India’s Defence Space Agency has conducted its first-ever military space exercise, “Antariksha Abhyas 2024,” in New Delhi.
The three-day exercise runs from November 11 to 13 to secure the South Asian giant’s national strategic objectives in space and integrate space capabilities among its military operations, as other nations have been boosting defenses in that domain.
As space is “becoming increasingly congested, contested, competitive, and commercial,” the activity seeks to enhance understanding of space-based assets and services.
It also aims to show how the different military branches rely on the space domain for operations and pinpoint vulnerabilities if access to space services is denied or disrupted.
In addition, the government agency urged its military leaders to promote innovation and develop cutting-edge technologies together with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and academic institutions.
“Space, once considered the final frontier, is now the critical enabler of India’s defence and security apparatus. With its rich legacy of space exploration and growing military capabilities, India is well positioned to navigate the challenges posed to space based capabilities,” Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan said in his opening address.
The exercise was attended by personnel from the Defence Space Agency, army, navy, and the air force, along with other specialist branches and representatives from the DRDO and ISRO.