Indian Air Force to Enhance Intelligence Capabilities with Pre-Owned Airbus A319 Spy Planes
The Indian Air Force plans to acquire pre-owned Airbus A319 class aircraft for conversion into advanced spy planes, enhancing intelligence gathering and communication disruption capabilities. Spearheaded by the Centre for Airborne Studies, this project aims to develop three state-of-the-art military platforms to bolster India’s aerial surveillance and communication dominance.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to bolster its intelligence gathering and communication disruption capabilities with the acquisition of new spy planes. Spearheaded by the Centre for Airborne Studies (CABS), the project aims to develop three state-of-the-art signal intelligence and communication jamming system aircraft based on Airbus A319 class platforms.
Instead of opting for brand new aircraft, the IAF plans to procure pre-owned Airbus A319 class planes from the open market. These planes will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment process to meet military specifications. They will be equipped with cutting-edge sensors and systems tailored for signal intelligence and communication jamming.
The IAF’s decision to repurpose used aircraft for this project follows previous successful endeavors in the Indian defense sector. For example, the Netra Mark II program utilizes six Airbus A321s previously acquired from Air India. Additionally, the DRDO employs a single Airbus A319 as a flying testbed. The IAF’s experience in integrating military technology into Airbus platforms suggests a smooth transition for these new spy planes.
To proceed with the project, the IAF will need to secure approvals to float a tender for acquiring the pre-owned Airbus A319s. This process will involve a detailed evaluation of potential aircraft and refurbishment companies to ensure that the project meets all performance and budgetary requirements.
By adopting this approach, the IAF aims to enhance its aerial surveillance and communication dominance, contributing to India’s national security efforts.
