2nd Indian DefSpace Symposium Facilitates Collaboration between Defence, Space Sectors
The Indian Space Association (ISpA) commenced the second edition of the ‘Indian DefSpace Symposium 2024’ today at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, aiming to strengthen collaboration between India’s space and defence sectors. This three-day event serves as a platform for key stakeholders from the defence sector, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), government entities, and industry professionals to convene, discuss, and foster India’s defence-space capabilities.
Distinguished guests including Admiral R. Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy, and Dr. Samir V Kamat, Chairman of DRDO, inaugurated the symposium, alongside various dignitaries from ministries, defence, and the space industry.
The symposium’s first day featured sessions and panel discussions led by experts from the defence and space sectors, addressing a spectrum of topics such as sector challenges and China’s defence space capabilities.
In his welcome address, Mr Jayant D Patil, Chairman of the Indian Space Association, underscored the industry’s potential growth trajectory, highlighting the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to leverage this potential effectively.
General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, Indian Armed Forces, emphasised the importance of nurturing startups in the space domain and advocated for deep engagement between the defence establishment and Indian startups to develop cutting-edge solutions. He also stressed the need for legal and academic frameworks to bolster India’s space capabilities.
Admiral R. Hari Kumar highlighted the significance of satellite technology in maritime security, emphasising the Indian Navy’s commitment to self-reliance by leveraging partnerships with the space industry. He encouraged collaboration between the space sector, MSMEs, and startups to drive innovation and indigenisation.
Dr. Samir V Kamat of DRDO emphasised the criticality of space-based capabilities such as situational awareness and surveillance, highlighting DRDO’s willingness to collaborate with startups and industry through funding mechanisms like the Technology Development Fund.
Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt, Director-General of the Indian Space Association, expressed gratitude and emphasised the importance of focusing on DefSpace challenges to deliver tangible outcomes for the defence services. He also highlighted recent advancements in space technology, including TASL’s launch of an earth observation satellite.
The symposium aims to provide a collaborative platform for stakeholders to discuss and address challenges in India’s military space capabilities, facilitating networking and collaboration opportunities among defence, DRDO, government, and industry professionals.