In preparation for the G20 Summit scheduled for September 9-10, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has unveiled a comprehensive security plan to safeguard the skies over Delhi. With a multitude of assets at their disposal, the IAF aims to protect the national capital from a wide range of potential threats.
From fighter jets to surface-to-air missile systems, airborne surveillance platforms to anti-drone systems, the IAF will be on high alert throughout the weekend. These measures are designed to detect, track, and neutralize any airborne threats that may arise during this high-profile international event.
"IAF’s air defense cover is in place to defend the Capital against a broad range of threats including drones, gliders, smaller aircraft, missiles, and even fighter planes," stated an official familiar with the matter. Surface-to-air missile systems have also been deployed across the National Capital Region.
The IAF possesses the capability to detect and track threats ranging from a few kilometers to hundreds of kilometers away and is prepared to take necessary action to neutralize them. Key operational centers, such as the IAF’s operations direction center (ODC) and the joint command and analysis center (JCAC) operations room at IGI Airport, will play pivotal roles in securing the skies during the summit.
In the event of a detected threat, the ODC will swiftly deploy the appropriate platform to address it. Some fighter jets stationed at airbases in close proximity to Delhi, including those in Punjab and Haryana, will be kept on 'operational readiness platform' duties, ensuring they can be airborne within 5 to 7 minutes to respond to any situation.
To enhance surveillance and threat detection, the IAF will deploy airborne early warning and control aircraft as well as indigenous airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems with a surveillance range of up to 400 km.
Additionally, counter-drone systems, including those developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), have been strategically placed in Delhi. These systems offer both "soft kill" options, involving jamming hostile drones, and "hard kill" capabilities, which use laser-based systems to neutralize threats. This proactive approach stems from the need to deter, detect, and neutralize threats after a drone attack targeted an IAF base in Jammu two years ago.
Close coordination with civilian air traffic authorities is deemed critical to ensure minimal disruption to planned routes during the summit.
The G20 Summit coincides with the IAF's extensive training exercise known as "Exercise Trishul." This exercise tests the combat readiness of the IAF's various assets, including fighter planes, transport aircraft, helicopters, and more. It comes in light of the ongoing military standoff with China in the Ladakh sector, underscoring the IAF's commitment to maintaining readiness amid geopolitical challenges.
In summary, the IAF's meticulous security plan for the G20 Summit underscores the importance of protecting the skies during high-profile international events, demonstrating India's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all attendees and the national capital.
