New Delhi, March 21, 2005, Rajat Pandit (TOI)

The IAF has completed the preliminary spadework for the country's first-ever Aerospace Command and is now all set to approach the government with its concept for integrating air and space-based systems.

"After an exhaustive in-house debate, we have got a plan ready for the Aerospace Command. The next step for us is to go to the government and seek its views," Air Chief Marshal S P Tyagi, told Times of India.

"There are many complexities involved with several players like Indian Space Research Organisation, Defence Research and Development Organisation and even private operators in the space arena. Moreover, space has international dimensions to it. So, I am not visualising the formation of this command in a hurry," he added.

Yet, the IAF is keen to see the Aerospace Command up and running as soon as possible. "Our views are clear. The IAF is definitely in favour of it. It's a natural progression for us. If I operate at 5,000 feet or 500,000 feet, it's just height for us. The concept remains the same," said ACM Tyagi.

Space is increasingly being used for "real-time" military communications and reconnaissance missions, ballistic missile defences and delivery of precision-guided munitions through satellite signals. The proposed Aerospace Command will integrate various elements like satellites for surveillance and communication.