India recently conducted its first dedicated military space exercise, Antariksha Abhyas 2024, from November 11 to November 13 in New Delhi. Organized by the Defence Space Agency, this event focused on strengthening space security and protecting space-based assets, reflecting India’s strategic commitment to enhancing its space-based defense capabilities.
Table of Key Details
| Topic | Details |
| Exercise Name | Antariksha Abhyas 2024 |
| Dates | November 11-13, 2024 |
| Organizer | Defence Space Agency |
| Main Participants | Indian Armed Forces, ISRO, DRDO |
| Main Focus | Space-based asset security, space threats |
| Strategic Focus | Space situational awareness, collaboration |
Context of Antariksha Abhyas 2024
The exercise was initiated in response to the increasing congestion and competition in space. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan highlighted the critical role of space in modern defense, emphasizing that safeguarding space assets is now essential to national security.
Objectives of Antariksha Abhyas
The primary objectives of Antariksha Abhyas 2024 were to:
- Improve the understanding of space-based assets and their significance in military operations.
- Identify potential vulnerabilities in India’s space infrastructure.
- Strengthen operational readiness by exploring dependencies on space services.
- Address risks related to disruptions in space-based services.
Participants and Collaborations
This significant exercise saw participation from:
- The Defence Space Agency, leading the initiative.
- Personnel from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Specialist agencies such as the Defence Cyber Agency and Defence Intelligence Agency.
- Key organizations like the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).
This collaborative effort brought together diverse expertise to address the unique challenges in space security. Civil-military partnerships were also encouraged to drive innovation and develop advanced technologies for space defense.
Key Activities and Discussions
During the three-day exercise, participants engaged in:
- Scenario-based exercises led by experts from government ministries, military, scientific, and academic institutions.
- Discussions on emerging space technologies and space situational awareness.
- Analyses of India’s growing space programs and advancements in space security strategies.
Strategic Importance and Future Implications
The insights gained from Antariksha Abhyas 2024 are expected to shape future military strategies in space. Identifying vulnerabilities and refining policies for space security will enhance India’s preparedness against potential threats, reinforcing its defense posture in the evolving space landscape.
Summary
- Exercise: Antariksha Abhyas 2024, India’s first military space exercise
- Organizer: Defence Space Agency, with support from ISRO and DRDO
- Objectives: Enhance space-based operational readiness, address security vulnerabilities
- Key Participants: Defence Space Agency, Army, Navy, Air Force, Defence Cyber Agency, Defence Intelligence Agency
Key Activities: Scenario-based exercises, discussions on space technologies, space situational awareness
Also Read Latest Current Affairs 2024
Antariksha Abhyas 2024 is India’s first military space exercise organized by the Defence Space Agency to strengthen space security.
The Defence Space Agency led this exercise with the involvement of ISRO, DRDO, and India’s tri-services (Army, Navy, and Air Force).
Key objectives included enhancing space-based operational capabilities, understanding dependencies, and addressing vulnerabilities in space services.
Space security is essential due to increasing global competition in space, making it a critical area for national defense
Participants included the Defence Space Agency, Defence Cyber Agency, Defence Intelligence Agency, Indian Armed Forces, ISRO, and DRDO.
Activities included scenario-based exercises, discussions on emerging space technologies, and space situational awareness
Yes, the exercise is expected to help shape future military strategies and policies for protecting space assets.
