How IAF Plans To Create An Impenetrable Air Defence Shield Around Delhi For G20 Summit

In anticipation of the upcoming G20 summit scheduled for September 9-10, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is undertaking extensive measures to establish an impenetrable air defence shield around the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), the Times of India has reported.

A robust array of assets including fighter jets, surface-to-air missile systems, anti-drone technology, airborne early-warning and control systems (AEW&C), and various sensors are being deployed for this purpose.

The IAF's Operations Direction Centre (ODC) will play a pivotal role in coordinating with the Joint Control and Analysis Centre (JCAC) and other relevant agencies. This collaboration will provide a comprehensive view of the airspace, enabling the detection of potential threats ranging from small, slow-moving drones to larger, faster aircraft.

Once a threat is identified, the ODC will determine the most suitable course of action, including the selection of appropriate weapon systems to neutralize the threat effectively.

While routine air defence arrangements are typically enacted to counter airborne threats during events like Republic Day and Independence Day, the preparations for the G20 summit are unparalleled in scale and intensity.

Frontline fighter aircraft such as Rafales, Mirage-2000s, and Sukhoi-30MKIs will conduct airborne patrols.

Additionally, airbases in the vicinity, including Ambala, Bareilly, Sirsa, Bhatinda, and Gwalior, will maintain round-the-clock Operational Readiness Platforms (ORPs). These ORPs consist of two to three combat-ready fighter jets stationed in blast pens adjacent to runways, ensuring rapid response capabilities upon activation.

A diverse selection of surface-to-air guided weapon systems have been strategically positioned to safeguard the Delhi-NCR region.

Among these systems are the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (MR-SAMs), a collaborative effort with Israel, designed to engage hostile aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones within a 70-kilometer range. The indigenously developed Akash air defence missiles, with a 25-kilometer interception range, are also integral to the protection plan.

Complementing these assets are the Netra AEW&C aircraft and an array of sensors, including portable low-level radars. These sensors will maintain continuous surveillance of the airspace within and around the Delhi-NCR, detecting any potential airborne threats in the vicinity.