India’s Defence Space Agency is conducting ‘Antariksha Abhyas – 2024’ from 11 to 13 November. This exercise is an important step in addressing the growing threats to space-based assets. It is the first of its kind in India. The exercise aims to enhance national security through better integration of space capabilities in military operations.
Context of the Exercise
The exercise comes at a time when space is becoming increasingly congested and contested. Countries are recognising the importance of space in defence strategies. General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, emphasised the need for India to secure its national interests in this domain. He noted that space is now a critical enabler for defence and security.
Objectives of Antariksha Abhyas
The primary goal is to improve understanding of space-based assets. The exercise will explore operational dependencies on these assets. It will also identify vulnerabilities in military operations if space services are disrupted. This understanding is vital for future military planning.
Participants and Collaboration
The exercise will include personnel from various branches of the Indian Armed Forces. This includes the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Key agencies such as the Defence Cyber Agency and the Defence Intelligence Agency will also participate. Collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is crucial for the exercise’s success.
Significance for National Security
Antariksha Abhyas is essential for India’s strategic objectives in space. It aims to encourage innovation and develop cutting-edge technologies. By preparing for potential disruptions, India can enhance its resilience in space operations. The exercise marks the importance of integrating military and civilian space capabilities.
Future of Space Defence in India
India’s rich legacy in space exploration positions it well for future challenges. The exercise will help shape policies and strategies for space operations. It will also encourage further research and collaboration between military and academic institutions. This will ensure that India remains at the forefront of space defence.
Conclusion
The Antariksha Abhyas exercise marks a new chapter in India’s approach to space security. It reflects the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its interests in an increasingly competitive space environment.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the role of space-based assets in modern warfare and discuss their implications for national security.
- Critically discuss the collaboration between military and civilian sectors in advancing space technology in India.
- What are the potential vulnerabilities of space-based services during military operations? Discuss with examples.
- Analyse the impact of international space treaties on national security strategies in space.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the role of space-based assets in modern warfare and discuss their implications for national security.
Space-based assets, including satellites for communication, reconnaissance, and navigation, play a very important role in modern warfare. They provide real-time intelligence, enhance situational awareness, and enable precision strikes, influencing military strategies. Their implications for national security are deep; reliance on these assets makes nations vulnerable to anti-satellite weapons and cyberattacks. Disruptions can impair military operations, necessitating robust defense mechanisms and resilience strategies to safeguard these critical assets, as brought into light by India’s Antariksha Abhyas exercise, which aims to address these vulnerabilities.
2. Critically discuss the collaboration between military and civilian sectors in advancing space technology in India.
Collaboration between military and civilian sectors in India, particularly through organizations like ISRO and DRDO, is crucial for advancing space technology. This partnership encourages innovation, leveraging civilian technological advancements for military applications, enhancing defense capabilities. The Antariksha Abhyas exercise exemplifies this collaboration, integrating military operations with civilian space expertise. However, challenges include bureaucratic hurdles and the need for a unified strategic vision. Strengthening this collaboration can lead to more resilient space capabilities and ensure that India maintains a competitive edge in the ever-evolving domain of space defense.
3. What are the potential vulnerabilities of space-based services during military operations? Discuss with examples.
Potential vulnerabilities of space-based services during military operations include susceptibility to anti-satellite weapons, cyberattacks, and signal jamming. For instance, the 2007 Chinese anti-satellite test demonstrated the ease with which space assets can be targeted. Additionally, reliance on GPS for navigation makes forces vulnerable to spoofing and jamming, as seen in conflicts like the Ukraine-Russia war. Disruptions to satellite communications can hinder coordination and operational effectiveness, underscoring the need for resilience strategies, as emphasized in India’s Antariksha Abhyas exercise to identify and mitigate such vulnerabilities.
4. Analyse the impact of international space treaties on national security strategies in space.
International space treaties, such as the Outer Space Treaty, influence national security strategies by establishing norms for the peaceful use of outer space and limiting militarization. These treaties promote cooperation and transparency among nations, reducing the likelihood of conflict in space. However, the lack of enforceable mechanisms poses challenges, as nations may pursue military capabilities under the guise of civilian projects. Consequently, countries like India must navigate these treaties while developing robust space defense strategies, as brought into light by the Antariksha Abhyas exercise, ensuring national security in an increasingly competitive space environment.
