IAF to have integrated command and control system in '09, launch satellite in 2010

Bangalore: The Indian Air Force will have an integrated air command and control system in place this year and launch its own satellite next year as part of a modernisation programme aimed at enhancing its capability, chief of air staff Air Chief Marshal FH Major said here on Saturday.

Over the next few years, the IAF would also acquire very complex radar facilities. "With these capablities, IAF can apply a robust network of sensors and enable it to conduct operations with high flexibility, which is our aim", he said.

ACM Major also said that as part of the up-gradation process the IAF had already redesigned its training patterns and was due to upgrade or change most of its inventory over the next few years. He also mentioned that induction of Jaguars, MIG-27s, MIG-29s and Sukhois with upgraded avionics had been accelerated.

The ACM was delivering the Air Chief Marshal LM Katre Memorial Lecture here today.

Stating that the aerospace component would only increase in the future, he said the IAF had already put measures into place to handle this need.

Responding to queries about heightened tensions between India and Pakistan the ACM said, "We are ready to meet any situation."

When queried specifically, if a war-like situation existed with Pakistan, he shot back "I am not an authority to decide it. I am only a prosecutor to carry out orders".

ACM Major said inter-governmental agreements for design and development of fifth generation fighter aircraft had been concluded and the LCA programme had gained momentum. He said that initial operations were expected to start by 2010-11.