New Delhi, October 22:Not to be left behind the Air Force that has already come up with a space policy, senior Army leadership will ratify 'Space Vision 2020' -- its philosophy for using space in future warfare -- at the Commanders' Conference, chaired by Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor, starting Tuesday.

"Deliberations during the conference will be aimed at ratifying the Army's space philosophy; concept of utilisation of space at tactical, operational and strategic levels; desired operational capabilities and related ground and space assets," an Army spokesperson said.

While combat applications of space will be discussed in detail, the space vision will also spell out strategy to "enhance functional effectiveness of the Army" through use of space-based communications, weather forecasts, avalanche warnings and navigation.

India is in the process to get its first dedicated military observation satellite later this year when the Cartosat 2A will be launched by the ISRO. Sources indicate that Rs 800 crore were set aside for the satellite in this year's Defence Budget.

'Space Vision 2020', which has been drawn up by the special Space Cell at Army HQ, will be the core agenda of the four-day meet. However, the commanders will also take stock of the current security environment and appraise the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast.

"The aspects of force modernisation, including battlefield transparency, long range precision engagement and integral air-mobility, will come up for in-depth discussions at the conference," the spokesperson said.

"Effective management" of ammunition and expansion of ex-servicemen contributory health scheme will also come up during the conference.

The Naval Senior Officers' Conference and Air Force Commanders' Conference are also scheduled to run along with the Army conference. A combined Commanders' Conference, involving all three forces, will be addressed by the Prime Minister on Wednesday.

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