff strike capabilities.