Indian Air Force Air Marshal Ashish Singh on Tuesday advocated for an integrated “Air and Space Force”, emphasising that the militarisation of space is growing and the likelihood of its weaponisation is also increasing. He stressed that India must evolve into a true aerospace power to remain relevant in the forthcoming Space Age.
Importance of space as a key domain
Speaking at the Indian Space Congress 2026, Air Marshal Singh explained that space enables air power more than any other domain, and vice versa. He noted that leading aerospace powers such as the United States, Russia, China, and France are more likely to become space powers due to their strong aviation base. Therefore, he argued, the IAF’s capabilities should expand to incorporate space, and such an integrated force would benefit the nation.
Global examples of space forces
Currently, only the US and China have established independent and dedicated space forces, known as the US Space Force and the People’s Liberation Army Aerospace Force, respectively. Several other nations manage space defence through branches integrated into existing air forces or joint inter-service space commands. The French Air and Space Force was officially renamed in 2020 to formally include space operations in its core mission. Russia’s Space Forces were a standalone branch until a 2015 reorganisation merged them into the unified Russian Aerospace Forces. The UK Space Command, formed in 2021, is a joint unit drawing personnel from the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force. Germany established its Defence Space Command in 2022 to oversee military space interests.
India’s current approach
Instead of a dedicated space branch, India manages its military space assets through the Defence Space Agency, a specialised tri-services agency tasked with operating the nation’s military space warfare and satellite intelligence assets. This agency serves as the foundational framework for India’s evolving military space doctrine, integrating personnel from the Army, Navy, and IAF.
Space economy outlook
INSPACe chairman Pawan K Goenka, also speaking at the Indian Space Congress 2026, stated that the projected $44 billion space economy by 2033 will not be built by startups alone. He noted that investors view space not only as a frontier but also as a long-term industrial opportunity where early conviction creates lasting value.
