Airborne radars to detect aerial threats during Republic Day parade

NEW DELHI: India will deploy airborne warning and control systems ( AWACS) during the Republic Day parade, which will have US President Barack Obama as the chief guest, as part of the stepped-up security measures to provide impregnable cover from the skies.

AWACS can detect incoming aerial threats like fighters and cruise missiles from over 400 km away in all weather conditions, much before they can be spotted by ground-based radars. India has only three AWACS in the shape of Israeli Phalcon radar suites mounted on Russian IL-76 aircraft, obtained through a $1.1 billion deal inked in 2004, which are based in Agra.

The armed forces are already on a high alert along the borders to take care of any contingency during Obama's visit from January 25 to 27. "From our side, we have made all the arrangements... the borders are well protected, well guarded. Extra precautions are being taken," defence minister Manohar Parrikar said.

Sources said the AWACS will be deployed to provide 360-degree radar coverage during the almost two-hour parade down the majestic Rajpath at the request of US security teams because of heightened threat perception. The armed forces have already deployed air defence missiles and a wide array of ground-based radars around the Capital.

India, however, turned down a suggestion by the US for imposition of a blanket 5-km "no-fly zone" around the city since it would have meant cancellation of the customary fly-past during the Republic Day parade, as reported by TOI earlier.

In any case, there is a no-fly zone over Rashtrapati Bhavan, South and North Blocks, the PM's residence and other nearby places round the year. Moreover, overflying civilian airliners have to keep above 35,000 feet, while no landings or take-offs are permitted from the Indira Gandhi International Airport during the annual parade.

In the fly-past this year, 18 fighter jets, five aircraft and 10 helicopters will fly at heights varying from 60-metre to 300-metre above ground. It will include fighters like Sukhoi-30MKIs, MiG-29Ks and Jaguars as well as C-130J 'Super Hercules', C-17 Globemaster-III strategic airlift and Poseidon-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft.