Article Posted on : - Dec 14, 2011

NEW DELHI (PTI): Steps have been taken for providing a dedicated satellite facility to the armed forces and an Integrated Space Cell has been set up for acquiring space capabilities, Defence Minister A K Antony said Wednesday.

In written reply to a question, Antony told Rajya Sabha that "Satellite requirement of the armed forces are being met from the existing facilities. Steps have also been taken for provision of dedicated satellite facilities for the armed forces."

On development of space-based capabilities, he said, "An Integrated Space Cell (ISC) under Headquarter Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) has been constituted in August 2009 and it is coordinating for acquiring requisite space facilities."

Antony said government has mechanism in place to effectively exploit space resources for the defence and security of the country.

Replying to a question on shortage of equipment in armed forces, he said, "Modernisation of armed forces is a continuous process based on threat perception, operational challenges, technological changes and available resources."

The process is based on a 15 year Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP), five year Service Capital Acquisition Plan (SCAP) and Annual Acquisition Plan (AAP), he said, adding the 12th Five Year Plan has been finalised in respect of Air Force and is under finalisation for Navy.

He said arms and equipment are available in adequate quantity in the armed forces and the shortages are adequately addressed through indigenous production and import.