SOURCE: AFI
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) in India has embarked on three ambitious projects aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of its armed forces through the integration of surveillance radars and sensors. These initiatives are designed to provide real-time, actionable intelligence for both offensive and defensive military operations across the Indian Air Force (IAF), Army, and Navy.
For the IAF, the focus is on creating a comprehensive ‘composite picture’ of the airspace through the integration of all national air surveillance radars. This integration will occur within the framework of the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). The IACCS is not just a collection of hardware but an advanced software platform that automates the command and control processes essential for air operations.
By collating inputs from various radars and sensors, IACCS provides real-time information to pilots in the air and commanders on the ground, ensuring a seamless operational environment. The system is connected via a secure optical fibre network known as the Air Force Network (AFNet), which links multiple nodes across the country. This setup ensures that any anomaly or threat in the airspace is promptly detected, analyzed, and responded to, enhancing the strategic depth and responsiveness of India’s air defense.
The Indian Army’s project, known as ‘Akashteer’, focuses on the automation of air defense command and firing processes. Developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Akashteer is set to revolutionize how air defense operations are managed. By integrating all air defense sensors and radars, this project aims to provide enhanced situational awareness to ground commanders, thereby allowing for quicker and more accurate responses to aerial threats.
Akashteer’s implementation will lead to a significant improvement in operational efficiency, reducing the time from detection to engagement of hostile aircraft, drones, or missiles. The system’s design not only streamlines command decisions but also ensures that all components of the air defense network communicate effectively, creating a formidable shield against aerial incursions.