IAF plans deployment of 82 automatic weather stations to augment its aerospace safety

The Indian Air Force has entered into a contract with an Indian manufacturer for the acquisition of Automatic Weather Stations to be deployed across 82 IAF locations, the Air Force revealed on October 26, 2023.

“This technological enhancement will provide a major boost to Aerospace Safety by making available real-time weather updates during flying operations and training,” IAF officials added.

 According to sources from the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the measurement of meteorological parameters such as ambient temperature, wind speed, wind direction, humidity, and atmospheric pressure plays a very crucial role in the safe landing and takeoff of aircraft and helicopters. “While automatic weather stations have been deployed in major airfields, these facilities were not available in advance landing grounds/helipads situated in remote locations,” a previous DRDO statement said. The creation of the Portable Automatic Weather Observation System (PAWS) is being anticipated by the DRDO to address this gap, enabling the monitoring of meteorological parameters and facilitating defence operations in remote or emergency conditions without compromising the safety of airborne platforms.

 This procurement is particularly significant for India's strategic locations, including Daulat Beg Oldie, the highest airstrip at an altitude of 16,700 feet, as well as Fukche and Nyoma, which have received approval for conversion into fully operational fighter bases. Additionally, several advanced landing grounds (ALGs) in Ladakh, such as Tuting, Vijaynagar, Walong, Ziro, and Tawang, along with various high-altitude helipads, are set to benefit from this procurement, which, in turn, provides IAF with a tactical edge in logistical support, as transporting personnel and equipment would be more efficient with accurate meteorological oversight present.