Cyber unit to be set up to deal with defence issues: Antony

Defence Minister A.K. Antony said that a separate cyber unit would be formed for the armed forces to counter the threat to the country from cyber space.

"A formalised architecture for cyber defence in the armed forces is on its way," the defence minister said in an informal interaction with journalists at the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, in Kannur district.

Antony was at the academy for the passing out parade of the first batch of 60 Indian Navy cadets who underwent a B.Tech course along with 242 other cadets of the navy and Coast Guard who have completed other courses.

Antony also said that his ministry had ensured full utilisation of funds allotted to it and strengthening of infrastructure on the borders would continue unhindered.

Addressing the parade, Antony noted that considerable progress had been made by the Ezhimala academy in every facet of naval training. He said the academy could be compared with the best in the world.

"More infrastructure projects are in the pipeline, which would ensure the best training facilities," Antony said, advising the future officers to treat subordinates with dignity.

INA, Ezhimala is located on the historic Malabar coast of Kerala in a sprawling campus of about 2,600 acres, overlooking the Arabian Sea. The region has both backwaters and mountains.

Currently, more than 1,000 cadets are being trained here with the strength slated to be increased over time.