India's First Space Defense Exercise Antariksha Abhyas 2024

Securing National Interests in Space

• India's Defence Space Agency (DSA) hosted the first-of-its-kind "Antariksha Abhyas - 2024" exercise
• Aims to war-game growing threats to and from space-based assets and services
• Focuses on integrating India's space capabilities into military operations

Addressing Space Security Challenges

• Space is becoming increasingly congested, contested, competitive, and commercial
• Threats include cyber-attacks, anti-satellite weapons, rendezvous and proximity operations, and surveillance/reconnaissance
• Need to address military and non-military threats like space debris and radiation

Collaborative Efforts and Way Forward

• Exercise involves participation from armed forces, defense agencies, ISRO, and DRDO
• Highlights the need for innovation, cutting-edge technologies, and strong stakeholder collaboration
• Calls for policy updates, procurement reforms, and integration of satellite communications into battle plans