SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced a new initiative to address the limitations of low-level radar and communication coverage, which are often constrained by the radio line of sight (LOS) in challenging terrains. The IAF outlined its requirement for a portable system utilizing aerostat technology—or a similar solution—to provide low-level coverage over a range of 80-120 kilometers, equipped with radar, radio communication, and data connectivity capabilities.
This system is designed to enhance situational awareness and communication in areas where traditional ground-based systems struggle, such as mountainous regions or border areas with dense foliage, ensuring the IAF can maintain a robust air defense network across India’s diverse landscape.
The IAF highlighted that the primary limitation of current low-level radar and communication systems is their dependence on radio LOS, which is often obstructed by terrain features like hills, valleys, and forests. “Low-level coverage of radars and communication equipment is limited due to radio line of sight,” the IAF stated, noting that elevating the antenna is a key factor in increasing LOS and extending coverage. To overcome this challenge, the proposed system will use an aerostat capable of operating at an altitude of up to 5 kilometers above mean sea level (AMSL), providing a vantage point for its integrated payload of radar and radio communication equipment.
The aerostat system will be equipped with advanced radar for surveillance and tracking, as well as radio communication and data connectivity features, ensuring seamless integration with existing IAF systems such as the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). This integration is crucial for providing real-time situational awareness, enabling the IAF to detect low-flying threats—such as drones, helicopters, or fighter jets attempting to evade radar—and maintain communication with ground and air units in remote areas. The system’s ability to cover 80-120 kilometers makes it a valuable asset for monitoring India’s borders, particularly in sensitive regions like the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.
Designed with operational resilience in mind, the aerostat system will include mechanisms to remain functional even in the event of limited damage to its tether, the aerostat envelope, or its power supply. This redundancy ensures that the system can continue to provide coverage during adverse conditions, such as high winds or enemy attacks, which are common in conflict zones. The IAF has also emphasized the need for minimal manpower to operate the system, making it a practical solution for deployment in remote or forward locations where resources may be limited.
Portability and rapid deployment are key features of the proposed system. The aerostat will be capable of being winched down or deflated and redeployed at a new location within two hours, allowing the IAF to respond quickly to changing operational requirements. This mobility is particularly important for dynamic scenarios, such as during military exercises or in response to emerging threats along India’s borders. Additionally, the system will use helium gas for buoyancy, with provisions to recover or reuse the gas, ensuring cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability.
The IAF’s interest in aerostat technology is not new. Aerostats, which are tethered balloons filled with lighter-than-air gases like helium, have been used globally for surveillance and communication purposes due to their ability to provide persistent coverage at a fraction of the cost of airborne platforms like AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft. India has previously deployed aerostats along its western border with Pakistan, where the DRDO-developed Akashdeep and Nakshatra aerostats have been used for surveillance and communication. However, the IAF’s latest requirement calls for a more advanced, portable, and resilient system tailored to the specific challenges of low-level coverage in diverse environments.
The proposed system’s ability to operate at 5 kilometers AMSL is particularly significant for India, where many strategic areas, such as the LAC in Ladakh, are located at high altitudes. At such heights, ground-based radars often struggle to detect low-flying threats due to terrain masking, where hills and mountains block the radar’s LOS. By elevating the radar and communication payload to 5 kilometers, the aerostat can “see” over these obstacles, providing early warning of incoming threats and enabling the IAF to coordinate a timely response. The 80-120 kilometer range ensures that the system can cover a wide area, making it an effective tool for monitoring large stretches of border territory.
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