General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff, stressed the paramount importance of establishing a resilient defence space ecosystem during his address at the three-day Space Seminar and Exhibition in New Delhi. He emphasized how space technology serves as a vital force multiplier, augmenting combat capabilities across various domains such as land, air, sea, and cyber.
In his speech, General Chauhan highlighted the pressing need to fortify counter-space capabilities to safeguard the nation’s critical space assets. He elaborated on the government’s proactive initiatives, notably Mission DefSpace 2022 under the iDEX initiative, aimed at tackling 75 space-related challenges head-on. The CDS provided insights into the progress of signed contracts and ongoing feasibility studies, underlining the government’s unwavering commitment to advancing space technology.
Moreover, General Chauhan shed light on the burgeoning growth of startups in the space sector, attributing it to substantial government investment and conducive policies. He underscored the pivotal role of startups in fostering innovation and driving economic growth within the space industry.
In terms of economic projections, he outlined the anticipated growth trajectory of the Indian space economy, foreseeing it to burgeon to US$44 billion by 2033. He credited this growth to government schemes such as the Seed Fund Scheme and the 0 percent GST regime, which have provided crucial impetus to the private sector. General Chauhan stressed the importance of aligning demands with adequate funding support to foster a conducive environment for the sustained growth of the private sector.
Furthermore, he highlighted the imperative of fostering coordination and synergy between civil, commercial, and defence space programs. He underscored the necessity for jointness, integration, and transformation within the Indian Armed Forces to effectively leverage the dual-use nature of the space sector.
The Space Seminar and Exhibition, jointly organized by CENJOWS and the Satcom Industry Association – India, served as an invaluable platform for showcasing technological advancements in the space industry. General Chauhan inaugurated an exhibition featuring cutting-edge products and innovations by private space industry partners, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors.
