In what has been seen as a significant milestone in bolstering the strategic readiness of the Indian armed forces in the domain of space warfare, the Defence Space Agency of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff successfully conducted the maiden space tabletop exercise, Antariksha Abhyas-2024 from November 11 to 13.
According to the defence ministry, the exercise marked a major step in strengthening India's space-based operational capabilities, enhancing tri-services integration for space security.
The exercise included focused discussions on emerging space technologies, space situational awareness, and India’s space programmes.
The importance of monitoring and protecting critical assets and maintaining situational awareness in the increasingly contested space environment was highlighted during the discussions.
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During the three-day event, the participants engaged in scenario-based exercises, facilitated by subject experts from various ministries, besides military, scientific and academia.
The experts offered important insights into the present and future landscape of military space capabilities and technologies, explained the specific challenges faced in defence space operations and also the evolving nature of space safety, security, and international space laws.
"Antariksha Abhyas 2024 successfully met its objectives of improving interoperability, fostering mutual understanding and enhancing cohesion between the tri-services and Defence Space Agency," the defence ministry said in a release.
The exercise marks a pivotal point in India’s journey to secure its interests in space, reaffirming the nation’s advancement and strategic focus on this critical domain, the ministry added.