Armed Forces Network (AFN) - A Leap in Defence Communication Network for Indian Armed Forces

1. The Indian military is set to receive a state-of-the-art communication network called the Armed Forces Network (AFN).
2. Upon becoming operational, the AFN will facilitate secure communication and data exchange among 414 bases of the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Indian Army.
3. Previously, communication between Service Headquarters, Theatre Command Headquarter, Indian Air Force bases, Indian Navy bases, Indian Army Division commands, Brigade Headquarters, and others was done using outdated landlines, troposcatter links, and radios.
4. As of April 2020, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has been awarded a new defence communication network contract, known as AFN.
5. The contract includes the laying of an Optic Fibre Cable Network (OFC) to connect all bases and divisions of the Indian Armed Forces. This pan-India network will stretch over 60,000 Km.
6. As of April 2020, BSNL has laid a 57,000 Km long OFC network.
7. Considering that many Indian Armed Forces bases are situated in remote areas, they will be connected to the AFN using either satellite links or microwave radio.

The Importance of Defence Communication Network

1. It facilitates the sharing of situational awareness among the armed forces and the Special Forces Command, thereby speeding up the decision-making process. Thus, it enhances response time due to integrated technology.
2. It ensures network centricity across the three services, Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), and the Strategic Forces Command (SFC).
3. It strengthens the capabilities of the defence forces during critical operations and rescue missions.
4. It demonstrates the strength of the Indian industry. Initially, the system was planned to be imported.
5. With its indigenous development, it reaffirms the capability of the Indian industries and gives a boost to the Make in India Programme.

The above details would assist candidates in preparing for UPSC 2023 .

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