Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari,
Chief of the Air Staff
SP's ShowNews (SP's): Electronic Warfare (EW)
(a): What capabilities IAF should be possessing in view of the perceived threat
scenarios?
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS): EW systems endow an enhanced layer of protection
to weapon platforms, while also denuding the adversary aircraft of the same.
Consequently, there is a need to equip all aircraft with EW self-protection systems
like Radar Warning Receivers, Airborne Self Protection Jammers (ASPJs),
Missile approach and warning systems and Laser Warning Systems. Whilst some
transport and helicopters do possess some capability, there are others which
need to be provided with additional protection.
Such self-protection measures
also need to be complimented with an
offensive EW capability. This could be in
the form of a transport aircraft jamming
from stand-off distances or light weight
jammers on Remotely piloted aircraft
(RPA). Other avenues that we are looking
at include high power Directed Energy
Weapons and multipurpose ground
based jammers.
(b): And how do you perceive the current
state of affairs?
CAS: The IAF's has equipment of diverse
origins, thus having varying philosophies
of employment. This has given us an
interesting insight into the employment
of Electromagnetic Counter Measure
techniques by different countries. By
now we are also very familiar with the EW
methodologies and systems operated by
our adversaries. We have thus been able
to refine our techniques and develop
cogent responses. Work is in progress to
equip our platforms with the latest EW
systems, while existing deficiencies are
being addressed in tandem. But this is a
cat & mouse game, wherein continuous
refinements are necessitated and that is
what we endeavour to do.
Light Combat Aircraft (LCA ) Tejas
SP's: Please enlighten us in terms of the
IT-based protection capabilities if you
are duly satisfied with the current level
of systems in place.
CAS: As the IAF's operations become more net centric and our offices more
paperless, there is a need for us to enhance the protection of our IT assets. We
have therefore undertaken a slew of measures in this regard. For instance, multilayered
security solutions and security management systems are now in place to
defend our Net Centric Warfare infrastructure. A dedicated Security Operation
Centre (SOC) has also been setup with a dedicated Security Information and
Event Management System where real time threats are monitored. The Computer
Emergency Response Team of the IAF in turn, responds to these threats. A separate
Internet Security Operation Centre (iSOC) has also been setup for ensuring
the security of our internet machines. A dedicated Air Force Cyber Group oversees
these functions, while air warriors are trained in our Information Warfare School
which has been set up to enhance cyber education and cyber security awareness
among our personnel.
SP's: Countering Cyberattacks. Would you like to share what sort of eventualities/
threat scenarios need to be kept in mind while planning and executing
the necessary firewalls enabling fool-proof solutions?
CAS: Key to our Cyber security is redundancy and defensive depth that adopts
a layered approach to protect our data and information. Our endeavour is that
in case of failure of one mechanism, another should step in immediately to foil
an attack. This multi-layered approach enhances the security of our systems as a
whole and is able to thwart different attack vectors. However, we have to be very
nimble, adaptive and flexible by continually upgrading our infrastructure and
procedures. We have to thus employ a combination of security products such as
next generation firewalls, network segmentation, malware scanners, endpoint
security, Patch management etc.
Anti-Tank Guided Missile Systems 'Helina'
SP's: Self-reliant Aerospace and Defence industry
(a): How do you perceive the R&D efforts being made in the country as this
remains the foundation of achieving
self-reliance in the aerospace and
defence industry.
CAS: IAF has always supported the
national vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'
and IAF was at the forefront of indigenisation
efforts. In the last few years, IAF
has inducted various aircraft, radars and
airborne platforms developed within the
country. The induction of LCA (Tejas),
Aslesha Radars, Astra Air-Air Missile,
Akash Surface to Air Missile, Advanced
Light Helicopter (ALH), Integrated Air
Command & Control System (IACCS)
and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) are
a testimony of IAF's commitment to the
national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Since 2016, the Government has
ensured that the most preferred option for
capital acquisition is to buy Indigenously
Designed Developed and Manufactured
(IDDM) category equipment, followed
by the Buy (Indian) category. Also, to
enhance the participation of Indian private
industries in the field of defence
manufacturing and production, the Government
has introduced various initiatives
under the Make in India scheme. We have
subscribed to each of these schemes and
have fielded several cases through Make
I, II & III schemes. Furthermore, the IAF
is also providing necessary support to the
Startups engaged in iDEX by providing test
facilities and guidance during the design
and development stage of the projects.
Additionally, we are also pursuing 20 projects
under Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme. As Indian industry gets
more and more involved in these IAF projects, it is but natural that their own competencies
will also grow and trickle down to tertiary levels over a period of time.
(b): Although some key programmes are being developed and progressing
further as Made in India such as LCA, LCH, how do you find the pace of
delivery schedules? How do you find their combat worthiness?
CAS: There have been some issues with the delivery schedules during the last few
years. However, the DPSUs have matured in terms of size, scale and technology,
making them more capable. Accordingly, we are hopeful that programme delays
will be resolved in the near future.
Of the two indigenous products that you mentioned, I would like to stress that
the LCA is superior to contemporary aircraft of similar class available with our
adversaries. To add to its capability, the long range Beyond Visual Range (BVR)
indigenous ASTRA missile is being integrated, as are other long range standoff
weapons. Likewise, the LCH has already been integrated with 70mm rockets and
Air to Air Missile, thus making it a potent platform. Trials on the indigenously
developed Dhruvastra for the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk IV have also
been completed with successful firing having been conducted in May 22. The procurement
case is currently being progressed with DRDL.