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karatecatman · Guest

www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/008200811181721.htm
IAF to launch its satellite to gather information: Air Chief

Pune (PTI): The first Indian Air Force (IAF) controlled satellite to gather navigational information will be launched in July 2009.

Air Chief Marshal F H Major who, described the proposed satellite as "the IAF eye in the skies", today said that it would basically be used to gather navigational information which would help IAF positioning.

The Air Chief who was interacting with reporters on the sidelines of a function at Pune University, said similar satellites of almost all major countries are already operating to collect necessary data.

Major, who delivered the annual Gen B C Joshi memorial lecture at the university, said, "Our plans for future expansion have made it inevitable that we would have to utilise the realm of space."

He said, "While I am not a die-hard proponent of weaponisation of space, I am convinced that harnessing the capabilities that space provides, creates a force multiplier effect and increases effectiveness of our operations manifold."

Noting that India has a well developed Space programme, the Air Chief said it was his intention to harness the capability that space based assets provide and put in place structures and mechanisms to exploit enhanced capability.

karatecatman · Guest

IAF on modernisation prog; to launch satellite in 2010

Bangalore, Jan 17
The Air Force is embarking on a systematic modernisation programme to enhance every aspect of its capability, part of which includes putting in place an integrated air command and control system this year and launching its own satellite next year, Air Chief Marshal F H Major said here today.
In the next few years, IAF would acquire very complex grade radar facilities. The air command system would be in place by the end of this year. "With these capabilities, IAF can apply a robust network of sensors and enable it to conduct operations with high flexibility, which is our aim," he said.

The IAF has already redesigned its training patterns and most of its inventory would either be upgraded or changed in the next few years, he said, while delivering the Air Chief Marshall L M Katre Memorial Lecture here.

Stating that aerospace power would increase in future, he said IAF has put measures in place as far as aerial space was concerned. "We are ready to meet any situation," he said to a query on steps the IAF had taken in the wake of heightened tension between India and Pakistan.

Asked whether a war like situation existed with Pakistan, he shot back, "I am not an authority to decide it. I am only a prosecutor to carry out orders".

On modernisation plans, he said induction of Jaguars, MIG-27s, MIG-29s and Sukhois with upgraded avionics have been accelerated.

Inter-Governmental agreements for design and development of fifth generation fighter aircraft has been concluded, he said adding that the LCA programme has gained momentum. The initial operations were expected to start by 2010-11, he said.