ANTARIKSHA ABHYAS-2024

The first ever tri-services Defence Space Exercise was a significant building block towards holistic capability in global space operations

- AIR VICE MARSHAL SANJAY BHATNAGAR

Defence Space Agency (DSA) of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) in the month of November successfully conducted the Space Table Top Exercise named Antariksha Abhyas-2024. In the strategic circles, it is being described as a significant milestone aimed at bolstering the strategic readiness of Indian Armed Forces in the domain of space warfare.

DEVELOPING SPACE BASED CAPABILITIES

This pioneering event marked a crucial step in strengthening India’s space based operational capabilities and enhancing triservices integration for space security.

General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff inaugurating the first ever tri-services Defence Space Exercise highlighted that the exercise is aimed at preparing Indian Armed Forces to secure space assets, integrating cutting-edge technology to protect our future. He reaffirmed that commitment to enhance capabilities in space warfare is a national priority and control over space assets results directly into national security advantage. He emphasised the need to develop concepts and procedures to protect against vulnerabilities for securing our national strategic interests in space. The CDS also suggested a collaborative approach between military and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and academia for fostering space systems developments.

Tabletop exercise is an informal, discussion-based session in a collegial and exploratory manner, in which participants discuss their roles and responses during an emergency or a contingency, usually walking through a few likely scenarios.