Weapon Systems School Inaugurated By IAF Chief

A new chapter has been introduced in the history of the IAF with the inauguration of the Weapon Systems School by Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff

Weapon Systems School Inaugurated By IAF Chief

A new chapter has been introduced in the history of the IAF with the inauguration of the Weapon Systems School by Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff at Air Force Station Begumpet, Hyderabad on 01 July 24. The creation of the WS branch was announced by the CAS during the Air Force Day Parade celebrations on 08 October 2022.

The WSS will impart effect based training that is contemporary in nature and prepare officers of the newly formed branch in line with the requirements of the IAF. With inauguration of the WSS, Flight Cadets of WS Branch will undergo their second semester of training at this institute. During the interaction, the CAS highlighted that with the creation of WS Branch, operators of ground based, and specialist weapon systems will come under one umbrella, enhancing war fighting capabilities of the IAF significantly.

The new branch will have four sub-branches

(1)to operate the weapons in twin and multi-crew aircraft

(2) for handling space-based intelligence and satellite images

(3) to operate remotely piloted aircraft and

 (4) mission commanders and operators for surface-to-ground weapons, surface-to-surface missiles and close-in weapon systems.

WSB Training

The training will occur in two stages – the first stage will be conducted at the IAF academy at Dundigal, whereas the second part of the training will be conducted at the new school at Begumpet. The syllabus would be common for all the four sub-branches. While making the announcement last year, he stated that the introduction of such a branch would save the air force of Rs 3,400 crore on training – as trained pilots would not be taken away for non-flying tasks.