IAF Chief Inaugurates Weapon Systems School to Recalibrate Air Force

In a significant stride towards bolstering its operational capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has inaugurated the Weapon Systems School (WSS) at Air Force Station Begumpet in Hyderabad. This new establishment marks a pivotal moment in the history of the IAF, aimed at recalibrating and future-proofing the force for advanced warfare scenarios.

Led by IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, the inauguration of the WSS signifies a monumental leap for the armed forces, particularly in enhancing their strategic capabilities. This initiative comes on the heels of the formation of the Weapon System (WS) branch within the IAF, a development announced in 2022 to streamline operations and training.

The WSS will serve as a hub for effect-based training tailored to modern warfare demands. It will train officers across four specialized streams: the flying stream for operating airborne platforms such as the Sukhoi-30 MKI and C-130J, the remote stream for remotely piloted aircraft, mission commanders and operators for surface-to-air and surface-to-surface weapon systems, and an intelligence stream focusing on space-based intelligence and imagery.

During the inauguration, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari emphasized the consolidation of ground-based and specialist weapon systems under the WS branch, significantly enhancing the IAF's combat readiness. He commended the founding members of the WSS for their pioneering efforts and urged all personnel to establish the school as a premier center for weapon systems training in the country.

The creation of the WS branch underscores the IAF's commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in defense. It was announced during the Air Force Day Parade celebrations in October 2022, setting the stage for a new era of integrated and effective air power strategies.

The establishment of the WSS is not just a milestone for the IAF but also a testament to India's ongoing efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities in alignment with global standards. As the school begins operations, it is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of air warfare tactics and training, ensuring that the IAF remains agile, adaptive, and prepared for any challenge on the horizon.