India has launched a first-of-its-kind exercise to safeguard its national strategic objectives in space, with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan emphasizing the critical role of space as a “key enabler” of the nation’s defense and security. The exercise, named Antariksha Abhyas 2024, is being conducted by the Defence Space Agency under the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff from November 11 to 13, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence.
The exercise aims to simulate and strategize around growing threats to and from space-based assets, a pressing concern as space becomes increasingly “congested, contested, competitive, and commercial,” the CDS noted. General Chauhan urged the military leadership to prioritize national interests in space by promoting innovation and advancing cutting-edge technologies in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and academic institutions.
The Defence Ministry highlighted that Antariksha Abhyas 2024 will play a vital role in strengthening India’s strategic objectives in space and integrating space capabilities within military operations. In his opening address, CDS Chauhan stressed the exercise’s significance, stating, “Space, once considered the final frontier, is now the critical enabler of India’s defence and security apparatus. With a legacy of space exploration and growing military capabilities, India is well-positioned to navigate emerging challenges to space-based assets.”
Through this exercise, the Defence Space Agency seeks to deepen understanding of space-based assets, enhance coordination among stakeholders, and better comprehend operational dependencies on space systems, the Ministry of Defence added.
Team BharatShakti
