Defence Space Agency conducts tabletop exercise
- The tri-service Defence Space Agency has conducted its maiden tabletop Exercise ‘Antariksha Abhyas 2024’ aimed at bolstering the strategic readiness of the Indian armed forces in the domain of space warfare.
Highlights:
- The Defence Space Agency (DSA) conducted its first-ever tabletop exercise, Antariksha Abhyas 2024, from November 11 to 13, aimed at enhancing the Indian armed forces' strategic readiness in space warfare. The exercise focused on understanding and securing India’s interests in the increasingly contested space domain.
Key Aspects of Antariksha Abhyas 2024
Focus Areas of the Exercise:
- Emerging Space Technologies: Discussions on new advancements in space technology that are crucial for enhancing India’s space capabilities.
- Space Situational Awareness (SSA): Highlighting the importance of monitoring space to protect vital assets, ensuring that India can maintain awareness amidst rising global competition.
- Protection of Critical Assets: Emphasis on the need to safeguard space-based resources crucial for defence and national security.
Strategic Address by Chief of Defence Staff:
- General Anil Chauhan, in his opening address, underscored the critical role of space in national security. He emphasized that space has transitioned from being “the final frontier” to a vital enabler for defence, with India’s legacy in space exploration positioning it well to meet these modern challenges.
- Identifying Operational Vulnerabilities: One of the exercise’s objectives was to assess potential vulnerabilities in case of disruptions to space-based services, a critical component for military operations. This includes understanding possible adversarial actions that could deny or degrade India’s access to essential space-based resources.
Scenario-Based Exercises and Expert Insights:
- Interagency Collaboration: The three-day event brought together subject experts from government ministries, the military, academia, and scientific communities. These experts facilitated scenario-based drills, offering insights on:
- Current and Future Defence Space Capabilities: Analysis of military space technologies and the strategies required for operational resilience.
- Space Safety, Security, and International Laws: Understanding the evolving nature of space safety and security, with a focus on international laws and regulations that govern space operations.
Key Outcomes of Antariksha Abhyas 2024:
- Enhanced Operational Preparedness: The exercise refined strategic approaches to ensure Indian armed forces are ready to operate and respond effectively in the space domain.
- Framework for Future Collaboration: A stronger foundation was set for ongoing collaboration between the tri-services and the Defence Space Agency.
- Road Map for Space Doctrine: A clearer plan was established to advance India’s space doctrine, aligning it with broader national security objectives.
Prelims Takeaways
- tri-service Defence Space Agency
- ‘Antariksha Abhyas 2024’