The Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently in the midst of a substantial transformation, aiming to transition into the Indian Air and Space Force (IASF) with an overarching goal to bolster its capabilities in the aerospace domain.

As part of this strategic overhaul, the IAF is actively intensifying efforts to maximize the potential of space, marking a departure from its current focus primarily on intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, communication, and navigation capabilities.

Proposing a comprehensive shift toward effective utilization of the "air and space continuum" and revealing a visionary "Space Vision 2047," the IAF has presented a detailed proposal to the government, awaiting approval for this significant transformation.

The Indian Air and Space Force (IASF) aims to have more than 100 military satellites, both large and small, in the next seven to eight years. The plan includes active involvement from the private sector. Moreover, the Defence Space Agency, established in 2019, is on track to transform into a fully operational Space Command.

This proposal, expected to be approved shortly, underscores the IAF's dedication to broadening its role into space. In line with this transformation, the IAF is ramping up efforts to maximize the potential of space, extending beyond its current emphasis on intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, communication, and navigation capabilities. Through partnerships with organizations like ISRO, DRDO, IN-Space, and the private industry, the IAF aims to lead advancements in specialized space-related technologies.

Recently, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari has emphasized the imperative for India to develop defensive and offensive capabilities in the space domain, building on the success of 'Mission Shakti' in March 2019. During this mission, DRDO tested an anti-satellite (A-Sat) interceptor missile, successfully destroying the 740-kg Microsat-R satellite at an altitude of 283 km in low Earth orbit.

According to a source, the ultimate high-ground in future battles will be near space, ranging from 20 to 100 km, and outer space. Advanced winged bodies are currently under construction to operate seamlessly between air and space, necessitating India's preparedness for these developments.

IAF is advancing in areas like PNT, intelligence, surveillance, and communication systems, space weather prediction, and management. It aims for 100+ military satellites in 7-8 years with private sector involvement. The Defence Space Agency is set to become a full Space Command, recognizing space's role in conflicts. IAF includes space-related training for personnel, seeing the shift from air to space as a natural progression.

China is rapidly developing various anti-satellite weapons, while countries like the US, UK, Japan, France, and Russia have established space commands. To keep pace, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is transitioning from air-superiority missions to space operations.

The IAF's existing air defense system, IACCS, will evolve into IASCCS, emphasizing the importance of space in future battle spaces. The transformation into the Indian Air and Space Force reflects India's commitment to becoming a credible aerospace power, leveraging space capabilities for strategic readiness. The IAF is actively strengthening India's preparedness for future challenges in the air and space domains by embracing the potential of space and fostering collaborations with strategic partners.

Image source: Indian Express