Defence Space Agency successfully conducts first space focused exercise

New Delhi,Nov 13: India’s Defence Space Agency (DSA) has successfully carried out its first space-focused exercise, "Antariksha Abhyas – 2024," according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence.

The event, conducted between November 11 and 13, 2024, aimed to fortify the operational readiness of the Armed Forces in the increasingly challenging domain of space.

The three-day tabletop exercise was designed to integrate space-based capabilities across the tri-services, Army, Navy, and Air Force, under the aegis of the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff.

It focused on various crucial aspects such as emerging space technologies, space situational awareness, and the evolution of India’s space programmes.

These discussions underscored the need to protect the increasing Indian assets in space and maintain vigilance in an environment where space is becoming an increasingly strategic and contested arena.

Experts from diverse sectors, including military, scientific, and academic fields, as well as representatives from various government ministries, participated in the scenario-based exercises.

Their insights shed light on current and future challenges in military space operations, the shifting dynamics of space security, and the implications of international space laws.

The collaborative effort provided a comprehensive understanding of the evolving threats and the necessary measures to safeguard India’s space interests.

The Defence Ministry highlighted that "Antariksha Abhyas – 2024" achieved its goals of improving interoperability, fostering mutual understanding, and enhancing cohesion between the tri-services and the Defence Space Agency.

Key outcomes included refined strategies for operational preparedness, the establishment of a framework for future collaboration, and a clear roadmap to advance India’s space doctrine.

The exercise also laid the groundwork for developing new strategies aligned with the nation’s security objectives, marking a major milestone in India's efforts to secure its interests in space.

India's journey towards establishing a comprehensive defence space strategy has been marked by the creation of the Defence Space Agency (DSA) in 2019 . It was a key move to centralize efforts in space security, integrating the strengths of the Army, Navy, and Air Force under a single command. The agency operates in close collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), focusing on space-based surveillance, intelligence gathering, and ensuring the protection of Indian assets in orbit.

India’s space programme has been civilian-focused, with ISRO leading the charge in satellite launches and space exploration. However, the growing militarisation of space by global powers and the increasing number of anti-satellite (ASAT) capabilities have necessitated a shift in India’s approach.

As global geopolitical tensions extend into space, exercises like "Antariksha Abhyas – 2024" signal India's commitment to securing its assets and interests beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

With a focus on advancing its strategic and operational readiness, India is positioning itself as a formidable player in the domain of space security, aligning its capabilities with broader national security objectives.