As of April 2025, Defence and Security Alert (DSA) magazine, under the leadership of CEO and Publisher Pawan Agrawal, stands at a defining moment in its 15-year journey. Established in October 2009 by Ocean Media Pvt. Ltd. following the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, DSA has grown to become India’s first and only ISO 9001:2015-certified monthly magazine dedicated to defence and security journalism. Over the years, it has earned its place as a trusted voice in the national and global strategic community—widely read by policymakers, armed forces, diplomats, and defence professionals.

Under Agrawal’s stewardship, the magazine has continually evolved while staying anchored to its founding mission: to provide research-driven, expert-authored, and credible content on the most pressing security challenges of our time. With exclusive access to the Indian Air Force INTRANET for eight consecutive years, interviews with 16 Indian Defence Chiefs and two NATO Chiefs, and deep reach into embassies and intelligence circles, DSA has built a legacy of trust and relevance.

Looking ahead, several key directions emerge for DSA in 2025 and beyond:

1. Strengthening Digital Engagement

Expand beyond print with a robust online presence.

The rapid transition to digital media consumption presents a major opportunity. DSA has already made strides through online distribution platforms like Magzter and a strong Google ranking. However, Agrawal is steering the magazine toward deeper digital transformation through multimedia integration, including expert video interviews, infographics and timely security updates. A noteworthy addition is DSA Spotlight, a podcast series launched recently to share untold stories from defence personnel and security operatives. These candid narratives aim to foster national pride and inspire the next generation.

2. Expanding Global Footprint
With its tagline “Defence and Security Worldwide,” DSA is poised to strengthen global collaborations. Future editions may feature special international focus sections—on Indo-Pacific stability, QUAD engagements and cross-border military cooperation. Strategic partnerships with global think tanks and security journals could further elevate DSA’s standing as a globally respected publication.

3. Covering Emerging Threat Paradigms
2025 brings complex new threats: AI in warfare, cyber operations and climate-related security risks. DSA is aligning its editorial direction to explore the critical domains like artificial intelligence in warfare, quantum computing for cybersecurity, space defence and autonomous systems.It will explore the ethical dilemmas of AI-driven drones or the role of private space companies in national security.

The CEO’s foresight, shaped by three decades in publishing, ensures that DSA remains responsive to hybrid threats and technological disruptions, without compromising editorial integrity.

4. Reviving Strategic Events

Blend defence with adjacent fields like climate security (e.g., how resource scarcity fuels conflict), public health (e.g., biodefence post-COVID), or economics (e.g., sanctions as a weapon). This widens the magazine’s appeal to readers and sponsors outside traditional defence circles. DSA is set to reinitiate thought leadership forums through webinars, summits and conferences, which had been postponed during COVID-19. These forums will facilitate dialogue between military leaders, academics and industry, offering a space for policy-shaping discussions and white paper releases. In this regard, we have launched a podcast platform ‘DSA Spotlight’ on our digital space, where we will bring to fore personalities behind the armed forces of our nation who have been their constant strength in trying times and who are in direct connection with the forces of our nation. Through our podcast, they will share their untold experiences and journey of being associated with the armed forces and inspiring lessons for the youth of our nation to imbibe. The exchange of dialogue with these inspiring personalities will also inspire the youth of Bharat to gain knowledge about defence and security and to lead lives of selfless service towards the nation. 

5. Promoting Indigenous Defence Innovation: DSA continues to champion India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing under Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The CEO envisions deeper collaboration with industry bodies like SIDM and an increased spotlight on Indian defence startups, innovators and public-private partnerships.

6. Diversify Voices and Perspectives: DSA showcases contributions from unconventional sources like think tank researchers, startup founders, former military personnel and even sci-fi writers speculating on future conflicts. It will work towards diversifying voices and feature global perspectives, especially from underrepresented regions like Africa or Southeast Asia, to broaden the narrative beyond Western-centric views.

7. Sustaining Credibility and Quality: Agrawal’s commitment to credible journalism is unwavering. As misinformation proliferates, DSA is doubling down on fact-checked reporting, expert-authored analysis and ethical editorial standards. Its ISO certification is more than a badge—it’s a guiding principle.

8. Interactive and Visual Storytelling: DSA aims to use data visualisations, infographics and interactive online content to explain complex topics like missile defence systems or cyberattack patterns. For instance, a clickable map showing global military bases could engage readers and keep them on your platform longer, increasing ad impressions.

9. Audience Expansion: We cater to distinct reader groups—military professionals, policymakers, academics, tech enthusiasts and private-sector executives. DSA is committed to offer tailored content, such as technical deep-dives for engineers or policy briefs for government officials, to keep each segment hooked.

Conclusion

As DSA moves into its next chapter, it does so with clarity of purpose and a visionary at the helm. With Pawan Agrawal’s leadership, the magazine is more than a publication—it’s a platform for strategic insight, policy advocacy and public understanding. In an uncertain world, DSA remains a beacon for credible, forward-looking defence journalism. We are trying to make society aware through DSA Spotlight.

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