India plans to spend US $3 billion on its space programme

According to the head of India's military, the country plans to spend about $3 billion on space-related contract awards over the next few years to reduce its dependence on foreign satellites and bolster its counter-space capabilities. Gen. Anil Chauhan's call to close the gap between India's own capabilities and other nations that are developing countermeasures in space comes amid tensions with China.

Speaking at the DEFSAT conference (7 to 9 February) in New Delhi, Chauhan called for greater investment in India's military space sector and noted the military has already signed five contracts with the private sector, with four more being drawn up. In addition, the government plans to spend 250 billion Indian rupees (around US$3 billion) on contract awards over the next few years, he added. During his speech, Chauhan outlined several areas of focus for India's space sector.

First, he called for an indigenous constellation of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance satellites equipped with optical and hyperspectral sensors. Next, he said, the military cannot remain dependent on foreign constellations for positioning, navigation and timing requirements. To fill these gaps, the general recommended high-speed satellite communications, a satellite-based internet of things and robust, ground-based infrastructure. “Lastly, when we are developing all this, I think we need to look at counter-space capabilities, which nations are developing, as a means of deterrence and perhaps this would be required in the future to safeguard our assets. In order to ensure that these capabilities are rightfully utilized, doctrinal and connected concepts need to be developed,” he added.