CENTRE FOR AIR POWER STUDIES - ISTAR Aircraft: Another Essential for India

This can help lessen the risk of collateral damage and civilian casualties and boost the likelihood of the success of boots on the ground. [...] With a high degree of adaptability, the IAI-ISTAR may be deployed for a variety of tasks and adapted to a wide range of battlefield situations.5 Requirement of ISTAR Aircraft for India. [...] In his remarks at the 90th Air Force Day Parade in Chandigarh, the Chief of Air Staff stated that the IAF is not only vigorously pursuing for the purchase of UAVs, ISTAR, and counter-UAS technology but is also working to reinforce its networks. [...] The ISTAR aircraft has the potential to be a game-changer for India.7 IAF finalised the ISTAR requirement in 2013 when it shortlisted Raytheon Intelligence & Space after analysing responses to a request for information (RFI) submitted to Thales, Boeing, BAE, ELTA, and Raytheon in 2011. [...] ISTAR planes are employed against ground targets and for battlefield management, whereas AWACS aircraft are designed for air defence, aerial targeting, and the whole spectrum of air operations.8 Conclusion Investment in ISTAR systems is a crucial prerequisite for the technological revolution in military affairs (RMA), which is built on the idea that information dominance is the key to future warfa.