AF Net brings Indian Air Force closer to network centric warfare

Defence Minister AK Antony today inaugurated the IAF’s gigabyte digital information grid the AFNET (Air Force Network). The launch is a significant milestone in the IAF’s quest towards achieving a capability for Network Centric (NCW). Outlining the two-fold aim of Network for Spectrum approach of the government to facilitate the growth of national tele-density on the one hand, and ensuring modernization of defence communications with the state-of-the-art communication infrastructure, the network will have the potential to support net-centric operations, Antony said. A practice interception of simulated enemy targets by a pair of Mig-29 fighter aircraft airborne from an advanced airbase in the Punjab sector neutralizing intruding targets in the western sector was played out live on the giant screens at the Air Force auditorium offering a glimpse of the harnessed AFNET potential. Further, various other functionalities contributing towards NCW were also showcased. These comprised of facilitating video from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), pictures from an AWACS aircraft to the decision-makers on ground sitting hundreds of kilometers away, providing intelligence inputs from far-flung areas at central locations seamlessly. This was possible mainly with the robust networking platform provided by AFNET. AFNET Project with an estimated expenditure of Rs 1077 Cr, comprises of Internet Protocol (IP) Multi Protocol Switching Protocol (MPLS) based Network with Optic Fibre Cables (OFC) as backbone. The AFNET Project has SATCOM Network as overlay, Line Of Sight (LOS) Radio for Metro Area and difficult terrains, as a back up to OFC links. The network is secured with a host of advanced state-of-the-art encryption technologies. It is designed for high reliability with redundancy built into the network design itself. IAF envisages using AFNET communication network and enabled IT infrastructure for all operational, techno-logistics and administrative functions to leverage developments in this field so as to enhance operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness and ease of administration. The AFNET project is a co-ordination between the MoD, the MoC & IT, PSUs such as BSNL and private industry. The committed industry effort was ably led by BSNL, M/s Cisco & HCL Infosystems Ltd. While this fully secure and reliable nation-wide communication network will serve the IAF, the AFNET will also facilitate accelerated economic growth by providing radio frequency spectrum for telecommunication purposes. AFNET will be the largest Multi-protocol Label Switching (MPLS) network in the defence segment.