India Launches First Ever Space Defence Exercise ‘Antariksha Abhyas’ to Secure National Interests

New Delhi, India - Indian military embarked on a new frontier of defence strategy with commencement of ‘Antariksha Abhyas – 2024’, a pioneering three-day space exercise being conducted by Defence Space Agency (DSA) from 11 to 13 November 2024. This first-of-its-kind exercise is aimed at war-gaming growing threats to and from space-based assets and services. It is a critical step toward securing India’s national strategic objectives in space and integrating its burgeoning space capabilities into military operations.

In his opening dress, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan underscored importance of space in modern defence. “Space, once considered final frontier, is now critical enabler of India’s defence and security apparatus,” he stated. Highlighting dynamic and evolving nature of space, he said, “With its rich legacy of space exploration and growing military capabilities, India is well-positioned to navigate challenges posed to space-based capabilities.” 

exercise is being conducted under aegis of Hequarters Integrated Defence Staff, with active participation from Defence Space Agency and its allied units, including Army, Navy, and Air Force. Notably, specialized branches such as Defence Cyber Agency, Defence Intelligence Agency, and Strategic Forces Command are also partaking in event. ditionally, experts from Indian Space Research Organisation ( ISRO ) and Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) are contributing ir insights to enhance exercise's operational scope. 

Aims and Objectives of Exercise 

primary objective of Antariksha Abhyas – 2024 is to deepen understanding of operational dependencies on space-based assets and services, as well as vulnerabilities in case of disruptions to se services. growing reliance on satellite communications, navigation, intelligence garing, and reconnaissance makes space a crucial domain for modern warfare. As space becomes increasingly congested, contested, competitive, and commercial, exercise will focus on evaluating how space-based systems can be protected and integrated into military operations.

General Chauhan, in his dress, stressed that space is no longer a peaceful domain but one that is rapidly becoming an arena of contention. CDS highlighted importance of fostering innovation and developing cutting-edge technologies in collaboration with DRDO, ISRO, and acemia to ensure that India’s space-based capabilities remain resilient in face of emerging threats. 

Exercise Focus Areas 

exercise will explore several critical areas: 

1. Understanding Space-Based Asset Dependency: Participants will examine operational reliance on space assets such as satellites for communication, navigation, surveillance, and targeting. This understanding is crucial to ensure that military operations remain effective, even under threat of space-based disruptions. 
2. Identifying Vulnerabilities in Space Operations: A significant component of exercise will involve identifying potential vulnerabilities in conducting military operations if space-based services are denied or disrupted. se could include denial of satellite communications, GPS, or reconnaissance systems. 
3. Collaboration Across Agencies: A multi-agency collaboration, including DSA, DRDO, ISRO, and various branches of Indian Armed Forces, will aim to bolster joint operations in space. This collaboration is essential to integrate military strategies with national space capabilities. 
4. Scenario-Based War-Gaming: exercise will feature a simulation of space conflict scenarios where space assets may be targeted or disrupted. aim is to assess preparedness of India’s defence apparatus in countering such threats and ensure continuity of operations. 
5. Fostering Innovation in Space Technologies: In line with General Chauhan’s emphasis, exercise will also focus on exploring innovative solutions for protecting and enhancing space-based assets. Collaboration between military and India’s civilian space agencies will be key to developing next-generation space defence technologies. 

A Step Toward Securing Space Assets 

successful conduct of Antariksha Abhyas – 2024 will pave way for future exercises and a structured approach to space warfare reiness. Indian military’s growing recognition of space as a domain of potential conflict reflects global trends, as or major powers also increasingly militarize space.

General Chauhan’s remarks echoed necessity of securing space-based capabilities in an era where satellite systems play a pivotal role in intelligence garing, communications, and even operational success of modern military forces. As versaries also enhance ir space capabilities, it becomes essential for India to establish a robust space defence strategy, not only to defend national assets but also to deter any potential threats in space. 

Participants and Stakeholders 

Antariksha Abhyas – 2024 sees a large range of stakeholders actively participating: 

• Defence Space Agency (DSA): Leing exercise, with personnel from DSA and allied units. 
• Indian Armed Forces: Representatives from Army, Navy, and Air Force. 
• Defence Cyber Agency: dressing cybersecurity concerns related to space operations. 
• Defence Intelligence Agency: Providing insights into space intelligence and its integration into military operations. 
• Strategic Forces Command: Participating in operational scenarios involving India’s nuclear assets and ir link to space-based capabilities. 
• ISRO and DRDO: Playing a critical role in technological and research aspects of exercise. 

Path Ahe 

As Antariksha Abhyas – 2024 progresses, it marks a crucial step toward solidifying India’s position in growing realm of space security. This exercise will not only strengn India’s defence posture but also ensure that its space-based assets are secured against evolving threats. As space continues to be an essential enabler of military power, India’s focus on its integration into defence operations demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to safeguarding national interests in space domain. 

outcomes of this exercise will likely influence India’s space defence strategies in coming years and will serve as a model for similar exercises in future. With a strong focus on national security, innovation, and cross-agency collaboration, India is preparing to le in new age of space warfare.