New Delhi, August 20, 2026 – A seminar and exhibition on Surveillance, C4I2 and Electro-Optics-2026 was organized by the Center for Aerospace Power and Strategic Studies (CAPSS) in collaboration with IMR on 18 August 2026 at Air Force Auditorium, Subrato Park.
Surveillance is the basic capability of air power
CAPSS Director General Air Marshal Nagesh KapoorSYSM, PVSM, AVSM, VM (Retd) delivered the welcome address. He stressed that surveillance is the foundational capability of air power, while C4I2 enables effective command and control and strengthens the OODA loop. He also stressed the importance of principled interconnectedness for an integrated and informed decision-making process.
inaugural address Air Marshal Tejpal SinghAVSM, VM, Deputy Chief of Air Staff. He highlighted the importance of interoperability between systems and converting large amounts of data into useful intelligence. He stressed the need for greater collaboration between the private sector, defense organizations and academia to further strengthen these capabilities.
On 18 August 2026, the Center for Aerospace Power and Strategic Studies (CAPSS), in collaboration with IMR, organized the Seminar and Exhibition on Surveillance, C4I2 and Electro-Optics 2026 at Air Force Auditorium, Subroto Park.
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, SYSM, PVSM, AVSM, VM… pic.twitter.com/PMlERONwXP
— CAPSS India (@CAPS_INDIA) August 20, 2026
Indigenization, Integration and Human Resources
Lieutenant General Rahul Singh, AVSM, VSM, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development and Sustainment), Army Headquarters, delivered the keynote address and highlighted the profound changes taking place in the modern battlefield. He stressed three critical needs: indigenization, integration and human resources.
The session discussed the transition from platform-centric surveillance to an integrated, multi-domain architecture connecting UAVs, satellites, GEOINT, maritime assets and persistent sensor networks. The operational value of EO pods in multi-sensor data fusion, AI-enabled solutions, indigenous technology and providing more rapid and useful intelligence was highlighted during the discussion.
Important role of C4I2 systems
The third session emphasized the vital role of integrated C4I2 systems in enabling seamless multi-domain operations in the Indian Armed Forces. Speakers stressed the need for a common operational picture, AI-enabled decision support and interoperability across departments to enhance situational awareness and mission effectiveness. The discussion also showcased the Indian Air Force's C4ISR capabilities as a key enabler for network-centric warfare. The session emphasized that data integration and connectivity is central to future military operations.
The fourth session focused on the growing importance of electro-optical technology in enhancing target identification, detection and engagement capabilities. DRDO experts presented advancements in electro-optical target detection systems and AI-enabled 'Visual Brain IFF' solutions, and showed how indigenous innovations are strengthening battlefield awareness and reducing response times. The discussion highlighted the synergy between AI and electro-optics for making accurate, reliable and rapid decisions in modern warfare situations.