“Space bestows immense force multiplication capability on the Armed Forces, and the dependence on space assets for military operation is rapidly increasing. Leveraging space power would include protection of our National space assets and exploitation of space to enable defense capabilities across the conflict spectrum”- Extract from Joint Doctrine Indian Armed Forces.
Space as a domain will have a significant role in the manner in which conflicts play out in the future by connecting the operational capabilities of a nation. C4ISR capabilities [Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance] across theatres of command and operations are fast becoming the fourth dimension of warfare. The space centric capacity and capability is critical for adding a strategic depth to a country’s defense preparedness, both in times of peace and conflict.
SIA-India, in yet another well-timed initiative released a position paper titled ‘Self Reliance in Defense Space-inclusion of Space Sector in Discharge of Defense Offset Obligations’ on 20th April 2022.
Releasing the paper in an event Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri, President SIA-India, said ”The Defense and Space sectors stand to gain immensely from cross country collaborative policies, where the two sectors can organically exchange research activities, tech processes and ideas. Combining existing technologies will result in development of state-of-the-art applications and enhance indigenous manufacturing capacities.”
The paper takes a deep dive into the current prevailing condition of the defense offset programs and explains the nuances of a robust offset regime. The Space sector being the ‘Fourth Frontier’ of defense, the inclusion of space sector in discharge of offset obligations could be a major catalyst for both the sectors.
Mr Anil Prakash [DG- SIA-India] said “ The emergence of the commercial space sector and startups in India and the potential to leverage their capabilities, throws up some attractive possibilities for the country’s defense requirements. A key measure that could be a game-changer for the defense and space sectors relates to the discharge of offset obligations. Such a measure will propel the Indian space industry to achieve economies of scale and continuity beyond their participation in the National space programs of ISRO”
There is a tremendous opportunity for Space and Defense companies to collaborate with the global companies to work together leading to greater market outreach under offset policy.
Lt Gen AKS Chandele, President-Defense, Internal Security & Public safety- Geospatial World said “With the formation of space command and special dedicated satellites available to the army, navy and airforce, there is a sea change in defense capabilities of India as the satellites are providing a wide range of services with better communication, coverage and latency. Space sector, therefore, must be part of offsets”
Leveraging the synergies between defense SIA-India, congratulating SIA-India on the occasion said “The SIA-India paper is very timely and will do a lot of good to both the sectors. Synergy between the two sectors is bound to happen and space sector will get more integrated with defense”.
SIA-India has shared the position paper widely among various ministries like Ministry of Defense, Dept of Science and Technology, Dept of Space, Dept of telecommunications among others.
