The army needed the airstrip somewhere in the Dooars to launch unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance of the international border. While some land was already available with the army at the spot, more would have to be acquired, Sibal said. In the absence of a suitable launching pad, the UAVs were currently being launched from airports that were also used for civilian purposes, but such activities were facing difficulties. The use of UAVs for surveillance, to carry out the task without risking casualties, has increased. UAVs maintain a watch on incidents along the border in Sikkim by Chinese troops. Sibal said UAVs were also being used in Manipur to monitor the activities of militant groups. (Photo is of the Nishant UAV, developed by DRDO for the Indian Army.)
Satnews Daily
December 12th, 2008
Got UAVs, Need Land, Says India Army General
In India, negotiations have started with the state government for the acquisition of land to set up an airstrip in North Bengal, which the army needs close to the Sino-Indian border. Eastern Command Major General, General Staff (MGGS) Munish Sibal stated such at a news conference in Kolkata this week.
The army needed the airstrip somewhere in the Dooars to launch unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance of the international border. While some land was already available with the army at the spot, more would have to be acquired, Sibal said. In the absence of a suitable launching pad, the UAVs were currently being launched from airports that were also used for civilian purposes, but such activities were facing difficulties. The use of UAVs for surveillance, to carry out the task without risking casualties, has increased. UAVs maintain a watch on incidents along the border in Sikkim by Chinese troops. Sibal said UAVs were also being used in Manipur to monitor the activities of militant groups. (Photo is of the Nishant UAV, developed by DRDO for the Indian Army.)
The army needed the airstrip somewhere in the Dooars to launch unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance of the international border. While some land was already available with the army at the spot, more would have to be acquired, Sibal said. In the absence of a suitable launching pad, the UAVs were currently being launched from airports that were also used for civilian purposes, but such activities were facing difficulties. The use of UAVs for surveillance, to carry out the task without risking casualties, has increased. UAVs maintain a watch on incidents along the border in Sikkim by Chinese troops. Sibal said UAVs were also being used in Manipur to monitor the activities of militant groups. (Photo is of the Nishant UAV, developed by DRDO for the Indian Army.)