IAF CHIEF ON FUTURE WARS AND TECHNOLOGIES

At a recent seminar organised by CENJOWS, Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari, Chief of Air Staff, Indian Air Force observed, “Crystal gazing into the future, penetration by stealth platforms and low cost drones, rockets and hypersonic projectiles will challenge our detection and interception capability. Thus, there is further research required in the field of persistent, multi-spectral, all weather surveillance from space based assets. We need to also look at the capabilities of HALE and MALE RPAs to fill the surveillance voids. For destruction, we need to invest in technology such as Directed Energy Weapons, Laser dazzlers and multiple weapon systems to take on MIRVs and hypersonic missiles. Whilst we must develop this niche technology, we must also look at enhancing existing point and area defence capability by developing both, Close in Weapon Systems as well as medium and long range SAMs. There is an overarching requirement to build a layered, responsive and wide spectrum integrated model which can provide comprehensive solutions against hostile aerial and space threats.

Future wars would be multi-domain in nature and attacks on critical information infrastructure cannot be ruled out. While, there is continuous focus on networking, we must also develop the capability to operate in an environment of denial. Towards this, hardening of our grids and creating robust, redundant networks will prove to be decisive. We must jointly rehearse our operational plans in an environment of denial to ensure there is minimal disruption in our tempo of operations.”