A new weapon systems branch has been approved for the Indian Air Force (IAF) by the government which will be responsible for several weapon systems in the air force and will result in savings of Rs 3,400 crore.

Making this announcement here today at the Air Force Day parade, the first one held outside New Delhi and NCR, the Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said this was the first time since Independence that a new operational branch has been created in the IAF.

IAF chief explains new weapon system branch

“On this historic occasion, it is my privilege to announce that the Government has approved the creation of a Weapon System Branch for Officers in the IAF. This is the first time since independence that a new operational branch is being created.

This will essentially be for manning of four specialised streams of Surface to Surface missiles, Surface to Air Missiles, Remotely Piloted Aircraft and Weapon System Operators in twin and multi crew aircraft. Creation of this branch would result in savings of over Rs 3,400 crore due to reduced expenditure on flying training,” the IAF chief said.

“This will essentially be for manning of four specialised streams of surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles, remotely piloted aircraft, and weapon system operators in twin and multi-crew aircraft.

Domain integration 

“The traditional domains of land, sea and air have expanded to include space and cyber. We are increasingly seeing the convergence of all these domains into one continuum in the form of Hybrid Warfare. The use of non-kinetic and non-lethal warfare to supplement kinetic means has changed the way wars will be prosecuted. Therefore, conventional systems and weapons will need to be augmented by modern, flexible and adaptive technology. Technology has given us the wherewithal to be innovative. We need to accept the fact that tomorrow’s conflicts cannot be fought with yesterday’s mind-set. To be able to execute all missions in an environment of denial will increasingly be the basis of our training in the Air Force,” Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari said.

He emphasised that keeping these aspects in mind, there is a need to plan for integrated and joint application of combat power. “The key to success in multi- domain operations is to have flexible, robust and redundant Command and Control Structures which will allow a joint force to dominate across domains. No single service can win a war on its own. Work is in progress to enhance jointness amongst the three services,” he said.

Integration with Agnipath scheme 

"Creation of this branch would result in savings of over Rs 3,400 crore due to reduced expenditure on flying training,” Chaudhari said.

The IAF chief said the induction of air warriors into the IAF through the Agnipath scheme was a challenge for all of us, but more importantly, it was an opportunity for us to harness the potential of India’s youth and channelise it towards the service of the nation.

“We have changed our operational training methodology to ensure each Agniveer was equipped with the right skills and knowledge to start their career in the Air Force. In December this year, we would be inducting 3,000 Agniveer Vayu for their initial training. This number will only go up in the years to come to ensure adequate staffing.

Induction of women

"We are also planning on induction of women Agniveers starting next year. Creation of infrastructure was in progress, and streamlining of trade structure is being finalised,” he said.

The IAF chief said continued deployment along the borders,Humanitarian And Disaster Relief (HADR) operations or rescuing stranded Indians from conflict zones, the IAF has seen the entire spectrum of roles and tasks laid down for the Air Force being undertaken.