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New Delhi: The IAF is all set to boost its network centric warfare capability by kickstarting Air Force Network (AFNET), a reliable digital information grid that enables accurate and faster response to enemy threats, on September 14.

The modern, state-of-the-art AFNET will be a fully secure network, making IAF a true net-centric combat force and the first among the three services to complete interlinking major installations throughout the country on a high bandwidth network, an IAF spokesperson said in a press release here Wednesday.

The AFNET will replace the IAF’s old communication network set-up using the tropo-scatter technology of the 1950s.

“This monumental achievement also marks the successful clearance of one milestone for release of radio spectrum, a very valuable but finite resource,” the spokespeson said.

Defence Minister A K Antony will launch the AFNET services in the capital in the presence of Telecom Minister A Raja, he said.

The IAF project is part of the overall mission to network all three services. The mission comes in the backdrop of an Information Technology Roadmap document of the Defence Ministry stipulating automation, simulated training and mandatory computer proficiency in the services.

“IAF has taken up a mandate to create and maintain an assured, dedicated, secure and inter-operable communication network along with associated services to provide real time, instantaneous transfer of information between Sensors, Command and Control (C2) centres and Shooters,” the release said.

In addition, IAF aspires to use communication network and IT-enabled infrastructure for all other operational, techno-logistics and administrative functions to leverage development in this field to enhance efficiency, cost-effectiveness and ease of administration, it said.

The spokesperson said all major formations and static establishments had been linked through a secure Wide Area Network (WAN) and were accessible through data communication lines.

The nationwide programme was launched by the IAF in collaboration with the private industry to accelerate the use of Information Technology (IT) as well as to link all field units using a dedicated satellite.

“AFNET incorporates the latest traffic transportation technology in form of IP (Internet Protocol) packets over the network using Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS). A large VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) layer with stringent quality of service enforcement will facilitate robust, high quality voice, video and conferencing solutions,” he said.

The Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), an automated command and control system for Air Defence (AD) operations, will ride the AFNET backbone integrating all ground-based and airborne sensors, AD weapon systems and C2 nodes.

Subsequent integration with other services networks and civil radars would provide an integrated Air Situation Picture to operators to carry out AD role.

AFNET will be an effective force multiplier for intelligence analysis, mission planning and control, post-mission feedback and related activities like maintenance, logistics and administration, the spokesperson said.

A comprehensive design with multi-layer security precautions for ‘Defence in Depth’ have been planned by incorporating encryption technologies, Intrusion Prevention Systems to ensure the resistance of the IT system against information manipulation and eavesdropping, he said.

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This post was submitted by Chinmaya Nayak.

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