The device, 'Sathi', is in the "final phase of user trials" and is expected to be introduced after certain modifications.
JAMMU: The army is set to equip soldiers with handheld multi-role computers to enable them to pinpoint their field locations in difficult-terrain tactical warfare and for
counter-insurgency operations.
The device, 'Sathi' (situational awareness and tactical handheld information), is in the "final phase of user trials" and expected to be introduced after certain modifications,
Northern Command General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Lt Gen H S Panag said.
There were drawbacks, most of which were rectified. "Some modifications were done and some more are required before it is given the all-clear for induction in the infantry for
mechanised warfare, he said.
Ninety 'Sathis' were delivered to the army in Jammu and Kashmir to conduct trials in "borderline and in-depth counter- insurgency areas in March 2005.
The device was intitially called 'Baaz', alluding to the hawk's view of the battlefield, but was later renamed "sathi (friend) to fit the solider's needs", defence sources said.
President A P J Abdul Kalam on a visit to Rajouri district in 2004 said, "when I saw Baaz, I was reminded of the smart soldier of the 21st century".
Four countries use handheld multi-role computers but India is the first to use Linux-based portable computers in the battlefield and the first to use open sourced operating
system to power it.
The sources said the device "is an integrated battlefield computer that will allow a solider to pinpoint his field location"
It has a GPS (global positioning system) powered map and also allow troops to his position on their screens and allow communication, they said.
Sathi is an 874-gm encrypted computer capable of withstanding temperatures of between minus 20 and 70 degrees Celsius with a range of 5 km, an in-built modem and reciever, all with 24 hours battery life.
"It works on a password-based system and can also act as a decoy if it fall into enemy hands. If some one makes and unauthorised attept to log in, it can actually reveal the
position of the trespasser," they said.
Indian army and Encore software are responsible for the production of the computers, they added.
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