Mr. Sheikh Akhter is a retired veteran of the Indian Air Force, where he served with distinction in the Administration Branch. With an illustrious career spanning over 32 years in the Aerospace and Defence domain, he has developed deep expertise in defence research, strategic forecasting, and capability development Defence Equipment Analysis. Post-retirement, Mr. Sheikh Akhter has continued to contribute to the national security ecosystem as a Subject Matter Expert at the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), New Delhi. His insights focus on the evolving landscape of defence technologies, including counter-UAS systems, aerospace capability development, and future warfare trends. Widely regarded for his analytical acumen and operational understanding, Mr. Sheikh Akhter brings a unique blend of practical experience and research-driven foresight. His contributions support policymakers, armed forces planners, Think Tanks and industry stakeholders in shaping India’s defence preparedness for the future.