The Indian Air Force has announced the setting up of a new Weapon Systems (WS) branch which will unify operators of ground-based and specialist airborne weapon systems under one umbrella.

The creation of the WS branch was announced by Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari during the Air Force Day parade in Chandigarh today.

Its creation would entail the unification of all weapon system operators under one entity dedicated to the operational employment of all ground-based and specialist airborne weapon systems.

The branch would encompass operators in four specialised streams of Surface-to-Surface missiles, Surface-to-Air missiles, Remotely Piloted Aircraft, and Weapon System Operators in twin/multi-crew aircraft.

It will contribute immensely by enhancing the war-fighting capability of the Indian Air Force.

“Creation of this branch would result in savings of over Rs 3400 crores due to reduced expenditure on flying training,” the IAF chief said in his address.

A new disruptive pattern combat uniform for the IAF personnel was also unveiled during the parade in Chandigarh.

Dressed in the new combat uniform, seven IAF personnel marched at the parade with the top IAF officers, including Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari in attendance.

The dress includes a combat T-shirt introduced in the IAF for the first time besides boots, belts, caps, and turbans designed in the new pattern.

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