Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhary made a significant appearance at the ‘Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo’ held in Pune on Saturday, underscoring the imperative of embracing modern technologies and superior radar systems. During his visit, he unveiled plans for the Indian Air Force to finalize a groundbreaking deal with L&T, aimed at procuring advanced radar systems.
Highlighting the ongoing need to uphold comprehensive air defense coverage nationwide, Chaudhary emphasized the necessity of transitioning from outdated equipment to cutting-edge technologies. The forthcoming collaboration with L&T is poised to introduce ground-based hyper radar systems, marking a substantial enhancement in the Air Force’s operational capabilities.
In addition to exploring advancements in radar technology, Chaudhary engaged in discussions regarding artificial intelligence initiatives at the 12 Base Repair Depot. These initiatives seek to bolster training capabilities and reinforce the nation’s air defense networks. Expressing confidence in the efficacy of these endeavors, Chaudhary reiterated their significance in addressing existing gaps and fortifying the country’s air defense infrastructure.
Delving into the realm of weaponry, Chaudhary shed light on the strategic importance of the closed-in weapon system in mitigating an array of threats, ranging from small drones to hypersonic weapons. The imminent signing of a contract for 61 flights of this system is poised to further fortify the Air Force’s air defense network, ensuring heightened security measures.
Meanwhile, the Defence Expo in Pune serves as a platform to showcase indigenous technological prowess, featuring notable exhibits such as the Samar-II and Akash surface-to-air weapon systems developed by the Indian Air Force. Of particular interest is the Samar-II system, equipped with R-27 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, boasting enhanced interception capabilities compared to its predecessor.
Further augmenting the display of indigenous defense capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) presents a diverse range of rockets utilized in the Pinaaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system. These include guided, extended range, and Pinaka-Mark 1 rockets, spotlighting India’s advancements in indigenous defense technology.
