IAF Chief delivers inaugural address in 8th edition of the Air & Missile Defence Seminar & Exhibition

New Delhi: Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Saturday delivered the inaugural address during the 8th Edition of the Air & Missile Defence Seminar & Exhibition organised by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) in New Delhi.

In his address, CAS said that Independent AD systems in the field will have very little relevance in future wars unless they are a part of the larger Integrated Air Defence System.

He said, "With little or no information about the ongoing air operations, such independent AD systems are more likely to cause self-harm due to lack of common identification and communication protocols. To prosecute the land, maritime or air strategy independently will almost certainly lead to failure because the enemy will fight a joint and integrated war. The enemy air and missile forces will be brought to bear on the fielded forces albeit from stand-off ranges and will adversely affect the progress of land or maritime battles. Therefore, control of the air will remain paramount for the success of any operation."

However, he underscored that an Integrated Air Defence System is a classical System of Systems and has three essential constituents, which are Defensive Counter Air, Passive Air Defence and Offensive Counter Air.

"Each of these constituents has its integrated sensors, C2 mechanism, communication networks and shooters. Today, through IACCS, we have the ability to monitor and identify all air elements within our area of interest," he added.

IAF Chief further said,  "We are making all efforts to share IACCS generated recognised air situation picture (RASP) with all stakeholders down to the tactical level. Integration of our networks will surely enhance our ability to share information and augment our collective air defence capabilities."

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