Pak setting up naval bases in Arabian sea — George

SURVEILLANCE: State-of-the-art early warning systems and upgraded surveillance systems have been installed along the Line of Control with Pakistan to detect and stop infiltration of militants, he said.

UAV: There have been reports about sighting of flying objects and moving lights during nights in Siachen, Gurez, Kanzalwan, Tangdhar, Naushera sectors, during the last two months but after an analysis it was concluded that the sightings at high altitudes are unlikely to be Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Fernandes said.

No link of these objects has been established with shelling by Pak troops and pushing in mercenaries, he added.

SUMBARINES: Government has approved plans for indigenous construction of submarines for the Navy with foreign technical assistance, as may be required, the Minister said adding that France is one of the likely sources from whom such assistance can be available.

SIERRA LEONE: It has not been possible so far to disburse overseas allowances to the Indian soldiers in Sierra Leone in US dollars as the banks there are unable to handle cash in dollars, he said.

NEPAL: A rail link connecting India and Nepal ising provided between Raxaul and Birgunj for which Rs 5.12 crore is being given to Nepal in the form of non-refundable grants, Minister of State for Railways Digvijay Singh said.

AIRFORCE: The Southern Command of the Air Force has not yet been transformed in accordance with its strategic importance for the southern part of the country, Fernandes said.

EXERCISE: A goodwill-visit by naval ships, including a submarine, to some countries of South East Asia and East Asia is planned in September/October, during which Passage Exercises with the host Navies are proposed to be conducted, he said.

FORCES: There is a 27-30 per cent shortage of technical manpower in the Army, 20 per cent in the Navy and six per cent in the Air Force, the Minister said adding that this was mainly because of job opportunities for technically qualified personnel available in the private sector.