Defence Space Agency inaugurated a first-ever space exercise Antariksha Abhyas-2024 in New Delhi today. The three-day exercise is aimed at providing an enhanced understanding of space-based assets and services. The Ministry of Defence in a statement said that the exercise intends to gain an understanding of operational dependency on space segments between stakeholders and identify vulnerabilities in the conduct of operations in the event of denial or disruptions of space-based services. 

In his opening address, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan highlighted that Space once considered the final frontier, is now the critical enabler of India’s defence and security apparatus. He added that with its rich legacy of space exploration and growing military capabilities, the country is well-positioned to navigate the challenges posed by space capabilities. CDS stressed military leadership to secure the country’s national interests in space by fostering innovation and developing cutting-edge technologies in collaboration with DRDO, ISRO and Academia.

The exercise will have participants from the Defence Space Agency and its allied units along with personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force. Specialist branches under Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, representatives from the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Defence Research and Development Organisation are also expected to take part in this exercise.