The country’s air defence is all set to get strengthened with the induction of the sophisticated Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS).

In the first phase, the country is likely to get the delivery of three AWACS developed by the Israeli Aerospace Industries by early next year.

“It will help us detect cruise missiles and aircrafts much before they can be detected through the present ground-based radars,” said P S Yadav, Commanding Officer, Air Defence College, Memaura, Lucknow.

The radar can also simultaneously track up to 60 targets over 800 km radius to support defence operations.

Once operational, the AWACS will be a part of a larger, strategic early warning system, comprising ground-based, sea and airborne radars and sensors, mounted on aircraft, balloons, unmanned airborne vehicles and possible unmanned submarines.

The AWACS is likely to use the base of Air Defence College, Memaura, which will celebrate its Golden Jubilee anniversary on November 28.

The function will be attended by Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Air Marshall P P Rajkumar.

The college is the country’s only centre imparting advance training to fighter controllers of the Air Force.

It also conducts training on jobs like surveillance of the skies, directing arms interceptors towards an aircraft and controlling surface to air guided weapons, said Captain Surat Singh, Station Commander, Air Force Station, Memaura.