New Delhi, Oct 25 (IANS): The Indian Air Force Friday launched a 3G network for its staff, becoming the first among the forces to have a 3G network.

The network, named AFCEL (Air Force Cellular), will provide a secure 3G network for communication to air force staff.

"We are taking a quantum leap forward in our quest to provide mobile and secure "end-point" connectivity to air warriors deployed across the length and breadth of our country," Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne said after the launch of the first phase of the network.

"AFCEL will facilitate real-time exchange of information in the ever dynamic operational environment that we operate in," he said.

This technological advancement will provide for a secure network enabling voice, data, video streaming and file sharing, enhancing and facilitating communication for the IAF.

While Phase I of the project will ensure mobile connectivity to all air warriors in the National Capital Region, Phase II will cover the rest of the bases.

IAF already has Air Force Network (AFNet), which is IAF owned, operated and managed, and gigabyte digital information grid, which was launched in 2010, replacing the older system of communication.