The Indian Air Force (IAF) achieved a significant milestone with the inauguration of the Weapon Systems School (WSS) by Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari. The event took place on Monday at the Air Force Station Begumpet in Hyderabad, following the approval of a new branch of officers in the IAF, the Weapon System (WS) branch. Air Chief announced the creation of the WS branch during the Air Force Day Parade celebrations on 8th October 2022.
Emphasising the IAF’s commitment to transform training, it said in a statement, “Aimed at recalibrating and transforming the Indian Air Force as a future-oriented force, the formation of this new training establishment is a gigantic leap for the Armed Forces in general and the Indian Air Force in particular.”
The WSS will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the newly formed branch, imparting effect-based training that is contemporary and prepares officers to align with the requirements of the IAF. According to the statement, with the inauguration of the WSS, flight cadets of the WS Branch will undergo their second semester of training at this institute. The new branch will have four streams:
- Flying stream to operate the weapons and systems in airborne platforms like the Sukhoi-30 MKI and C-130J;
- Remote stream to operate Remotely Piloted Aircraft;
- Mission Commanders and operators for Surface to Air and Surface-to-Surface weapon systems and
- Intelligence stream for handling space-based intelligence and imagery.
During the interaction, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) ACM Chaudhari highlighted the pivotal role of the instructors in the newly formed WS Branch. As pioneers in this branch, they are the pillars on which the entire edifice of the envisioned training regime will stand firmly. Their leadership and dedication are crucial in delivering decisive air power. The CAS commended the School’s founding members and urged all personnel to work towards establishing the School as a leading centre for weapon systems training in the country.
Team BharatShakti
