The Indian Air Force (IAF) intranet project, sources say, will allow real time access to field level data and information. The data passed through various echelons will provide real time information for swift decision making.

While all three services are engaged in large scale automation and computer-based networking, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is the first among the three to complete the project of interlinking major installations throughout the country. "All formations and static establishments have been linked through a Wide Area Network (WAN) and are accessible through data communication lines," an IAF officer here said.

"The next step is to interlink certain mobile units and smaller lodger units which are so far dependent on static formations," he added.

The nationwide programme was launched by the Indian Air Force in collaboration with the private industry to accelerate the use of Information Technology (IT) as well as to link all field units using a dedicated satellite.

"The network will be linked with command and line activities as well as surveillance, radar and training, making it possible for the headquarters to remain in contact with activities in forward areas," the officer said.

"Proven as a very economical and effective force multiplier, the intranet will permeate all levels of intelligence analysis, mission planning and control, post mission feedback and related activities like maintenance, logistics and administration. Sources add that requisite precautions will be taken to ensure the resistance of the Information Technology (IT) system against information manipulation and eavesdropping by incorporating "firewalls".

The Indian Air Force (IAF) project is part of the overall mission to network all three services. The mission comes in the backdrop of a classified document IT Roadmap 2003 prepared by the defence ministry stipulating automation, simulated training and mandatory computer proficiency in the services.

Although presently each service is involved in their individual projects, there would soon be a structured integration to provide greater information flow for decision making at the highest levels.

Besides ensuring computer literacy by 2003 as stipulated in the MoD document, sources say that a project for remote learning and knowledge management for its personnel would also be initiated by the Indian Air Force.