IAF Commissions First Batch of Officers for Newly Established Weapon Systems Branch to Manage UAVs, Intelligence, and Advanced Weaponry

In a landmark event for the Indian Air Force (IAF), the first batch of officers for the newly created Weapon Systems Branch was commissioned at the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal near Hyderabad.

This historic occasion took place during the Combined Graduation Parade on Saturday, where 204 cadets, including 26 women, were sworn in as flying officers. The parade was reviewed by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, the Chief of the Air Staff.

The Weapon Systems Branch officers will undergo a specialized two-stage training program. The first stage, conducted at the AFA, provides foundational knowledge and skills.

Following this, the cadets move to the newly established Weapon Systems School at Begumpet, also near Hyderabad, for advanced training tailored to the branch's unique roles.

According to Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, this branch is designed to manage four distinct streams:

• Flying: This category includes officers who will operate weapon systems onboard various aircraft, including fighters like the Su-30MKI, attack helicopters such as the AH-64E Apache, Mi-25/35, and the indigenous Prachand, as well as the C-130J Super Hercules special operations aircraft.
• Remote: This stream focuses on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), encompassing the operation of drones for attack, surveillance, and logistics missions. The IAF utilizes a mix of foreign and indigenously developed UAVs, reflecting India's growing expertise in unmanned systems.
• Intelligence: Officers in this stream will specialize in analyzing imagery from various sources, including satellites, aircraft, and UAVs. Their roles will extend to intelligence analysis, information warfare, signal intelligence, and the operation of space systems.
• Surface-to-Surface/Surface-to-Air Missile Systems: This stream will train officers to operate and maintain advanced missile systems, crucial for air defence and strike capabilities.

The creation of the Weapon Systems Branch represents a significant step towards modernizing the IAF's operational capabilities. It also has important economic implications. Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari highlighted that this branch would lead to substantial savings by reducing the need for costly and time-consuming flying training for personnel who will primarily focus on weapon systems operations.

This specialized branch will ensure the IAF has dedicated personnel with the expertise to manage and operate its increasingly complex and sophisticated weapon systems, enhancing its combat effectiveness and operational efficiency.

 

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