said, the commissioning of the much needed Coast Guard Station at Minicoy has a special relevance due to its proximity to two of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Since the nearest Coast Guard ships and aircraft were based at Kochi, a need for Coast Guard station with a forward airbase at this location was always felt. He said our aim is to create a real-time coastal surveillance system that can be controlled even from remote locations.

Earlier inaugurating the Coast Guard Headquarters at Kavaratti, Shri Antony said, after the Cabinet Committee on Security decided to entrust Coast Guard with the responsibility of coastal security, the organization is in the process of enhancing its surveillance capabilities to perform its tasks effectively. The present force levels and manpower are projected tobe doubled through phased procurement, with a proportionate development of infrastructure and augmentation of manpower, he said.

Urging the Coast Guard to involve the local populace in coastal security, Shri Antony said the involvement of fishermen to act as eyes and ears need not be over-emphasised.

Wednesday, 22 December 2010

The first of today's two Prithvi launches, which were carried out by the army as a tactical exercise in an operational setting.

The DRDO press release is reproduced below:

Two Prithvi Missiles have been successfully flight tested within one hour time from ITR, Chandipur in Orissa. The two launches took place at 08.15 hrs and 9.15 hrs respectively on 22nd December 2010. The liquid propelled twin Engine Prithvi Missile has already been inducted into service by Armed Forces. The two Missiles were taken