Towards Atmanirbhar Bharat: A Flashback

In the wake of “Op Sindoor,” the recent recognition of our indigenous technology brings back memories of the many years of perseverance and effort by the pioneers who led the path to indigenisation.  

Among the three services, IAF has always been the most technologically intensive. As a result, it has encountered the greatest challenges in its indigenisation journey - striving to maintain a vital technological edge over adversaries while aligning with the nation's goal of self-reliance.

We owe much to the visionary leadership of the IAF, which recognized the importance of indigenous development from the very beginning. Despite significant constraints, they established dedicated formations when needed - often through internal manpower adjustments. They carefully selected the right individuals for key roles and supported these units through their formative years. While critics often point to other services that retain personnel on specific projects for decades, the IAF justifiably chose a different path - deliberately rotating project officers to prevent complacency and maintain a high level of professional rigour.

The initial momentum toward indigenisation in the IAF was driven by three landmark projects spanning nearly three decades from the 1960s: RCPO (Radar and Communication Projects Organisation), IIO (INAS Integration Organisation), and LRNG (Low Level Radars Networking Group).

RCPO undertook the massive task of establishing a nationwide chain of radars and a microwave communication network to support IAF operations. While the systems were initially imported, significant efforts were made to indigenise their production through domestic industry. The foundational work carried out by RCPO laid the groundwork for future technological advancements.

IIO distinguished itself not only as the project integrator for Jaguar avionics but also by pioneering real-time software expertise for airborne applications — a significant milestone in the IAF's technological evolution. The integration of this expertise later into the Software Development Institute (SDI) represented a pivotal transformation, contributing to the technological edge we possess today.

A few years later, LRNG took the baton further by leveraging indigenous hardware and developing its own real-time software to manage air defence control and reporting tasks. They configured SATCOM terminals for communication and RCPO’s microwave LOS links as standby. Perhaps their most formidable challenge was writing real-time software compatible with the extremely limited data transfer rates of 9.6/4.8 kbps - almost unimaginable by today’s standards.

Their successful integration of low-level radars enabled an Auto CRC (Control and Reporting Centre) to remotely manage air interceptions over a significantly larger airspace than what a single radar could cover. This critical capability formed the conceptual foundation for what would eventually become the IACCS.

The Air Force owes a deep sense of gratitude to those three pioneering project teams. It was a privilege for us to follow in the footsteps of such innovative and visionary leaders.

The genuine appreciation for IACCS expressed by many writers today fills me with nostalgia. I am truly grateful to our leadership for giving me the opportunity to contribute to the indigenisation effort. From establishing the SDI in 1992, to operationalizing the Auto CRC, conceptualizing and validating IACCS, and then leading the AFNET project, it has been a challenging yet exhilarating journey into the realm of indigenous development - what is now proudly known as ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

My introduction to the complex world of real-time avionics software began when I was selected to lead SDI as a Wing Commander. The IIO team played a crucial role, generously guiding us through the nuances of this specialized field. Later, as Project Director of the CRC Development Group (CRCDG), I had the opportunity to operationalize the Auto CRC system developed by LRNG. This hands-on experience proved invaluable in shaping the conceptual design of the IACCS system.

In the Auto CRC concept, Control and Reporting Centres (CRCs) shared track data directly with adjacent CRCs. The IACCS concept transformed this approach by distributing track data across a ring or cloud network,- though the idea of cloud computing emerged much later. From the outset, the integration of sensors from the Army, Navy, and Civil sectors was envisioned, but aligning these diverse organizations for the national interest required time.

A key distinction was that we were instructed not to develop the software ourselves, to ensure seamless continuity through industry partners. This meant doubling our efforts - first to conceptualize the system and then to train BEL. Appointed as system integrators after a thorough selection process, BEL quickly adapted and delivered exceptional results.

Posted as the Principal Director (PD) IACCS, I was entrusted with an additional major responsibility - serving as the PD IT as well, at a time when significant developments were underway in the IT domain. While Air HQ operated under strict security protocols requiring closure by 7 PM, we at Subroto Park were exempt from those restrictions. That proved to be a blessing in disguise, allowing me to dedicate extended hours to both directorates.

By the time the first phase of IACCS was operational, I had become the ACAS (IT), with the Directorate of IACCS and IT, both continuing to be under my oversight. Shortly afterward, I was transferred to the Ops branch as ACAS (Sigs & IT) - the next major challenge was to establish AFNET, a crucial backbone for all Air Force operations. We faced the significant challenge of driving the AFNET project forward amid strong resistance from the Army and Navy, who disagreed with our design approach and showed little urgency. But we were determined - the success of IACCS relied heavily on the timely and effective implementation of AFNET. Ultimately, we managed to guide the project according to our plans, and the rest is history.

Outstanding team members made everything possible. They were consistently a few steps ahead of me - THE TRUE HEROES!

Starting something is just the beginning. What followed required an immense amount of effort - far more than we could have imagined. At a recent seminar on future technologies, some highly knowledgeable speakers made us veterans feel a bit out of place. The technological advancements today are worlds apart from what we had in our time. Hats off to today’s Air Warriors! 🫡🫡

Air Mshl PV Athawale