India has stated its intent to perform its inaugural simulated space warfare exercise, known as ‘IndSpaceEx’, in the final week of July 2019. This table-top war-game will involve various participants from both the military and scientific communities. Under the oversight of the Integrated Defence Staff of the Defence Ministry, the targeted objective of this exercise is to measure the necessary space-related capabilities India requires to safeguard its national security interests within the ultimate battleground – outer space.
The Rising Threat from China
China has emerged as a significant military power in space, ever since they tested an A-Sat missile against a weather satellite in January 2007. This test jump-started a rapid development of military capabilities in space. The Chinese have been focusing on kinetic weapons like direct ascent missiles and co-orbital kill satellites, along with non-kinetic weapons such as lasers and electromagnetic pulses.
The creation of IndSpaceEx signifies the seriousness with which India is prepared to confront potential threats to its space assets from nations like China.
Mission Shakti: The First Step Towards Credible Counter-Space Capability
India demonstrated its commitment to developing counter-space capabilities with the execution of ‘Mission Shakti’. During this mission, a 19-tonne interceptor missile was launched to annihilate the 740-kg Microsat-R satellite. The satellite was hit and destroyed at an altitude of 283 km in a ‘hit-to-kill mode’ on March 27, 2019.
Since the successful completion of Mission Shakti, groundwork has commenced for a new Defence Space Agency. This agency will be responsible for furthering India’s space capabilities and preparing for potential space-based threats.
Formation of the New Defence Space Agency
The new Defense Space Agency will bring together the Defence Imagery Processing and Analysis Centre in Delhi and the Defence Satellite Control Centre in Bhopal. The agency is soon to be headed by a two-star IAF general.
As we look to the future, expectations are high that this newly formed agency will evolve into a fully-fledged Space Command.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 2007 | China tests A-Sat missile against a weather satellite. |
| 27th March, 2019 | India launches ‘Mission Shakti’ – a hit-to-kill mode mission aimed at a satellite. |
| July 2019 | India plans to conduct its first simulated space warfare exercise – ‘IndSpaceEx’ |
Future Projected Developments
With IndSpaceEx and the formation of the Defence Space Agency, India has demonstrated its commitment to securing national security interests in space. As we move forward, India’s focus on assessing its requisite space and counter-space capabilities shows promise for a more secure future in the final frontier of warfare.
