Page 320 - SSB Interview: The Complete Guide, Second Edition

Thus, a Flying Squadron is a sub-unit of an air force station, which
carries out the primary task of the IAF. All fighter squadrons are headed

by a Commanding Officer with the rank of Wing Commander. Some

transport squadrons and helicopter units are headed by a Commanding
Officer with the rank of Group Captain.

Garud Commando Force

112. In September 2004, the IAF established its own special operations unit

called the Garud Commando Force, consisting of approximately 1,500
personnel.

Integrated Space Cell

113. An Integrated Space Cell, which will be jointly operated by all the three

services of the Indian Armed Forces, the civilian Department of Space

and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has been set up to
utilise more effectively the country’s space-based assets for military

purposes and to look into threats to these assets. This command will
leverage space technology, including satellites. Unlike an aerospace

command, where the Air Force controls most of its activities, the

Integrated Space Cell envisages cooperation and coordination between
the three services, as well as civilian agencies dealing with space. One

such centre is based at Bhopal.

114. India currently has 11 remote sensing satellites in orbit. Though most

are not meant to be dedicated military satellites, some have a special
resolution of 1 metre or below which can be also used for military

applications. Noteworthy satellites include the Technology Experiment

Satellite (TES) which has a panchromatic camera (PAN) with a
resolution of 1 metre, the RISAT-2 which is capable of imaging in all-

weather conditions and has a resolution of 1 metre, the CARTOSAT-2,
CARTOSAT-2A (a dedicated military satellite) and CARTOSAT-2B

which carries a panchromatic camera with a resolution of 80 centimetres

(black and white only).