New Delhi - In preparation for the upcoming G20 summit on September 9-10, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is implementing extensive measures to establish an impenetrable air defense shield around the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), as reported by the Times of India.

To achieve this objective, a comprehensive set of assets is being deployed, which includes fighter jets, surface-to-air missile systems, anti-drone technology, airborne early-warning and control systems (AEW&C), and various sensors.

The coordination hub for these efforts will be the IAF's Operations Direction Centre (ODC), working closely with the Joint Control and Analysis Centre (JCAC) and other relevant agencies. This collaborative approach will provide a holistic 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 appropriate course of action, including the selection of suitable weapon systems to effectively neutralize the threat.

While routine air defense measures are typically put in place for events like Republic Day and Independence Day, the preparations for the G20 summit are unprecedented in terms of scale and intensity.

Frontline fighter aircraft such as Rafales, Mirage-2000s, and Sukhoi-30MKIs will be conducting 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 when activated.

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

These systems include the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (MR-SAMs), developed in collaboration with Israel, designed to engage hostile aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones within a 70-kilometer range. The indigenously developed Akash air defense missiles, with a 25-kilometer interception range, also play a crucial role in 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.