Bigger Impact

Gp Capt GD Sharma (retd)

In defence, the information domain is inherently dependent on several dissimilar systems wherein, it is difficult for a military commander to obtain a complete picture and then decide. His insight and planning are hampered by proprietary systems viz Command and Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, Reconnaissance, weapons and sensor systems with each focusing on only a limited area.

IAF’s launch of the AFNET digital information grid on 14 September 2010

In such a situation, decision-makers’ inability to acquire accurate situational awareness, can lead to catastrophic results. To overcome this dilemma and to shorten the sensor to shooter link, the air forces across the world are shifting to Net Centric Warfare (NCW) tools. In this regard, the Integrated Air Command and Control Systems (IACCS) is a significant step taken by the IAF towards NCW. The media reports suggest that in our neighbourhood too, both Pakistan and China have automated/ informationised their air operations. Hence, progressing in this direction is a paramount requirement to face their individual/collusive challenge.

The concept of NCW originated in America in the late Nineties in a paper titled ‘System of Systems’ published by the Institute for National Security Studies. Later, this found a place in