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The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced an extension of the bid deadline for the acquisition of three Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) special mission aircraft.
This move underscores the IAF's commitment to modernizing its intelligence gathering and real-time decision-making capabilities.
Enhancing Intelligence Capabilities
The ISTAR system plays a pivotal role in providing the IAF with accurate and actionable intelligence.Equipped with advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Electro Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors, these aircraft can capture high-resolution imagery and data even in challenging conditions.
The collected information is rapidly transmitted via secure channels, including SATCOM, Wideband Line of Sight (LoS), and Operational Data Links (ODL).
Streamlined Mission Cycle
The ISTAR system follows a streamlined mission cycle, beginning with the prioritization of intelligence requests. These requests are then processed through a dedicated mission planning workstation.Following onboard analysis, the mission commander generates a real-time intelligence report, fulfilling the initial request. This efficient process ensures that critical information reaches decision-makers promptly.
Procurement Details
The procurement encompasses three complete ISTAR systems, comprising the aircraft, onboard payloads, and the associated ground segment.The IAF is adhering to the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 guidelines, with a projected delivery timeline of 60 months from the signing of the contract.
Significance for IAF Modernization
This procurement represents a significant stride in the IAF's modernization efforts. The integration of cutting-edge ISTAR technology is expected to bolster the IAF's situational awareness, operational readiness, and overall effectiveness across a wide range of mission scenarios.By enhancing its intelligence capabilities, the IAF is poised to further strengthen its position as a leading air force in the region.
Additional Open-Source Information
Open-source reporting indicates that the Indian government's focus on indigenous defence capabilities might be a factor in the extension of the bid deadline.There is speculation that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) may be working on developing its own ISTAR platform. Furthermore, geopolitical considerations and budgetary constraints could also be influencing the procurement process.
