Not all technologies, platforms, or doctrines are equal—and context determines value. This sub-magazine delivers disciplined, criteria-driven comparisons to assess what works, what doesn’t, and why.
IDST Intelligence Briefings
Side-by-side system comparisons, performance envelopes, cost–capability trade-offs, and operational relevance.
Why This Sub-Magazine Exists
Marketing narratives, national bias, and hype distort perception. This sub-magazine exists to apply structured evaluation frameworks grounded in operational reality and constraints.
What We Track
- Performance vs mission fit
- Cost, sustainment, and scalability
- Export vs domestic configurations
- Maturity, readiness, and upgrade paths
Latest Analysis & Intelligence
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India’s Defence Exports Soar: A Strategic Leap Toward Global Leadership
Introduction: From Importer to Exporter—A Paradigm Shift India, the world’s fastest-growing major economy, is on track to become the third-largest economy within the next five years, a testament to its expanding global stature. However, economic growth alone is insufficient for a nation with soaring ambitions; it must also develop a robust defense-industrial complex capable of…
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A New Era in Orbit: The Future of Space Stations After the ISS
The era of the International Space Station (ISS)—a symbol of international cooperation and human achievement in low Earth orbit—is slowly coming to a close. With operations expected to wind down by the end of this decade, spacefaring nations are now preparing for a dramatic reshaping of human presence in orbit. As the ISS fades into…
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Quantum Computing in 2025 – Breakthroughs, Benchmarks, and Strategic Imperatives
Quantum Computing in 2025: Breakthroughs, Benchmarks, and the Road to Advantage From supremacy to advantage, 2025 marks the dawn of quantum readiness — where hybrid systems, logical qubits, and global strategies are shaping the future of technology and defense. While universal fault-tolerant quantum computers with millions of qubits may still be years away, quantum computing…
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Harnessing the Sun: How Solar Farms Are Accelerating the Clean Energy Transition
Harnessing the Sun: How Solar Farms Are Accelerating the Clean Energy Transition From agrivoltaics to AI-powered grids, solar farms are reshaping the global energy landscape—delivering clean power, healthier communities, and a brighter future. As the planet grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, solar energy has emerged as one of the most promising and…
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China’s Pioneering ‘Brain-on-Chip’ Technology: Merging Human Brain Cells with Robotics
In a remarkable scientific achievement, researchers from Tianjin University and the Southern University of Science and Technology have successfully developed a revolutionary ‘brain-on-chip’ system that integrates lab-grown human brain tissue with computer chips to control robotic functions. This cutting-edge technology represents a significant advancement in the field of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), blurring the boundaries between…
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DARPA’s XQ-73 SHEPARD Program: A Revolutionary Hybrid Electric Propulsion Aircraft
Introduction The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has unveiled an ambitious new initiative—the Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion AiRcraft Demonstration (SHEPARD) program, designated as the XQ-73. This “X-prime” program builds upon previous advancements from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) under the Great Horned Owl (GHO) project, which…
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India’s Defence Indigenization: Progress, Policies, and the Path Ahead
India’s quest for defence indigenization has transitioned from aspiration to execution, guided by strategic foresight, national pride, and an urgent need to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. This movement is rooted in the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), aiming to develop a robust, innovative, and export-ready defence industrial base. As geopolitical threats evolve and technology…
Related Domains & Cross-Cutting Themes
Defense • Security • Industry & Markets • Strategy & Governance
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