What’s in News:

• The Government has approved the creation of a Weapon System branch for officers in the Indian Air Force (IAF) which will bring all weapon systems operators of the force under one roof.
• This is the first time since independence that a new operational branch is being created.

The need

• This will essentially be for manning of four specialised streams of Surface to Surface missiles, Surface to Air Missiles, Remotely Piloted Aircraft and weapon system operators in twin and multi crew aircraft.
• Creation of the new branch would entail unification of all weapon system operators under one entity dedicated to the operational employment of all ground-based and specialist airborne weapon systems
• Creation of this branch would result in savings of over Rs 3400 Crores due to reduced expenditure on flying training
• Establishment of a separate branch for missile system operators, unmanned aerial vehicles and weapon system officers of two-seater aircraft is an effort to synergise operational requirements which differ from active flying.
• This separate branch is also expected to include officers who specialise as intelligence analysts and operate intelligence-gathering tasks in unmanned aerial vehicles as well as space-based assets.

Reference:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/90th-indian-air-force-day-celebrations-in-chandigarh-on-october-8-2022/article65983823.ece