DefSat2026 Conference Highlights India's Strategic Push for Defence Space Resilience
On Day 2 of the DefSat2026 conference in New Delhi, defence and military experts intensified strategic discussions on building India's persistent and resilient defence space capability. This dialogue unfolded against the backdrop of rapid global transformation in space-based military infrastructure, underscoring the urgency of enhancing national security through advanced space technologies.
Global Space Sector Enters Operational Maturity Phase
The sector is entering a phase of operational maturity, with 1,602 space-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) satellites projected to launch globally between 2025 and 2030. This shift marks a move from sporadic expansion to predictable, proliferated constellations designed for continuous coverage, rapid revisit, and real-time analytics. Experts at the conference stressed that persistent space capability is no longer aspirational but foundational to India's national security, requiring immediate and coordinated action.
Keynote Address Sets Strategic Tone
Setting the tone for the day at the Manekshaw Centre, Subba Rao Pavuluri, president of SIA-India, highlighted India's decisive inflection point. He stated, "India stands at a decisive inflection point. Scale without coordination is aspiration; scale with alignment becomes capability. As we advance toward Aatmanirbharta and aspire to emerge as a Vishwaguru in the space domain, unity of purpose across government, industry, and the armed forces will determine our strategic success." This call for alignment emphasizes the need for integrated efforts to achieve self-reliance and global leadership in space.
Tangible B2B Activity and MoU Exchanges
Day 2 of the conference also witnessed significant B2B activity, reflecting growing confidence among private players in the defence space ecosystem. Six Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exchanges took place, involving:
- Safran and Geminus Space
- TakeMe2Space and Little Place Labs
- RedBalloon Aerospace with EON Space, Sanyark, Raudrane, and Andurax
The purpose of the MoU between Safran and Geminus Space is to address challenges associated with large-scale operations of ground systems. This will be achieved through the integration of Safran Data Systems' ground equipment systems, such as antennas, communication modems, and signal processing units, with Geminus' unified ground operations platform, enhancing operational efficiency and resilience.
Emphasis on Responsible and Civilisational Approach
Maj Gen Neeraj Shukla, AVSM, SM, officiating director general (Strategic) Planning of the Indian Army, emphasized India's responsible and civilisational approach to space. He remarked, "We are a responsible nation. Our approach to space must reflect our civilisational ethos — 'Doham Karma Sansadhanam Na Kadapi Shoshanam, Lok Hite Bhutanam Sarakshanam Pratham' — meaning responsible utilisation of resources, never exploitation, for the welfare and protection of all beings. Space is not merely for defence dominance, but for sustaining the very civilisation we are sworn to protect." This perspective underscores a holistic view of space utilization beyond military applications.
Broadening the Lens on National Security
Maj Gen Shukla further elaborated that national security can no longer be viewed solely through a military lens. Instead, it reflects the collective strength of multiple domains, including diplomacy, information, military capability, economic resilience, political leadership, and indigenous technology. As artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, cyber capabilities, and other advanced fields evolve, integrating these elements into a cohesive strategy becomes crucial for India's defence space ambitions, ensuring a comprehensive and sustainable approach to safeguarding national interests.
