Why in News?

During a media briefing on Operation Sindoor, the IAF showcased its Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), which provides a real-time feed of India's air defence operations.

This system integrates radar, control centres, fighter jets, and ground-based defences to protect against aerial threats like enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• The IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS)
• The Army’s Akashteer System
• Multilayered Air Defence Umbrella
• Future of IACCS

The IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS)

• IACCS is an automated command and control system developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the Indian Air Force.
• It integrates data from various air defence sources, including ground and airborne radars, civilian radar systems, communication nodes, and command centres.
• Real-Time Situational Awareness
  • The system provides real-time updates and a consolidated dataset to commanders at multiple levels.
  • This ensures comprehensive situational awareness during air operations and enhances decision-making in response to aerial threats.
• Command Structure and Execution
  • IACCS supports central control with decentralised execution, enabling swift identification and response to threats.
  • It helps reduce reaction time and allows commanders to deploy air defence assets effectively.
• Enhanced Airspace Management
  • Overlapping radar and radio coverage within IACCS ensures efficient airspace monitoring and reduces system redundancy, leading to better coordination and control of air defence operations.

The Army’s Akashteer System

• Akashteer is the Indian Army’s air defence control and reporting system, designed to connect and coordinate its air defence units.
• It enables monitoring of low-level airspace over battle zones and controls ground-based air defence weapon systems.
• Development
  • Akashteer has been developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
• Integration with IAF Systems
  • Currently operating on a smaller scale, Akashteer is being integrated with the Indian Air Force’s IACCS to ensure seamless coordination between Army and Air Force air defence operations.

Multilayered Air Defence Umbrella

• The Indian military employs a multi-layered air defence system, combining various assets to detect and neutralise aerial threats at different ranges and altitudes.
• Key Components
  • Point Defence: Includes low-level air defence guns and shoulder-fired weapons.
  • Aerial Defence: Comprises fighter aircraft and long-range missiles.
  • Surveillance Grid: Utilises ground-based radars and airborne systems like (Airborne Warning and Control System) and AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning & Control) Systems, all integrated into the IACCS for real-time tracking and interception.
• Four Defence Layers Explained
  • Layer 1: Counter-drone systems and MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defence Systems).
  • Layer 2: Point air defence and short-range surface-to-air missiles (SR-SAM).
  • Layer 3: Medium-range surface-to-air missiles (MR-SAM).
  • Layer 4: Long-range surface-to-air missiles (LR-SAM).

Future of IACCS

• Expanded Integration of Defence Assets
  • The IAF has bolstered its air defence by deploying more radars and Surface to Air Guided Weapon (SAGW) systems, all integrated into the IACCS network at key sensitive bases.
• Towards Tri-Service Coordination
  • With the increasing complexity of modern warfare, IACCS will be pivotal in integrating air defence assets across the Army, Navy, and Air Force for a unified and coordinated response.
• Embracing Advanced Technologies
  • Future upgrades to IACCS will incorporate cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence for real-time threat analysis and enhanced situational awareness.