By Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (r)
The Indian Space Association (ISpA) is set to host the 3rd Indian DefSpace Symposium 2025 from 7-9 November 2025 at MP-IDSA, Shankar Vihar, New Delhi. The DefSpace Symposium serves as a catalyst for India’s journey towards becoming a formidable space power. It brings together the collective wisdom of policymakers, military strategists, scientists, and industry experts to chart a roadmap for the future. The event will focus on strengthening India’s strategic capabilities in space, enhancing resilience against emerging threats, and fostering international cooperation to maintain security in the increasingly contested domain of outer space. The symposium once again provides an opportunity for direct dialogue between Suppliers, Key Stakeholders, Industry, Startups, MSMEs, DRDO and the users (Armed Forces, the Indian Para Security Forces).
This year’s symposium will feature discussions on a wide range of subjects crucial to India’s defence space roadmap. One of the key themes will be space threat analysis, focusing on adversaries’ capabilities and their implications for national security. With the growing militarization of space, experts will examine the need for counter-space strategies to safeguard India’s interests. Another major topic of discussion will be secure communications, where defence leaders will explore advanced technologies such as anti-jamming systems, quantum encryption, and cyber-resilient networks to ensure secure military operations in space. The symposium will also delve into the role of space-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) in modern warfare, highlighting how satellites, artificial intelligence, and real-time analytics can support multi-domain military operations.
As India continues to advance its military space programs, the Mission DefSpace Update session will provide insights into the progress made under this ambitious initiative, addressing the challenges encountered and the future course of action. Discussions on international cooperation will emphasize the importance of strategic alliances with global partners for joint research, technology sharing, and space security frameworks. Additionally, a session on Space Domain Awareness (SDA) will highlight the significance of tracking and monitoring space objects, strengthening India’s ability to protect its space assets from potential threats. The symposium will also explore the latest advancements in sensor ecosystems, AI-driven analytics, propulsion systems, and next-generation launch vehicles, all of which are crucial to India’s long-term space strategy.
A distinguished lineup of senior defence officials and space experts will be speaking at the event. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) will outline India’s overarching space defence vision, providing strategic direction for the nation’s military space initiatives. The Vice Chief of Army Staff will discuss the integration of space-based assets into ground operations, enhancing battlefield awareness and operational effectiveness. The Chairman of DRDO will present key innovations and technological advancements that are shaping the future of defence space capabilities. The Vice Chief of the Air Force will highlight the role of aerospace forces in space-based intelligence and security, while the Former Chief of the Air Force will provide valuable insights based on past experiences and the evolving challenges in military space operations.
The Indian DefSpace Symposium 2025 stands as a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards strengthening its defence space capabilities. As geopolitical tensions rise and space becomes a new frontier for security and warfare, it is imperative for India to develop indigenous technologies, strategic deterrence capabilities, and strong policy frameworks. By fostering collaboration between the government, military, private sector, and global partners, this event will play a crucial role in shaping India’s defence space strategy for the future. The symposium is not just a platform for discussion but a call to action, urging stakeholders to work together in securing India’s space assets and establishing the nation as a global leader in space defence technologies.
Lieutenant General Anil Kumar Bhatt (r) PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM is the Director General of Indian Space Association.
