Armed forces ask for space, commando, cyber units

The armed forces have decided to make a strong pitch before the PM on Friday for setting up three new commands to handle the threats to India's space assets and cyber infrastructure and for controlling commando operations. HT reports.

The armed forces have decided to make a strong pitch before Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday for setting up three new commands to handle the threats to India's space assets and cyber infrastructure and for controlling commando operations.

The three services will make a presentation, led by air force chief Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne, before the PM and members of the cabinet committee on security at the bi-annual combined commanders' conference.

The need for a separate command to tackle cyberspace has been felt because of the recent surge in attacks on government and military networks by hacker groups and non-state actors.

"Even though we are a latecomer in putting a mechanism and network for strengthening our cyber security, now we are moving very fast," defence minister AK Antony said.

The proposal for an aerospace command has been stuck for the past few years as the services have not agreed on its structure and leadership. At present, the three services have separate space cells.

The special operations command has also been recommended by a government panel to put the special forces of the three services under one formation.