Indian Air Force chief: Country to have aerospace command

Speaking to reporters here, Tyagi said, "As the reach of the IAF is expanding, it has become extremely important that we exploit space, and for it you need space assets."

Tyagi's announcement comes in the wake of confirmation from China that it has indeed successfully tested an anti-satellite missile. (see: China destroys satellite, sparks fears of military space race)

The announcement is also significant in light of the successful execution of an anti-ballistic missile test, the Prthvi Air Defence Exercise (PADE), by the country's defence research and development organisation (DRDO) last November. The PADE exercise marked the country's entry into the high-technology arena of ballistic missile defence. (see: India crosses the threshold)

"We are an aerospace power having trans-oceanic reach," asserted Tyagi. He also said, "We have started training a core group of people for the aerospace command." Tyagi, who is due to retire in March, was in the city to attend a station commanders' conference of the South Western Air Command.

Responding to questions Tyagi said that the air force will take help from ISRO in setting up the aerospace command, but clarified that the proposed command "…will have distinct features as it is a military command."

Air force officers said that the commands assets will have various components such as satellites, radars, communications systems, fighter aircraft and helicopters, keeping in mind diverse needs such as communications, reconnaissance and battlefield damage assessment.