Rupal Kalebere
Technology Perspective Capability Roadmap-2025 signals that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is investing in technologies that will determine the next decade of combat. While earlier emphasis lay on platforms (fighters, transport, helicopters), the new roadmap is about networks, autonomy, electronic warfare, and AI-enabled decision advantage. The focus is to ensure air superiority, seamless joint operations, and survivability in a contested battlespace.
Communication Systems: Building the Digital Backbone
The IAF envisions a secure strategic communications grid with Indian security protocols. This will:
- Integrate weapon systems, air defence nodes, data centres and end-users through IPv4/IPv6 packet switching cores.
- Employ open-source cloud and containerized computing to support both operational apps and technologistics.
- Shift towards Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), replacing legacy VPNs. This aligns with global Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architectures, ensuring only authenticated devices/users can even detect the network.
- Develop Space/Air-to-Ground high-speed links (25–30 year life; ~50 units as listed in TPCR 2025) to guarantee gigabit-class secure throughput across space, air and surface nodes.
Together, these projects build a digitally resilient, distributed IAF that remains connected even under cyber-electronic stress.
| Programme / Project | Life (yrs) | Qty | Key Features / Significance |
| IAF Strategic Communication Network | 10–15 | Lot | Secure IPv4/IPv6 grid, integrates weapon systems, data centres, airbases; Indian security protocol |
| Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) | 10–15 | Lot | End-to-end security, replaces VPN, part of SASE architecture |
| Space/Air-to-Ground High-Speed Comms | 25–30 | 50 | 1 Gbps, lightweight, anti-jam, integrates on RPAs, AWACS, AEW&C |
| Indigenous Joint SDR Waveform | 20 | Lot | Tri-service interoperability for SDRs; DRDO under development |
| Unidirectional Security Gateways | 5–10 | 200 | Data diode for one-way transfer; multi-OS/VM compatibility |
| Mobile SATCOM & TROPO Terminals (MSTT) | 15–20 | 150–200 | All-terrain, containerized, deployable up to 5000m AMSL; ECCM enabled |
| Indigenous Secure ADS-B In & Out | 10–15 | 3000 | Encrypted ADS-B with Format-Preserving Encryption for ops security |
| Plug & Play Telemetry Solutions | 10–15 | Lot | Modular, minimal integration; real-time telemetry for prototypes & in-service aircraft |
Electronic Warfare: Survival in the Spectrum
TPCR-2025 underscores offensive and defensive electronic warfare (EW):
- Airborne Self-Protection Jammers (ASPJs) and Radar Warning Jammers (RWJs) to protect frontline aircraft against guided threats.
- Airborne Stand-Off Jammers (ASOJs) capable of long-range disruption (>350 km as listed in TPCR 2025).
- Ground-based multipurpose jammers with indicative ranges up to 500 km, mounted on mobile platforms.
- Indigenous Radar Warning Receivers (RWRs), expendables, and decoys to complete the survivability suite.
EW is framed as a force multiplier, creating both protection and windows of opportunity for strike packages.
| Programme / Project | Life (yrs) | Qty | Key Features / Significance |
| Radar Warning Jammer (RWJ) for Jaguar DARIN-III | 10 | 56 | RWR 1–40 GHz + jammer 5–18 GHz; pod & internal integration |
| Airborne Stand-Off Jammer (ASOJ) | 20 | 12 | 0.5–40 GHz, jamming >350 km (indicative, as listed in TPCR 2025), on transport platforms |
| Ground-Based Multipurpose Jammer | 20 | 12 | 0.5–40 GHz, ~500 km indicative range; mounted on mobile vehicles; Make-I |
| Airborne GPS Jammer | 20 | 12 | Jams GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, Beidou, IRNSS in L1/L2 bands |
| Low Band Jammer for Fighters | 20 | 90 | Escort jammers, 0.5–6 GHz, integrated with onboard EW |
| Next Gen RWR for Transport Aircraft | — | — | Open-architecture, AI-based, replaces Tarang RWR; DRDO under development |
| Programmable Active Radar Signature Countermeasures | 20 | Lot | Smart CMDS cartridges with active jamming |
| Next Gen RWR & ASPJ for Fighters | 20 | 114 + Lot | RWR (1–40 GHz), ASPJ (2–40 GHz), internal/external suites |
| Drone/UAV-based SIGINT/ELINT | 20 | 100 | Covers 0.5–40 GHz, lightweight, onboard power |
| Hypersonic Target Surveillance System | 20–25 | 10–15 | Tracks low-RCS, hypersonic targets via ground/air/space fusion |
AI, Machine Learning and Big Data: The Cognitive Edge
The IAF roadmap is emphatic about AI/ML integration:
- Multi-sensor fusion algorithms to combine OSINT, commercial satellite feeds, and classified sensor data into near real-time actionable intelligence.
- Change detection across fused imagery (2–5 systems) using AI, blockchain and big-data pipelines.
- AI-based self-healing networks, capable of diagnosing and fixing outages without human intervention.
- Automation of training activities (face recognition, RFID, MEMS sensors for endurance scores, gait analysis) to reduce manual oversight and build robust, digitized personnel management.
This shift highlights that data itself is a weapon system, as important as a fighter jet or missile.
| Programme / Project | Life (yrs) | Qty | Key Features / Significance |
| Multi-sensor Fusion Algorithms | 5–10 | Unlimited license | Fuses OSINT + commercial + military sensor data; near-real-time |
| AI/ML Change Detection | 5–10 | 2–5 | Imagery analysis, blockchain-secure pipelines |
| AI-based Self-Healing Networks | — | Lot | Real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, automated fixes |
| Data Fusion for Training Automation | Lifetime | — | Automates attendance, firing scores, endurance, gait analysis via AI/ML |
Unmanned Aerial Systems and Counter-Systems
Unmanned platforms are treated as both opportunity and threat:
- Counter-UAS systems for swarm drone neutralization, combining AESA radars, EO/IR, acoustic sensors with Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs), high-power microwaves (HPM), and kamikaze drones.
- Unmanned/autonomous platforms for ISR, strike, and logistics, reflecting global trends in loyal wingmen and attritable systems.
- Continued integration of loitering munitions for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) engagements.
This shows IAF’s shift towards mass, attritability, and survivability through unmanned assets.
| Programme / Project | Life (yrs) | Qty | Key Features / Significance |
| Stratospheric Airship | 10 | 20 | 25–35 km altitude; comms relay + SIGINT (0.03–40 GHz); AI avionics |
| Hybrid RPA | 20 | 10–20 | 200 km range, 20,000 ft ceiling; rotary-fixed wing hybrid |
Satellite-Based Applications: Expanding into Space
IAF’s TPCR 2025 envisions space as an operational domain:
- VLEO satellites with CBRN sensors, paired with drones and quadcopters for radiation/chemical/biological detection.
- Space-based BMD sensors for early warning of ICBMs, launch point detection, and impact prediction.
- Miniaturized multi-payload small satellites (<150 kg) for SAR, EO/IR, and SIGINT.
- Integration with AFNET and IACCS for cross-domain awareness.
This points to a space–air convergence in India’s defence posture.
| Programme / Project | Life (yrs) | Qty | Key Features / Significance |
| Multiband RF Sensor Satellites | 5–10 | 2–5 | Detects 0.5–40 GHz from LEO; emitter ID, PRI, localisation |
| Innovative Payloads on Launch Vehicle Stages | 1–2 | 2–5 | ISR payloads on final rocket stages for RF mapping |
| High Throughput Comms Satellites (LEO) | 5–15 | 50–70 | Ku/Ka band; reduced latency vs GEO; dual-use constellation |
| On-Orbit Maintenance & Refuelling (OOMR) | 5–10 | 2–5 | Refuelling, module servicing, payload upgrades |
| Modular VLEO Bus | 5–10 | 2–5 | Plug-and-play small satellite bus; multi-payload |
| AEHF GEO Satellites | 15 | 2–5 | Encrypted, jam-proof comms; ~44 GHz uplink / 20 GHz downlink |
| L/P Band SAR Small Satellites | 5–10 | 2–5 | Penetrates foliage, sub-surface detection |
| Miniaturized Multi-payload Satellites | 5–10 | 2–5 | EO, IR, SAR, Hyperspectral; ≤150 kg |
| Onboard Cyber Defence for Satellites | 5–10 | 2–5 | Hardens LEO/GEO assets against EW & cyber threats |
Weapons & Emerging Technologies
While networks, autonomy, and space dominate the roadmap, TPCR-2025 also devotes attention to next-generation weapons and survivability technologies. The emphasis is on precision strike at standoff ranges, loitering and modular munitions, and directed energy for defence. At the same time, the IAF is pursuing advanced materials, ejection systems, and additive manufacturing to sustain operations and keep platforms survivable. These projects together underline that future air combat power will rest not only on aircraft, but also on the quality and adaptability of their weapons and supporting technologies.
| Programme / Project | Life (yrs) | Qty | Key Features / Significance |
| EOIRST on Fighter Aircraft | 15 | >70 | Electro-Optical IR Search & Track; passive day/night detection; >20 km range; DRDO under development |
| Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) for HALE/MALE/UCAV | 10–15 | 300-500 | Modular warheads (10–120 kg); precision strike on armour, radars, soft targets; CEP <1 m |
| NLOS Guided Ammunition (Helicopters) | 10 | 250 | 50–60 km range; man-in-loop guidance with real-time video |
| Precision Long-Range Air-Launched Cruise Missile | 10–15 | 200–250 | ≥250 km range; GPS/INS guidance; loiter & re-attack; DRDO under development |
| Air-to-Surface Missile (Fighter/Bomber) | 10–15 | 200-250 | 75–100 km; INS mid-course + TV/IIR man-in-loop; CEP ~3 m; DRDO under development |
| Loitering BVLOS Munitions | 10–15 | 200–250 | Ground-launched; 500–1000 km; 50 kg warhead; loiter >6 hrs; autonomous search–attack–BDA |
| Universal Launcher for Aircraft | 10-15 | Lot | Common launcher adaptable for AAMs, AGMs, bombs, pods |
| Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) | — | — | Lasers / HPM; counter-UAV, missile defence; conceptual in TPCR |
| Ejection Seat for Fighters | 40 | 200 | Zero–zero ejection capability (safe at zero altitude & speed); multi-class fighter integration |
| On-Demand Spares via Additive Manufacturing | 5 | 1000 | 3D printing of certified spares; reduces downtime; CEMILAC compliance |
Conclusion: Air Superiority through Technology Superiority
The Indian Air Force’s TPCR-2025 is not about adding more squadrons alone. It is about:
- Securing connectivity through indigenous comms and ZTNA.
- Ensuring survivability through powerful EW suites.
- Achieving decision advantage with AI/ML-driven sensor fusion.
- Deploying unmanned systems at scale while defending against swarms.
- Extending the battlespace into space-based ISR and BMD.
The doctrine is clear: in the next 10–15 years, India’s skies will be defended not only by aircraft but by data, autonomy, and resilient networks.