Army to unveil Space Vision 2020 at commanders8217; meet

While combat applications of space will be discussed in detail, the space vision will also spell out strategy to 8220;enhance functional effectiveness of the Army8221; through use of space-based communications, weather forecasts, avalanche warnings and navigation.

India is in the process to get its first dedicated military observation satellite later this year when the Cartosat 2A will be launched by the ISRO. Sources indicate that Rs 800 crore were set aside for the satellite in this year8217;s Defence Budget.

8216;Space Vision 20208217;, which has been drawn up by the special Space Cell at Army HQ, will be the core agenda of the four-day meet. However, the commanders will also take stock of the current security environment and appraise the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast.

8220;The aspects of force modernisation, including battlefield transparency, long range precision engagement and integral air-mobility, will come up for in-depth discussions at the conference,8221; the spokesperson said.

8220;Effective management8221; of ammunition and expansion of ex-servicemen contributory health scheme will also come up during the conference.

The Naval Senior Officers8217; Conference and Air Force Commanders8217; Conference are also scheduled to run along with the Army conference. A combined Commanders8217; Conference, involving all three forces, will be addressed by the Prime Minister on Wednesday.