India’s integrated air defence system – which includes AD systems of the Army, Navy and the Air Force – was brought together by the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). Air Marshal Bharti said IACCS accorded us a “net-centric operational capability, which is vital to modern-day warfighting.”
Net-Centric or the network-centric approach toward warfighting was adopted by the Indian Air Force in 2010 with the induction of the Air Force Network (AFNET). It was revolutionary and formed the basis of IACCS. Before this, India had been using the troposcatter communication system, where the Earth’s topography was used to relay radio waves for communication. AFNET replaced the system of the 1950s, revolutionising the approach to warfare.
Defence Minister AK Antony inaugurated the AFNET system in 2010.
Then Defence Minister AK Antony inaugurated the network on September 14, 2010. Outlining the two-fold aim of the ‘Network for Spectrum’ approach of the government – to facilitate the growth of national tele-density on the one hand, and ensure modernisation of defence communications with the state-of-the-art communication infrastructure, the network will have the potential to support net-centric operations, Mr Antony had said.
The AFNET network was tested during a practice interception of simulated enemy targets by a pair of MiG-29 fighter jets airborne from an airbase in the Punjab and neutralizing targets in the western sector was played out live on the giant screens at the Air Force auditorium, when the ministers and senior officers were present during the inauguration.
“The recent deployments of AFNET, IACCS and other systems have put the IAF at the forefront of NCW-enabled nations. This quantum leap in the field of Communication & Information Technology will help field units train and develop tactics, techniques and procedures to realise the full benefits of network-enabled capabilities,” Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik had said.
IACCS – The Central Nervous System Of Air Space Management
Air Marshal AK Bharti, the Director General of Air Operations, credited the efforts of the personnel of the three forces and the Border Security Force in guarding the skies and the layered air defence system, which is controlled by India’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).
“Our battle-proven systems have stood the test of time, and take them head-on. Another highlight has been the stellar performance of the indigenous air defence system, the Akash system. Putting together and operationalising the potent AD environment has been possible only because of budgetary and policy support from the government of India in the last decade,” Air Marshal Bharti said.
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