Amid increasing focus on defence-space collaboration, the Defence Space Agency is working to draft a Military Space Doctrine and National Space Policy, which are expected to be ready within the next two to three months, announced Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces On Monday.
“India envisions a $44 billion space economy, which will require strong collaboration between private companies, the armed forces, DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), and IN-SPACe. The Defence Space Agency is also formulating a Military Space Doctrine and National Space Policy, which will further accelerate growth in the defence space sector,” said Chauhan.
The Chief of Defence Staff also emphasised the crucial role of private companies in driving innovation and advancing cutting-edge technologies in the space sector.
“We need to strengthen satellite services, boost manufacturing and launch operations, stimulate the domestic market, and build state-of-the-art infrastructure to position India as a global leader in the space sector,” Chauhan added.
He also mentioned the upcoming Space Activities Bill 2025 will again be a pivotal reform in the space sector.
The Chief of Defence Staff also described Military space as primarily about the Earth’s orbital zones—the Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary Orbit (GEO).
“In space, our focus should be on those orbital regions that directly affect terrestrial warfare and national security, not distant galaxies,” he said.
“To my fellow members of the armed forces in the audience today: we, as military professionals, need to remain practical and focused. The realm of interplanetary or intergalactic travel belongs to the world of science fiction for now. Let’s leave that exploration to others. Our responsibility lies in clearly defining and operating within the scope of military space,” CDS added.
Chauhan also emphasised the military services to have have their own Space Warfare Schools.
“I believe it's imperative that all our military services eventually have their own Space Warfare Schools. This is a necessary evolution. As Indians, we must reposition ourselves as a culture that not only respects but deeply values space-related knowledge and research. This mindset shift is vital,” he said.
The Chief of Defence Staff was speaking at the 3rd edition of Indian DefSpace Symposium 2025 in New Delhi.
