The new branch will have four streams: flying stream to operate the weapons and systems in twin and multi-crew aircraft like the Sukhoi-30 MKI and C-130J; remote stream to operate remotely piloted aircraft; mission commanders and operators for surface-to-air and surface-to-surface weapon systems, and intelligence stream for handling space-based intelligence and imagery.The IAF branches include flying (pilot), aeronautical engineering (electronics and mechanical), education, administration, logistics, accounts and meteorology branches.Air Vice Marshal Premkumar Krishnaswamy is the first commandant of the Weapon Systems School. Keeping the significance of the new establishment, the inauguration ceremony was also attended by Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, and other senior officers of the IAF including Commandant, Air Force Academy, Commandant, College of Air Warfare.The creation of the WS branch was announced by the CAS during the Air Force Day Parade celebrations on October 8, 2022. The first batch of 33 WS officer cadets joined the (IAF) academy, Dundigal for common training with the ground duty and flying branch trainee cadets for 6 months. They have now joined the WSS for branch training; will get commissioned in December this year as weapon system branch officers.
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