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Revolutionary IAF System to Distinguish Friend from Foe During Combat Operations
The armed forces are currently inducting a domestically developed innovation along India’s northern and eastern borders. The primary objective of this new technology is to assist commanders in recognising friendly forces in a joint battlespace.
The implementation of this technology will enable enhanced coordination during complicated operations, thereby reducing the likelihood of mistaken fratricide incidents like the one that occurred in Budgam following the 2019 Balakot air strikes.
Wing Commander Vishal Mishra, an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter pilot, has developed the Vayulink system. Mishra has stated that this technology will provide secure and jammer-proof communication for identifying friendly forces in a combat situation, regardless of whether they are in the air or on the ground. Additionally, the system will equip pilots with precise weather data before they take off, enhancing battlefield transparency.
During the Aero India 2023 show in Bengaluru last month, the IAF presented the Vayulink system.
According to senior IAF officers, trials for the operational deployment of this technology have already been completed. An officer stated, ‘The procurement required for deployment is under process. Once the procurement is completed, mass development of the system will start in all forward areas.’
Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, said that the Vayulink ecosystem is a domestically developed tactical data link system. He said, ‘It integrates inputs available from multiple sources in a joint battlefield and provides near real-time data to operators, thereby vastly improving their situational awareness and consequently aiding in effective decision making.’
Following the 2019 Balakot air strikes, the IAF accidentally shot down one of its own Mi-17 V5 helicopters at Budgam, resulting in the deaths of six officers on board. The incident was attributed to a lack of communication between the helicopter crew and ground forces due to the helicopter's Identification of Friend or Foe (IFF) system being turned off.
Along with identifying friendly forces, the Vayulink system can also provide real-time weather information prior to flying, hence warning the pilot and preventing accidents.