New Delhi: DEFSAT 2024, a three-day Space Seminar and Exhibition at the Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt was inaugurated by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan on February 7, 2024 . The event organised by CENJOWS, a Think Tank with HQ IDS for promoting Jointness, Integration and Transformation in the Indian Armed Forces, along with Satcom Industry Association – India (SIA), aims at nurturing coordination and synergy between civil, commercial and defence space programmes, which is considered crucial to leverage the dual-use nature of the space sector.
In his address, Gen Anil Chauhan underlined that from space augmentation to exploration, the Government has envisioned big targets for the nation and stressed that as the country is going through Amrit Kaal, it is time for building a highly capable Aatmanirbhar defence space ecosystem
CDS Gen Chauhan, highlighting the vitality of Space for the mankind and also for the armed forces engaged in combat, said that Space can be used as a force multiplier to enhance combat capabilities in traditional domains of land, air, sea and even cyber. He called upon all the stakeholders of defence space ecosystem to work on bolstering the Counter-Space capabilities as deterrent for safeguarding country’s space assets.
Mentioning the major initiatives of the Government to capitalise space to strengthen armed forces capabilities, Gen Chauhan mentioned about the 75 space related challenges as part of Mission DefSpace 2022 under the iDEX initiative. “Under this initiative, a total of five contracts have been signed and additional four contracts are at various stages of documentation. In the similar timelines, a feasibility study of 12 Make-I challenges is also being progressed,” said Gen Anil Chauhan.
“We probably had one Start Up in 2014 which has grown to 204 Start Ups in space sector with 54 additions in 2023 itself. In 2023, we as a nation invested $123 million in the sector bringing the total funding to $380.25 million,” he said and emphasised that the Government is encouraging all the stakeholders including start-ups for development of a dependable space ecosystem within the nation.
CDS Gen Anil Chauhan, underscoring that the Indian Space economy is currently estimated to be around $8.4 billion, said that the indigenous space economy is expected to grow to $44 billion by the year 2033. “The government initiatives like Seed Fund Scheme, 0% GST regime, sharing of testing facilities, technology transfer have provided the rightful support to the private industry. This framework along with alignment of demands and funding support provide the right environment for the private sector to grow,” he added.
The CDS also inaugurated an Exhibition showcasing various technological advances made by private space industry partners through an exposition and product presentation at the venue.
Speaking at the event, Philip Green, Australia’s High Commissioner to India, said, “Australia and India are building much closer bilateral relations. We have established a comprehensive partnership. That’s the highest rank of partnership globally”. He explained the efforts made by the Australian government to focus more on the space sector in the country and partnering with other nations.
At the event, the Satcom Industry Association-India (SIA-India) and the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation and mutual development within the space sector. The MoU signing was done in the presence of Gen Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff of India, and Philip Green, Australia’s High Commissioner to India. The collaboration aligns with the broader Indo-Pacific and QUAD partnerships, highlighting the potential for these countries to work together on common interests. Attendees of the signing ceremony included Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri, President of SIA-India, and Jeremy Hallett, Executive Chairman of SIAA, among other notable figures.
The agreement points to the importance of the partnership between two nations that are integral players in the Indo-Pacific region. The MoU represents progress and a shared dedication to leveraging synergies, addressing industry challenges, and enhancing competitiveness. Set against the backdrop of the DEFSAT 2024 conference, which brought together nearly 500 experts and leaders from various sectors to discuss the future of defence and space, this strategic alliance signifies a shared commitment by India and Australia to address critical challenges like space debris management and satellite technology advancements, while also integrating space and defence strategies.
SIA-India President, Dr Pavuluri emphasised the MoU’s role in establishing a platform for exchanging expertise, creating business-to-business partnerships, and fostering innovation. He highlighted the aim to contribute to the global space sector’s growth through capacity building, skill development, and research initiatives.
Executive Chairman of SIAA, Jeremy Hallett acknowledged the significance of the Australia-India relationship and the need for further space sector development. He pointed out the alignment of both countries’ space sectors in creating impactful space technology and services.
