Chief of Defence Staff Emphasizes Aatmanirbhar Defence Space Ecosystem at ‘DEFSAT’ Seminar

New Delhi:  Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan highlighted the need for building a highly capable Aatmanirbhar defence space ecosystem during the inauguration of ‘DEFSAT,’ a three-day Space Seminar and Exhibition at the Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt. The event, beginning on February 7, 2024, aims to promote coordination and synergy between civil, commercial, and defence space programs.

Gen Anil Chauhan emphasized the significance of space as a force multiplier to enhance combat capabilities in traditional domains such as land, air, sea, and cyber. He stressed the importance of bolstering Counter-Space capabilities to safeguard the country’s space assets.

The CDS outlined major government initiatives to capitalize on space to strengthen armed forces capabilities, including the 75 space-related challenges under Mission DefSpace 2022. He mentioned that five contracts have been signed, and four contracts are at various stages of documentation, with a feasibility study for 12 Make-I challenges in progress.

Gen Anil Chauhan highlighted the government’s encouragement of stakeholders, including start-ups, for the development of a dependable space ecosystem within the nation. He noted significant growth in the number of start-ups, from one in 2014 to 204 in the space sector, with a total investment of $123 million in 2023, bringing the total funding to $380.25 million.

The CDS stated that the Indian Space economy, currently estimated at $8.4 billion, is expected to grow to $44 billion by 2033. He credited government initiatives like the Seed Fund Scheme, 0% GST regime, sharing of testing facilities, and technology transfer for providing support to the private industry.

Gen Anil Chauhan inaugurated an exhibition showcasing technological advances made by private space industry partners through an exposition and product presentation at the venue.

The seminar, organized by CENJOWS (Think Tank with HQ IDS for promoting Jointness, Integration, and Transformation in the Indian Armed Forces) along with Satcom Industry Association – India (SIA), aims to nurture coordination and synergy between civil, commercial, and defence space programs, leveraging the dual-use nature of the space sector.