CDS General Anil Chauhan Calls on Private Industry to Strengthening India Defence Space Capabilities

Defense News ,India :- India's Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, has highlighted the pressing need to fortify the country's defence space capabilities, particularly in light of China's advancements in anti-satellite weaponry. Addressing the 'DefSat' seminar and exhibition, General Chauhan emphasized the necessity for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders, including private industry, to bolster India's defence space ecosystem.

Fortifying Defence Space Capabilities

General Chauhan underscored the urgency for the Indian armed forces to allocate over 25,000 crore in the coming years to enhance defence space capabilities. This investment is aimed at fulfilling diverse requirements, such as establishing surveillance satellite constellations and secure communication networks. General Chauhan seized the opportune moment for private industry participation, urging the development of a self-sufficient defence space ecosystem.

Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives

Advocating for collaboration between the industry and armed forces, General Chauhan called for the augmentation of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. He stressed the importance of developing multi-sensor satellites, launch-on-demand services, and ground station networks. Additionally, General Chauhan highlighted the need to strengthen indigenous positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services, particularly by fortifying the NAVIC constellation.

Addressing Space Threats

Acknowledging the evolving landscape of space warfare, General Chauhan emphasized the significance of counter-space capabilities to safeguard India's space assets. With China advancing in anti-satellite weaponry, both kinetic and non-kinetic systems, the need for defensive and offensive capabilities in the space domain becomes paramount.

Government Support and Growth Outlook

General Chauhan outlined the government's initiatives to nurture indigenous space capabilities, including support for start-ups and investment incentives. With the space economy projected to reach $44 billion by 2033, government interventions, such as the seed fund scheme and GST exemptions, aim to enhance the private industry's contribution to the sector.

A Unified Approach to Space Security

As India grapples with the complexities of space security, General Chauhan's call for collaborative efforts echoes the imperative for a unified approach towards enhancing defence space capabilities. With a robust defence space ecosystem and strategic partnerships, India aims to fortify its position in the ever-evolving realm of space warfare.

By adhering to General Chauhan's vision and leveraging government support, stakeholders can collectively contribute to India's journey towards self-reliance and resilience in the defence space arena.