Indian Army working on Space vision 2020
23 Oct 2007
"The army realises the importance of space as a vital arena for future exploitation and has already established a space cell to coordinate space-based applications in a joint services operational environment," an Indian Army statement said.
It is being given to understand that the Indian Army''s Corps of Signals, commanded by Lt General Sree Kumar, acts as the nodal agency for the space cell, while overall supervision lies in the hands of the Indian Army''s deputy chief for information systems and training, Lietenant General Susheel Gupta.
"The deliberations during the conference will be aimed at ratifying the army''s space philosophy; concept of utilisation of space at tactical, operational and strategic levels; desired operational capabilities and related ground and space assets," said the statement.
Meanwhile the Indian Army is set to commission its first space-based force multiplier in the shape of a satellite based surveillance and reconnaissance (SBS) system. Carried by the Cartosat satellite, the SBS will enable Indian Army commanders keep close tabs on troop movements, missile silos, military installations and airbases of neighbouring countries, as also enhance surveillance over Indian airspace.
It is given to understand that apart from the satellite, the SBS will also comprise a Defence Imagery Processing and Analysis Centre in New Delhi and a satellite control facility in Bhopal.
Keeping in mind the IAF''s vision of a joint Aerospace Command, the army''s space vision will eventually be dovetailed into that larger project. Army officials have said that though the service is working independently at the moment it has its eye on eventual integration with the larger command.
The
Army Commander''s Conference will also review the situation in Jammu and Kashmir
and the country''s North East.
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