The eagerly awaited launch of a dedicated communication satellite for the navy appears to be on the cards.

The satellite is ready and on standby for launch, government sources said. It would be the first dedicated satellite for a service and is part of navy's project Rukmani aimed at achieving full network centricity to achieve enhanced maritime domain awareness.

All other aspects of the project, such as setting up of infrastructure on the ground and installation of equipment on the entire fleet of warships, air craft and submarines had been tested after completion. The only requirement was to have a dedicated satellite of its own.

During the last theatre level operational exercise held in February off the Vishakhapatnam coast, the navy had extensively tested its network centricity. The exercise was held using a hired communication satellite through which the entire fleet was linked.

The ships operating in the Bay of Bengal would get data in almost real time from the warships operating in the Arabian Sea. The concept of "I will fight what I see" has become irrelevant now as one has several eyes to get a complete picture of the environment.

Keeping in mind the challenges ahead to keep this huge exercise functional, a new appointment has been created in the naval headquarter from June 1. Rear admiral Kishan K. Pandey has been appointed as first ever assistant chief of naval staff exclusively to handle communications space and network centric operations. The navy will be the first service to have a dedicated satellite.

The government had recognised the need for the services to have their own satellites as they shape themselves for modern warfare.