''India's military info-structure liable to threats''

New Delhi, May 27 (UNI) India's robust military info-structure such as terrestrial and wireless networks besides the ''assets'' are liable to threats and vulnerabilities which could degrade these at the critical times of need.

Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju and Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor both expressed these concerns at a seminar here.

''As we build a robust military info-structure, we must understand our assets are liable to threats and vulnerabilities.

Modern day networks can be degraded and we need to be conscious of this fact. The value of the information for that operation or mission would be redundant if it is delayed or degraded. To have guaranteed information assurance, we must be aware of the anti-technology challenges that lie ahead,'' the Minister said.

Mr Raju was of the opinion that information communication technology was the DNA of the modern age warfare and key enablers for Network Centric Warfare.

''Communication and data networks are vital for enhancing our war fighting capabilities and it is here that technology will ensure guaranteed information assurance and information dominance over our adversaries. Technology offers a number of solution but tweaking them to suit the military requirements is the real challenge.'' On the rapid paced modern day warfare, General Kapoor said terrestrial and wireless networks in particular face substantial threats, which could degrade these at critical times of need.

''We must be aware of such threats and their countermeasures in particular. It is of paramount importance that military community in general, and communication network planners in particular, are aware of the possible threats and vulnerabilities, which could affect communication networks. This is imperative to enable instituting focused measures to protect such information systems and communication networks.'' The Army Chief said for a robust communication network, which guaranteed information assurance and facilitated information domination over the adversary, an awareness of the latest technological platforms underpinning modern networks was imperative.

''Technology advances at such a rapid pace that it requires both users and equipment solution providers to constantly and continuously upgrade technical thresholds. The nature of modern warfare -- both conventional and sub-conventional -- is undergoing a paradigm shift towards 'sensor to shooter integration' and 'net centricity'.

''These aspects require shorter response times and quick reactions at all hierarchical levels. Information bearing networks have to be fast, robust and reliable to facilitate commanders at all levels to view the battle space clearly through the 'fog of war' and take appropriate decisions,'' Gen Kapoor said.

The Minister further said India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and poised to grow stronger.

''As we grow economically strong and strive to achieve self-reliance in all spheres, it is imperative to modernise our defence forces so that we are able to effectively defend ourselves.'' The two-day annual seminar of Defence Communication (DEFCOM), jointly organised by Corps of Signals and CII, deliberated upon issues related to enhancement of technology to provide flawless working in an anti-technological environment, duly considering issues of Electro Magnetic Interference/Electro Magnetic Compatibility.

The theme of DEFCOM 2008, which concluded today, had been chosen as ''Technology and Anti Technology Challenges for Defence Forces''.

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