Space militarization: We are seeing militarisation of space, steady progress towards weaponization: CDS

Source: The post is based on the article “We are seeing militarisation of space, steady progress towards weaponization: CDS” published in The Hindu on 12th April 2023

What is the News?

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has said that the very nature of warfare is on the cusp of major transformation and what is being witnessed is militarisation of space and steady progress towards weaponization.

What is space militarization?

Space militarisation refers to using space-based assets for military purposes such as for spying or communication by the militaries. 

What are steps taken by the UN to prevent space militarization?

The overwhelming majority of UN member states are concerned that the weaponization of outer space will lead to an arms race and insist that a multilateral treaty is the only way to prevent this. 

Towards this, an Outer Space Treaty was conceptualized by the United Nations in 1967. The treaty emphasizes the fact that the exploration of outer space should be beneficial to all mankind and nations and it should be for peaceful purposes. It claims that one nation cannot claim national sovereignty in outer space. 

Over 100 nations have signed and ratified this treaty and 26 nations have signed the treaty but have yet to ratify it. 

The UN is further striving to improve and facilitate the inhibition of an arms race in outer space by strengthening the 1967 Outer Space Treaty through various committees on the prevention of an arms race in outer space and resolutions on the establishment of transparency and confidence-building measures in outer space.

What are the steps taken by India to overcome the challenges of space militarization?

-In 2019, India successfully conducted an Anti-Satellite (ASAT) missile test, named Mission Shakti, becoming the fourth country in the world to demonstrate the capability to shoot down satellites in orbit.

-In 2019, India conducted its first-ever simulated space warfare exercise titled ‘IndSpaceEx’. The exercise aims to assess the requisite space and counter-space capabilities that are needed by India. The exercise will also help India better grasp the strategic challenges in space that need to be handled.

-Establishment of the new tri-service Defence Space Agency(DSA)

-Mission DefSpace was launched to develop innovative solutions for the three Services (Indian airforce, Navy and Army) in the space domain through the Indian industry and start-ups.

-Indian Space Association (ISpA) organized the ‘Indian DefSpace Symposium 2023’ in association with DRDO. The Symposium is intended to create a platform for all stakeholders who have a keen interest in boosting India’s military space capability and plans.