In recent years, space has risen to the forefront of military strategy, heralded as a critical domain for the conduct of modern warfare. Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF), highlighted this crucial role during a seminar on “Aerospace Power in Future Conflicts.”
He underscored the imperative of seamless communication, navigation, and surveillance capabilities in space, crucial for enhancing the survivability of military forces in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
“The militarization of space underscores the urgent need for indigenous defence technological development. By nurturing talent, fostering academic excellence, and promoting youth engagement, India can pave the way for a self-reliant and secure future in the realm of national defence,” opine space experts.
Chaudhari’s remarks serve as a poignant reminder of the pressing need for nations, including India, to fortify their space defence capabilities while advocating for international treaties to ensure the peaceful use of space.
The chief’s assertion resonates deeply as space militarization poses a significant threat, requiring proactive measures to mitigate its potential consequences. India, with its burgeoning space program and expanding military capabilities, stands poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of space governance and security.
What Experts Say?
“The statement made by the Chief of the Indian Air Force starkly highlights the looming threat of space militarization, underscoring the urgent need for a comprehensive and multifaceted response strategy. In an era where the final frontier is no longer beyond the ambit of national security concerns, India is at a pivotal juncture. The necessity to significantly enhance its space defence capabilities is undeniable,” says Girish Linganna, Defence Analyst.
However, “this endeavour must go hand in hand with vigorous efforts to promote international treaties and collaborative initiatives aimed at curbing the weaponization of space. The overarching goal should be to ensure the peaceful use of space, leveraging it for the collective benefit of all nations across the globe. As a rising global power with burgeoning space ambitions, India is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in establishing and advocating for international norms pertaining to responsible behaviour in outer space. This leadership role entails safeguarding this critical domain for the prosperity and security of future generations, ensuring that the vast expanse above us remains a realm of exploration and cooperation, rather than conflict and division,” Linganna adds.
Sharing her views with Financial Express Online, Dr Srimathy Kesan, Founder, and CEO of SpaceKidz India says: “As the Air Chief underscored the inevitable reality of militarization and weaponization of space, he also shed light on the imperative need for advancements in miniaturization of satellites and reusable launch platforms. Such innovations not only alleviate the financial burden but also accelerate India’s space-based capabilities. The assertion that our space assets are under the looming threat of dynamic environments necessitates an urgent enhancement in our space situational awareness capability and the deployment of counter-space capabilities to safeguard our assets. It’s evident that the landscape of national defence is evolving, and we must adapt accordingly.”
In her view, India, with its rich pool of innovative talent, is poised to undertake this monumental task. Historically, nations like the US, Russia, and Israel have dominated the arms and ammunition industry. However, “India, being the cradle of vibrant ideas and intellect, stands at the cusp of a transformative journey towards self-reliance or ‘Atma Nirbhar’. Investing in indigenous defence technological development might entail initial financial commitments, but it guarantees ownership and mastery over our defence technology in the long run,” she opines.
While India remains committed to its ethos of peace and non-aggression, it’s imperative to acknowledge the need for a robust defence infrastructure. Therefore, fostering a conducive environment for defence studies at the university level is paramount. According to Dr Kesan, “the establishment of specialized courses encompassing areas like Geopolitics, Military Geography, and Defence Economics will nurture a cadre of experts equipped to tackle the strategic challenges of national defence.”
Drawing inspiration from institutions in Russia and Ukraine, which offer defence studies in immersive environments, “India should strive for a similar educational paradigm. Practical exposure and real-time experiences are essential for grooming future defence leaders,” she suggests.
Moreover, initiatives like the National Cadet Corps (NCC) can serve as a catalyst for youth engagement in the defence sector. By integrating defence studies into the curriculum and promoting awareness about national security imperatives, we can instil a sense of responsibility and patriotism among the younger generation.
“As the founder of Space Kidz India and a former NCC Cadet, I am deeply invested in leveraging the potential of our youth towards national defence endeavors. Collaborating with talented college students, we are pioneering the development of cost-effective “New Age Deployers” and “Small Satellites” tailored for defence applications. This groundbreaking initiative not only reduces costs but also enhances utility, marking a significant milestone in India’s defence technological landscape,” she adds.