AWACS delay could throw IAF networking plans awry

India's efforts to strengthen its air reconnaissance military assets and establish an advanced communication network will be hit due to further delays in delivery of key Israeli early warning systems.

India's efforts to strengthen its air reconnaissance military assets and establish an advanced communication network will be hit due to further delays in delivery of key Israeli early warning systems.

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The much-awaited PHALCON Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS)is about 15 months behind its original schedule of November 2007. There had been an initial delay till September 2008.

"The delivery of AWACS is likely to be delayed till February 2009. There have been some technical glitches that are reasons for the delay," IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal P V Naik told reporters here today.

AWACS, a major force multiplier for the IAF, is a vital link in the Air Force Net, a communication network that is key to the IAF's dreams of emerging as a network-centric force.

India had signed a USD 1.1-billion deal in March 2004 for three AWACS from Israeli Aerospace Industries for mounting the systems on to three Russian-made IL-76 heavy lift transport aircraft.

"It is like having the first baby. We are being more careful so that nothing gets wrong and we get the best. We do not want to leave anything to chance," Naik said.