All weapon system operators would become a part of the new WS branch as a unified organisation.
Digital Desk: On the occasion of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) 90th anniversary, the Central government has approved the formation of a new branch called the Weapon Systems (WS), according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence on Saturday. For the first time since independence, the IAF has established a new operational branch.
According to the ministry's statement, the establishment of the new WS branch would entail the consolidation of all weapon system operators into a single entity dedicated to the operational employment of all ground-based and specialist airborne weapon systems.
According to the statement, the branch will significantly improve the Indian Air Force's warfighting capability.
Confirming the news, Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari said in Chandigarh on Saturday that the central government has approved the establishment of a weapon system branch for Indian Air Force officers, saving the service Rs 3,400 crore in flying training. "The new branch will primarily operate surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles, remotely piloted aircraft, and weapon system operators in twin and multi-crew aircraft," he explained.
On Saturday morning, Chaudhari inspected a ceremonial parade held at the air force station in Chandigarh to commemorate the IAF's centennial. A march-past followed the parade.
When the IAF chief arrived, three Mi-17V5s led by Wing Commander Vishal Jain flew a flypast in Ensign formation. Chaudhari went on to say that the IAF has met its share of challenges in the last year, taking them "head on and with all guns blazing."
According to the IAF chief, they have performed a wide range of roles, from continued deployment along our borders to disaster relief operations, which included rescuing stranded Indians from conflict zones.
He went on to say that the traditional land, sea, and air domains have been expanded to include space and cyberspace, resulting in a continuum of "hybrid warfare." Given these changes, Chaudhari insisted that future conflicts cannot be fought with the mindset of yesterday.
Recruiting new air warriors for the IAF through the Agnipath scheme is a challenge, but it is also an opportunity to harness India's youth potential in the service of the nation, according to Chaudhari.
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