Defence
Space Vision 2047: IAF Unveils Ambitious Plans To Become Air And Space Power, Here's All About It
IAF's new push towards Space Vision 2047. Representative image. (Pic via X @IAF_MCC)
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is undergoing a profound transformation, seeking to evolve into the Indian Air and Space Force (IASF) and enhance its capabilities in the aerospace realm.
Proposing a comprehensive shift towards the effective utilisation of the "air and space continuum" and unveiling a "Space Vision 2047", the IAF has submitted a detailed proposal to the government for approval.
This proposal, anticipated to receive clearance soon, signifies the IAF's commitment to expanding its role into space.
Aligned with this transformation, the IAF is intensifying efforts to fully exploit space's potential, moving beyond its current focus on intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, communication, and navigation capabilities.
In collaboration with organisations such as ISRO, DRDO, IN-Space, and the private industry, the IAF aims to pioneer advancements in niche space-related technologies.
This encompasses progress in positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), advanced intelligence, surveillance, and communication systems, space weather prediction, space situational awareness, and space traffic management.
Envisioning India having over 100 military satellites in the next seven to eight years, the IAF is actively involving the private sector.
The Defence Space Agency, established in 2019, is poised to transform into a fully-fledged Space Command.
Recognising space's critical role in future conflicts, the IAF has incorporated space-related training for its personnel, including exercises simulating space-related contingencies.
This shift from air to space is deemed a natural progression by sources within the IAF.
Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff, emphasised the imperative for India to develop defensive and offensive capabilities in the space domain, citing the success of 'Mission Shakti' in 2019.
The IAF is gearing up for battles in near space and outer space, developing advanced winged bodies to operate seamlessly in these domains.
Given China's rapid advancements in anti-satellite weapons, the IAF aims to keep pace globally, expanding its mission scope from air operations to operations in space.
The integrated air command and control system will evolve into the integrated air and space command and control system as part of this transition.
The IAF's transformation into the Indian Air and Space Force signifies a pivotal step towards establishing credible aerospace power.
Embracing the potential of space and fostering collaborations with strategic partners, the IAF aims to fortify India's readiness for future challenges in the air and space domains.
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