The Defence Space Agency (DSA), has successfully conducted its first-ever Space Tabletop Exercise, Antariksha Abhyas 2024. The agency, under the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, has achieved this milestone by relying on sheer perseverance and dedication. The exercise, which was conducted from 11 to 13 November, will play a significant role in strengthening India’s space-related defense readiness and operational capabilities and can help the nation protect its space assets. The exercise is also seen as an essential step towards a cohesive and collaborative training regimen that serves to strengthen the tri-services collaboration and help address emerging security needs in outer space.
Overview of Antariksha Abhyas 2024
The Antariksha Abhyas 2024 which lasted for three days, primarily focused on how to integrate the several armed forces of the nation into a cohesive collaboration to protect the nation’s interest in space. It brought together military experts, scientific advisors, and key defense policymakers to help explore a range of scenarios that are critical to India’s space defense. Discussions were also held that focused on “Space Situational Awareness (SSA),” advanced space technologies, and the impact of tri-services collaboration on the Indian Space Program, under the Department of Space (DoS).
The exercise came at a critical time and is in line with India’s expanding space ambitions. The Antariksha Abhyas 2024 also emphasized a need for a more proactive approach when it comes to identifying, monitoring, and defending India’s space assets.
Strategic Highlights
The agenda for the first-ever space exercise revolved around the challenges posed by militarized space. The complex nature of the space and the threat revolving around it were examined during the space exercise by using detailed scenario-based sessions. These sessions simulated realistic conflict and defense responsibilities. Thus, the Antariksha Abhyas was crucial for the participants as it was their first exposure to defense space challenges. They were also helped by the experts who were in attendance. The space exercise also discussed international space law and the importance of space security protocols, and how they align with the country’s commitment towards global security and responsible use of space.
How It Will Enhance The Tri-Service Integration
As one of the objectives of the Antariksha Abhyas was to strengthen inter-service cooperation and coordination, it was in line with the recently held 35th Tri-service Commanders’ Conference. The integration of the various Indian armed forces will facilitate a cohesive approach to space defense, hence promoting interoperability and resilience against evolving threats. This cohesive collaboration amongst the three branches of the military will only aid India’s effective response to space-related crises and further reinforce the defense of space assets. The recently held space exercise was also crucial in laying the foundational groundwork for future collaborations and helping the country embark on a unified space doctrine.
The Path Forward
The conclusion of the Antariksha Abhyas 2024 was met with several critical outcomes. The space exercise will serve to advance India’s space defense objectives while developing a more comprehensive space defense strategy. It also falls under the umbrella of the Adaptive Defence strategy that was introduced by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh during the DDD 2024. As per the experts, the space exercise will reinforce operational preparedness under various scenarios and effective response to the ever-dynamic potential space conflicts. But the value of the Antariksha Abhyas cleary lies in the detailed roadmap it has presented that can become the foundation for future collaboration efforts.
The exercise also showcased India’s growing appetite and military capabilities in space. It will help develop a cohesive space warfare doctrine. Through this program, the country has shown initiative and a proactive strategic foresight toward upholding its defense obligations in space.
