Exercise Dates: 11-13 November 2024 Location: New Delhi
  • India has launched its first-ever space exercise, Antariksha Abhyas – 2024, organized by the Defence Space Agency (DSA) under the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff.
  • This 3-day exercise aims to enhance India’s understanding of the strategic importance of space in military operations and address the growing challenges to space-based assets and services.

OBJECTIVES

Antariksha Abhyas – 2024 is designed to:
  • War-game the growing threats to space-based assets and services.
  • Secure national strategic objectives in space.
  • Integrate India’s space capabilities into broader military operations.
  • Identify vulnerabilities in military operations that could arise from disruptions or denial of space-based services.
PURPOSE & GOALS The primary goals of Antariksha Abhyas – 2024 are:
  1. Enhanced Understanding: To help participants gain a deeper understanding of space-based assets and services, and how they are integrated into military operations.
  2. Operational Dependency: To highlight the dependence on space capabilities for modern warfare and defense strategies.
  3. Vulnerability Assessment: To identify vulnerabilities and challenges in the conduct of military operations if space-based services are disrupted or denied.
  4. Collaboration: Foster collaboration among different military branches, defense agencies, and space organizations to enhance the overall security and resilience of India’s space infrastructure.

PARTICIPANTS

  • Defence Space Agency: The key agency leading the exercise, tasked with overseeing India’s space defense capabilities.
  • Indian Armed Forces: Representatives from the Army, Navy, and Air Force will actively participate to understand how their operations depend on space systems and how to safeguard them.
  • Defence Cyber Agency: This agency plays a crucial role in addressing cyber threats to space-based systems, which are becoming a growing concern.
  • Defence Intelligence Agency: Will contribute insights into how space-based intelligence is vital for national security.
  • Strategic Forces Command: Involved in understanding the role of space in nuclear deterrence and other strategic defense operations.
  • ISRO & DRDO: India’s premier space and defense research organizations will collaborate to provide insights into current and future space capabilities, helping the military develop a robust defense strategy for space.
OPENING ADDRESS BY CDS ANIL CHAUHAN In his opening remarks, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan emphasized the critical role of space in modern defense and security. He stated:
  • Space is no longer just the “final frontier,” but a crucial enabler for India’s defense capabilities.
  • India, with its strong legacy in space exploration and growing military capabilities, is well-positioned to tackle challenges related to space-based assets.
  • He highlighted the need for India to secure its national interests in space, as the domain is becoming:
    • Congested: More space objects and activities are crowding the area.
    • Contested: Competition is increasing for control and access to space.
    • Competitive: Nations and private players are vying for space superiority.
    • Commercial: The space sector is becoming an important part of the global economy.
CONCLUSION The Antariksha Abhyas – 2024 exercise represents a significant step in India's efforts to strengthen its space defense capabilities. It brings together various branches of the military, defense agencies, and space organizations to create a comprehensive approach to managing and securing space-based assets. With the growing congestion and competition in space, it is essential for India to maintain a strong, resilient, and innovative space defense strategy to protect its national interests. The exercise is expected to contribute to India’s preparedness in addressing space threats, developing new technologies, and integrating space capabilities into the country’s defense framework.