Airborne Missile Protection Systems for Force Multipliers
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.
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