SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking proactive steps to bolster the defences of its high-value force multiplier aircraft, including Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) and in-flight refuelling tankers. These platforms are critical for extending operational range and situational awareness but are increasingly vulnerable to the evolving threat of surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), including MANPADS (man-portable air-defense systems), laser-guided threats, and radar-guided missiles.
To address these risks, the IAF is exploring the integration of advanced Airborne Missile Protection Systems (AMPS) designed to detect, verify, and counteract missile threats in real-time. Such systems would employ a combination of countermeasures, including flares, chaff, and Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM), to protect aircraft from a wide range of missile threats.
DIRCM, in particular, is seen as a game-changing technology. It uses advanced infrared lasers to disrupt the guidance systems of incoming missiles with IR seekers, effectively blinding them and rendering them harmless. This capability complements existing missile warning systems and countermeasure dispensers already present on many IAF platforms but provides an additional, more robust layer of defence against modern threats.
The IAF is likely to seek support from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop these systems indigenously. Future iterations of force multiplier platforms are expected to feature integrated missile warning systems with flares and chaff dispensers as standard, alongside advanced AMPS for comprehensive protection. Additionally, the IAF is exploring the possibility of countering air-to-air missiles with infrared seekers, which pose a growing risk during air combat operations.
Integrating these advanced systems would ensure that the IAF’s force multipliers remain operationally secure in hostile environments, safeguarding their critical roles in reconnaissance, command and control, and aerial refuelling. Enhanced protection measures would allow these aircraft to operate closer to contested zones, providing greater flexibility and tactical advantage during missions.
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