IAF gets network centric with AFNET
14 Sep 2010
The Indian Air Force IAF has become a truly network centric force with defence minister A K Antony launching AFNET (Air Force Network), a reliable and robust digital information grid that enables accurate and faster response to enemy attacks.
While the Rs1,077-crore, gigabyte, digital information system will provide a fully secure and reliable nation-wide communication network to the IAF, the AFNET will also facilitate release of radio frequency spectrum for telecommunication purposes.
The fully secure state-of-the-art AFNET will link IAF's command and control centre, including the airborne early warning and control systems and response systems like fighter jets and missile squadrons.
The AFNET replaces IAF's old communication network that used the tropo-scatter technology.
Defence minister AK Antony today launched the AFNET, heralding a communication revolution in the IAF. The launch is a significant milestone in the IAF's quest for achieving a capability for network centric operations.
Telecommunication minister A Raja, minister of state for defence Pallam Raju, minister of state for communication Sachin Pilot, Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, Chief of the Army Staff and other officials from the three services and members of the Industry were also present at the inauguration.