(Reopens DEL 61)

On the issue of setting up an aerospace command, Browne said the three services have been asked to submit separate proposals for creation of three commands- aerospace, cyber and special forces- as per their domain of expertise. He said the Army has been given the responsibility for special forces command, the Navy will take care of the cyber security command, while the IAF will handle the aerospace command. Browne said the proposals were expected soon and once they were ready these would be sent to the government for approval of the chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee. On reports suggesting that deal for procurement of 197 light helicopters was to be cancelled, Browne said the Defence Acquisition Council has to examine the whole case and it will look at the entire project. Holding that the services have to be lean and mean, he said if the revenue expenditure is too large the modernisation will suffer.