India Launches Military Digital Information Grid
Aerospace Daily Sept 15 FUNDING & POLICY NEW DELHI — Taking another step toward Network-Centric Warfare (NCW) operations, Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony has launched the $229 million AFNET (Air Force Network). AFNET will be a critical link for the air force between its command and control center and sensors such as the Airborne Early Warning and Control System, combat jets and missile squadrons. Interception of simulated enemy targets in the western center by a pair of MiG-29 fighters from an advanced airbase in the Punjab sector was played live on screens at the launch. The project is part of the overall mission to network all three military services and comes in the wake of an Information Technology Roadmap document from the Defense Ministry. Telecommunications Minister A. Raja said in an address that robust communication is critical for synergy among forces and for success in future operations. The ministry of defense and department of telecommunications last y...