The theme for DEFSAT 2026 is “Space at the Core of National Security”, reflecting the growing strategic importance of space in India’s defence and security architecture. The event features a comprehensive agenda spanning operational doctrine, industrial collaboration, technology resilience, and geopolitical partnerships. Key highlights include the formalisation of the Strategic Defence Space Group (SSG) and the launch of IndSpaceX 4.0, India’s first industry-led defence-space tabletop exercise.
DEFSAT has become one of India’s most consequential defence-space dialogue platforms. Building on the success of its first three editions, collectively drawing 500+ participants from 20+ countries, 80+ speakers and representation from 60+ organisations – DEFSAT 2026 will feature a broad agenda spanning operational doctrine, industrial collaboration, technology resilience and geopolitical partnerships.
Confirmed participants at DEFSAT 2026 include top military and government leaders such as Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai (Deputy Chief of Army Staff – Strategy), AVM Manu Midha (Director General, DSA), Dr Sanjay Bahl (Director General, CERT-In), and Lt Gen PJS Pannu (Retd.), along with senior tri-services leadership.
DEFSAT 2026 will also feature a strong exhibition segment showcasing innovations from 22+ exhibitors, including ICEYE (Platinum Sponsor), Ananth Technologies, Safran, Geminus Space, GalaxEye, and Spacelabs Analytics, representing capabilities in satellite communications, geospatial intelligence, avionics, and secure ground systems.
DEFSAT has become one of India’s most consequential defence-space dialogue platforms. Building on the success of its first three editions, collectively drawing 500+ participants from 20+ countries, 80+ speakers and representation from 60+ organisations – DEFSAT 2026 will feature a broad agenda spanning operational doctrine, industrial collaboration, technology resilience and geopolitical partnerships
A major milestone at DEFSAT 2026 is the formalisation of the Strategic Defence Space Group (SSG), a high-level multi-stakeholder body to support India’s long-term military space preparedness. Shaped through prior roundtables and now operational under the leadership of Lt Gen PJS Pannu (Retd.) as Advisor to SIA-India and Chairman of its Defence Space Committee, the SSG brings together senior military, government, industry and academic stakeholders for structured policy coordination, capability road-mapping and doctrine development. It will also help shape scenarios for IndSpaceX 4.0, India’s first industry-led defence-space tabletop exercise.
The DEFSAT 2026 programme is supported by a broad range of strategic partners and institutions, demonstrating the cross-sectoral nature of defence-space readiness. Supporting organisations include NITI Aayog, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government e-Marketplace (GeM), CERT-IN, Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), National Maritime Foundation, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Economic Council of India, the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE), AIAICPS, and the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) serves as the knowledge partner, contributing strategic perspective alongside operational and policy insights.
DEFSAT 2026 will also feature a strong exhibition segment showcasing a cross-section of India’s and the global defence-space ecosystem. So far 22 Exhibitors include HEX20, Times Microwave, Glenair, ChipSpirit, Sky Serve, Tantrayut, Onnes Ruskiv, RDVW Satcom Solutions & Engineers Pvt Ltd, Agmatel, Sanyark, Raamtel, GalaxEye, Spacelabs Analytics and Dynamics Pvt Ltd, Geminus Space, Geospatial World, Aule Space, Ananth Technologies, Safran, Cosmoserve, XDLINX, and Elena Geo will represent capabilities spanning satellite communications, electronic and RF components, geospatial intelligence, analytics, avionics, ground systems, and advanced space technologies. Their presence underlines DEFSAT’s role not only as a dialogue platform but also as a marketplace of solutions supporting secure communications, situational awareness, and resilient space-enabled infrastructure.
A major milestone at DEFSAT 2026 is the formalisation of the Strategic Defence Space Group (SSG), a high-level multi-stakeholder body to support India’s long-term military space preparedness
DEFSAT 2026 also features strong private-sector involvement, with ICEYE as Platinum Sponsor and Ananth Technologies and Safran as Gold Sponsors, reflecting the ecosystem’s expanding role in defence-space development.
Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri, President SIA-India said, “Globally, more than 50 countries now operate military or dual-use satellites, and space has become central to deterrence and operational readiness. DEFSAT’s theme placing space at the core of national security reflects a shift from viewing space as an enabler to recognising it as a strategic security domain that requires doctrine, resilience and coordinated planning.”
Anil Prakash, Director General of SIA-India, added “With India allocating a record ₹7.85 lakh crore to defence, over ₹2.19 lakh crore in capital modernisation, and nearly ₹1.39 lakh crore reserved for domestic industry, the signal is clear — India is investing in future-ready security. Space sits at the center of this transformation. DEFSAT 2026 is where policy, military thinking and industry readiness come together to ensure space is not just used, but secured and integrated into national defence doctrine.”
In addition DEFSAT will also host a number of interesting panel discussions on varied, relevant and interesting topics, such as: Securing Space as National Critical Infrastructure, Cyber, Spectrum & EW Resilience; Decoding Adversarial Military Space Domain; EU–India Defence and Space Industrial Cooperation: From Strategic Alignment to Industrial Collaboration; Space Perspective on Internal Security, Homeland Security and Civil Defence Operations; Command Networks & Satellite Operation Centres – The C5ISR Backbone; DAP-2025, iDEX and Service-Based Models: Moving from Talk to Walk; Deep Precision Fighting and A2AD: Role of Space Triad in Current and Future Wars; Responsive Launch and On-Orbit Servicing: Sustaining Mission Readiness; and Building GIS platform for Geo-Ops, Essential for Mosaic Warfare.
IndSpaceX 4.0 will also host a hands-on wargame brings together industry, academia, and uniformed strategists to simulate future space contest scenarios. Participants will explore doctrine, dual-use systems, and collaborative responses — stressing resilience, mission assurance, and capability development within a controlled, decision-driven environment
In addition, IndSpaceX 4.0 will also host a hands-on wargame brings together industry, academia, and uniformed strategists to simulate future space contest scenarios. Participants will explore doctrine, dual-use systems, and collaborative responses — stressing resilience, mission assurance, and capability development within a controlled, decision-driven environment.
With India’s defence budget for FY 2026–27 set at ₹7.85 lakh crore—highlighting a 15% increase and a record ₹2.19 lakh crore allocated for capital modernisation—DEFSAT 2026 will serve as a pivotal convergence point for policy, military readiness, and industrial innovation in the defence-space sector.
