Defence Space Agency To Exploit India'S Space Assets

The Integrated Space Cell may want to put a long line of defence application oriented satellites into orbit, even before the formation of the tri-services Space Command. Already an "eye-in-the-sky” system for the Air Force is being considered.

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India is preparing the ground for the formation of a space command that will enhance the military capabilities through utilization of space-based assets. The Ministry of Defence has communicated to the three armed forces that the Space Command would be considered in due course. In the interim; a case is being processed for expanding the Integrated Space Cell at HQ IDS (Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff) to Defence Space Agency (DSA).

"Formation of a Tri-Services Space Command needs to be expedited to provide impetus for enhancing military capabilities through utilization of space based assets," a senior armed forces officer said. DSA is proposed to be headed by a two-star officer directly under the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee. Admiral Sunil Lanba is the present Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee. "It will perform the role of a Tri-Service Nodal Agency and will form the nucleus for a future Space Command," the officer said.

In June 2008, India announced the formation of an Integrated Space Cell under the aegis of the Integrated Defence Services Head Quarters to counter "the growing threat to our space assets". At the Unified Commanders Conference, the then Indian Defence Minister A K Antony had said, although India wants to utilise space for peaceful purposes and remain committed to its policy of non-weaponisation of space, "offensive counter space systems like anti-satellite weaponry, new classes of heavy-lift and small boosters and an improved array of Military Space Systems have emerged in our neighbourhood". The new Cell was to act as a single window for integration among the armed forces, the Department of Space and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).