The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to procurement of three Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) aircraft under Rs 10,000 crore project. This acquisition will significantly enhance IAF’s surveillance and precision strike capabilities.
New Delhi: In recent years, India has made significant progress in defence weapons by increasing its domestic production and reducing dependency on foreign defence equipment. The country has also emerged as a leading defence equipment exporter. Apart from this, the Indian government is also focusing on strengthening the armed forces by procuring the latest weapons. On July 3, the Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, gave the green light to the plan as part of a larger Rs 1.05 lakh crore defence upgrade package. The Indian Air Force will procure three Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) aircraft under a Rs 10,000 crore project. This will significantly boost the IAF’s surveillance and precision strike capabilities. Let’s know more about it.
The Air Force plans to add three advanced ISTAR aircraft that combine global aircraft platforms with Indian-made sensors developed by DRDO. This will put India among the elite group of countries who has air-to-ground surveillance capabilities.
What Is ISTAR?
ISTAR is a comprehensive system that has multiple advanced sensors and processing units integrated on a long-range, high-endurance aircraft. The system combines several intelligence methods, such as electro-optical, radar, signals intelligence (SIGINT), and electronic intelligence (ELINT). These methods give a complete battlefield overview to commanders. Unlike conventional reconnaissance platforms, ISTAR is not restricted to data collection it offers a more comprehensive analysis and understanding of the battlefield situation.
It analyses the data and gives it in real-time using advanced analytics and artificial intelligence to frontline units and command centers with superfast precision.
Why Is ISTAR a Strategic Imperative?
In the era where modern warfare is rapidly evolving, information superiority is the most crucial factor that can even define victory. ISTAR aircraft can give an edge by providing real-time intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition. Its advanced sensors can provide crucial data to commanders on which they can make precise decisions in complex battle environments.
In the volatile geopolitical environment where the Indian Air Force operates, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) aircraft are crucial for tracking enemy activity, identifying key targets, and guiding long-range, precise attacks.
The ISTAR Program
Under Rs 10,000 crore ISTAR project, the IAF will acquire three aircraft from foreign aviation manufacturers most likely from Boeing or Bombardier. Once acquired, these aircraft will be loaded with indigenous sensors and electronic systems which will be developed by Centre for Airborne Systems of the DRDO.
India’s defence technology has significantly advanced due to the successful testing of these new systems.
The IAF is set to receive three advanced ISTAR aircraft by the year 2030. These aircraft will significantly enhance IAF’s surveillance and strike capabilities. The acquisition will also put India among the elite countries which has such sophisticated technology. While the project has faced delays and potential security concerns, its strategic value remains undeniable.
