Be ready for war in space: Kalam

Asking the armed forces to equip themselves for 'technology-driven' warfare of the future, President A P J Abdul Kalam on Saturday said that the military should be prepared for nuclear and chemical attacks as well as 'electronic encounters.'

"Walk through during a space attack, chemical attack, nuclear attack and electronic encounters need to be visualized and proper counter measure needs to be practiced," he said after reviewing the passing out parade at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun.

Kalam said the military personnel need to be trained in virtual reality-based simulated warfronts on all terrains and extreme conditions. The future battlefield will require a synergized team work 'with joint services operating and use of land, aerospace and ocean as important war theatres,' he said, adding that the new role is 'to equip ourselves to combat the technology-driven warfare.'

"The whole war environment will be a network centric and it could be electronically controlled combined with space encounters, deep sea encounters and ballistic missiles," the President observed.

Kalam said national security was dependent on economic growth and prosperity and the capability of a nation to defend itself against all types of threats.

Stating that India was progressing on both fronts, the President said: "There are, however, forces operating to derail this process."

"They do not want India to succeed economically and become self-reliant in military capability. There will always be a dynamic environment along our borders needing eternal vigilance by our armed forces," Kalam said.

The President said the winners of the future warfare will be those who can visualize the strength of the enemy, 'not based on the previous war but based on the current capabilities and technological advancements in the global scenario.'

"Now you have got greater responsibilities of keeping an eye on the technological advancements in addition to keeping on the borders of our country," Kalam said, urging Army officers to develop all round capabilities in all their assignments so that Indian Army can emerge as the best and most powerful force in the world.