India Launches Groundbreaking Space Exercise “Antariksha Abhyas-2024”
India’s Defence Space Agency, under Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, commenced the inaugural “Antariksha Abhyas-2024” exercise today to address growing threats to space-based assets and services.
Exercise Antariksha Abhyas, India’s first-ever space-focused military exercise, aims to enhance national space security and integrate space capabilities into military operations.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan emphasized India’s strategic positioning in navigating space-based challenges, leveraging its rich space exploration legacy and growing military capabilities.
General Chauhan highlighted space’s increasing congestion, contestation, competitiveness, and commercialization, stressing the need for innovation and cutting-edge technologies.
“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”. CDS General Anil Chauhan
The “Antariksha Abhyas-2024” space exercise seeks to enhance understanding of space-based assets and services, operational dependencies, and vulnerabilities in conducting operations during disruptions. Participants include the Defence Space Agency, Army, Navy, Air Force, Defence Cyber Agency, Defence Intelligence Agency, Strategic Forces Command, Indian Space Research Organisation, and Defence Research & Development Organisation.
This three-day exercise aims to enhance understanding of space-based assets, identify operational dependencies, and vulnerabilities in conducting operations.
