India sets up cell to protect space-based assets

[TALWAR]

Waking up to the threat posed by China acquiring capability to shoot down satellites by missiles, India on Tuesday announced setting up of an integrated space cell to counter growing threats to the country's space-based assets.

The space cell, under the aegis of the Integrated Defence services headquarters is to act as a single window between armed forces, Department of Space and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to work out measures to protect India's space-based assets.

Announcing its setting up at the unified Commanders Conference here, Defence Minister A K Antony said while India remains committed to non-weaponisation of space, emergence of offensive counter space systems and anti-satellite weaponry posed new threats which had to be countered.

Antony said new threats to space-assets were also emerging from building of new class of heavy lift and small boosters and improved array of military space systems in the country's neighbourhood.

The minister's announcements comes in the wake of India recently putting into orbit a number of specialised satellites including the nations first ever dedicated military satellite this year.

In months to come, ISRO has a busy schedule with plans to launch even more sophisticated satellites.

During the two-day conference, top armed forces commanders are discussing plans to utilise satellite imagery to boost security and intelligence.

The new dedicated military satellite launched recently will give Indian security experts a wider eye to keep a tab on areas surrounding the borders, as well as the seas and plans are already afoot to make these satellites linked to Army,

Navy and Air Force's network centric warfare capabilities now under development. Satellite imagery has recently assumed importance in the wake of unearthing of China's secret underground nuclear submarine pens, as well as its new range of such underwater vessels.

This is the first time that Indian defence commanders reviewed in depth the security implications of the build up of Chinese nuclear submarine fleet.

Presided over by Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee, Admiral Sureesh Mehta and attended by Army and Air Force chiefs and commanders from the strategic forces command and the Andaman Nicobar tri-service Command, the conference will also review the country's nuclear preparedness.

Along with space cell, Antony also announced setting up of Defence Informatics Centre (DIC) on the pattern of the National Informatics Centre.

DIC will cater to e-governance of the armed forces, the defence ministry and other associated organisations, the minister said.


Link:

:: Bharat-Rakshak.com - Indian Military News Headlines ::

 

[vish]

I'm glad this is happening; but the world has really over-played the threat of the Chinese ASAT test.

 

[nitesh]

http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=448950



Army to train officers for US-style war in space
New Delhi, June 15: Set to make forays in use of space applications, the Indian Army will take a leaf out of US forces' experience to train its officers in optimising the effective use of space-based resources to meet its operational requirements.

A week after India announced setting up of an integrated cell to co-ordinate all military operations based on space assets, the Army's Directorate of Perspective Planning (DoPP) will organise a training programme on Monday for officers to make them understand the tricks of the trade, Army sources said today.

To be inaugurated by Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) General Deepak Kapoor, the seminar would also look into the role of space-based applications in recent conflicts around the world.

"In particular, the use of space-based assets by the US forces in Afghanistan and Iraq would be debated. Army officers would learn the practices adopted by the US forces in utilising space applications to counter enemies in its battles in Iraq and Afghanistan," sources said.

The meet, to be organised in association with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), would witness officers discussing and imbibing "space-based application used by militaries of the space-faring nations," sources said.

"It is imperative that Indian Army, being the largest user of space, exploits space-based resources optimally to meet its operational requirements," a note prepared by the DoPP to organise a day-long training for officers, said.

Bureau Report