IAF Prepares for Digital Dominance with Near-Complete AFNet Upgrade

India's Air Force stands poised to enter a new age of networked warfare, as the ambitious upgrade to its Advanced Air Force Network (AFNet) nears completion by the end of 2024. This cutting-edge, satellite-based communications system promises to revolutionize situational awareness and transform decision-making on the battlefield.

A Quantum Leap Forward​

The AFNet represents a fundamental modernization, leaving behind the outdated tropo-scatter technology that lingered since the 1950s. Real-time connectivity between all IAF ground stations, aircraft, and even space assets is a core objective. This will empower leadership with unprecedented detail about developing battlefield situations.

This transformation is central to the Ministry of Defence's drive to fully integrate the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force into a seamless fighting force. Improved coordination enabled by AFNet should increase battlefield effectiveness against India's regional adversaries.

Security, Hardware, and History​

Security is of paramount importance in the upgraded AFNet. Robust encryption will shield vital communications from foreign interception. This is crucial in the modern era of constant cyber-threats. Beyond encryption, the entire AFNet infrastructure, both hardware and software, is being comprehensively updated to ensure optimal reliability, capacity, and performance in all environments.

AFNet's development has been a long process, beginning in 2010 as a step up from India's then-inadequate systems. Now, it's the primary communication network for the entire IAF.

A New Era of Warfare​

As AFNet's upgrade concludes, the excitement among India's military strategists is palpable. The ability to streamline command and control, gain complete visibility of threats, and make rapid decisions with the best possible information represents a potential revolution for the IAF. The result should be enhanced national security and an even more imposing Indian Air Force presence in the region.

 

[De_SECULARISED]

AFNET satelite based network is vulnerable to ASAT attacks. It MUST, not should be backed-up with fiber optic infrastructure or be ready to be blinded by PLA.
I Know the faults coz I/ our team worked in the project some years ago.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

AFNET satelite based network is vulnerable to ASAT attacks. It MUST, not should be backed-up with fiber optic infrastructure or be ready to be blinded by PLA.

ASAT attacks will be used only in case of full on war. in short scale border conflicts, and air skirmishes, like we had after balakot, it is not a concern. Still, I believe that they will have redundancies for ASAT attacks.

Dude, how are you going to have fibre optic between aircrafts?? this AFNET refers to networking between different air assets and between air assets and ground stations. Fibre optic can play a role only between fixed ground assets, which I am sure is already used.