AFNET to boost IAF's network centric warfare capability

[SpArK]

AFNET to boost IAF's network centric warfare capability


IAF will take a giant leap in its quest to have an advanced networked warfare capability (NCW) when Air Force Net (AFNET), the system's backbone, will become operational in 10 days from now.

"We will be dedicating the AFNET, the backbone of IAF's network centric warfare capability, on September 14," a senior IAF official told PTI in New Delhi today.

AFNET or Air Force Net is a fibre optic-based network on which the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) of the IAF would ride.

Once AFNET is enabled, the IAF would rapidly link all its ground, air and space assets to have a complete situational awareness of the area it wants to secure and dominate.



IACCS will provide connectivity for all the airborne platforms and ground platforms as part of IAF's network centricity and enables real-time transfer of voice, data and images among aircraft, satellites and ground bases.

"Network centricity involves linking ground, air, and space assets together so as to have complete situational awareness.

"And what does it provide? A real-time sensor-to-shooter loop, which enables IAF commanders to take instant decisions even as information is shared among platforms and personnel to order the weapons to be deployed," the officer said, explaining the concept.

"NCW is vital. You cannot survive today for long against a good adversary without the NCW capability," he added.

Pioneered by the US department of defence, NCW relies on computer processing power and networking communications technology to provide shared information of the battle space among armed forces.

This shared awareness increases synergy for command and control, resulting in superior decision- making, and the ability to coordinate complex military operations over long distances for an overwhelming war-fighting advantage.

IAF had got delivery of the Israeli Phalcon airborne early warning and control system (AWACS) -- the air link in its AFNET -- last year.

The AWACS, a major force multiplier, will provide the IAF an eye in the skies providing advance information as enemy fighter planes takes off, giving enough time for IAF to scramble its own fighter jets to counter them.

India had in March 2004 signed an $1.1 billion deal with Israel for three AWACS mounted on Russian-made IL-76 heavy lift transport aircraft. Another three AWACS are expected to join the fleet for which orders would be placed soon.



India is also developing its own AWACS on the Embraer platform and is likely to get three of them as well.



http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_afnet-to-boost-iaf-s-network-centric-warfare-capability_1433748

 

[indushek]

Good news buddy, a long time overdue capability for IAF. Better late than never.

 

[MAFIAN GOD]

India is also developing its own AWACS on theEmbraer platform and is likely to get three of them as well.

WHY NOT TRY ON NAL-SARAS?
I GUESS SARAS WILL BE READY BY THEN.

 

[trident2010]

IAF's AFNET NCW Backbone Goes Live Next Week


Next week, the Indian Air Force (IAF) ushers in a modern, state-of-the-art digital information grid by dedicating the Air Force Network (AFNET), a fully secure and reliable network to the nation, making it a true net-centric combat force. The AFNET replaces the IAF’s old communication network set-up using the tropo-scatter technology of the 1950s.

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

The 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. 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.

While all three services are engaged in large scale automation and computer-based networking, the IAF is the first among the three to complete the project of interlinking major installations throughout the country on a high bandwidth network.

All major formations and static establishments have been linked through a secure Wide Area Network (WAN) and are 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.
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 will provide an integrated Air Situation Picture to operators to carry out AD role.
AFNET will prove to be an effective force multiplier for intelligence analysis, mission planning and control, post-mission feedback and related activities like maintenance, logistics and administration. 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.



Livefist - The Best of Indian Defence: IAF's AFNET NCW Backbone Goes Live Next Week

 

[IndianArmy]

WHY NOT TRY ON NAL-SARAS?
I GUESS SARAS WILL BE READY BY THEN.

Because this AWACS system was first tested On a Propeller Aircraft codenamed Airavat, It failed and DRDO wanted a Different Platform...

 

[COLDHEARTED AVIATOR]

Can it be hacked?

 

[gowthamraj]

great news. . . then did it have satilite connections

 

[Urbanized Greyhound]

AFNET to boost IAF's network centric warfare capability


AFNET to boost IAF's network centric warfare capability - India - DNA

sir what additional advantages do space based assets have over the data linked phalcon AWACS....in the event of an arial conflict involving Air Defense or Air domination Roles...??? thanks in advance.....regards.....

 

[RPK]

Indian Air Force to Start Operating its Fiber-Optic Based Network


This will bring advanced NCW to the Air force. AFNET is an optical fiber based network over which the IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) will function.

Once the AFNET becomes functional, the IAF will connect all of its space, air and ground assets quickly, for having a total situational awareness of a region. The IACCS will offer connectivity for all the ground platforms and airborne platforms, as a part of the network centricity of IAF. The IACCS also facilitates real-time transport of images, data and voice, amongst satellites, aircraft, and ground stations.

The NCW, developed by the US Department of Defence, depends on the networking communications technology and computer processing power, to offer shared details amongst the armed forces.

The IAF had earlier bought the Israeli Phalcon airborne early warning and control system (AWACS), which is the AFNET’s air link. The AWACS is a key force multiplier that will offer advance information to the IAF, whenever an enemy plane takes off. In March 2004, India had signed an agreement with Israel for the supply of three AWACS. India is building AWACS on its own using the Embraer platform, and it will also order three more AWACS.