New Delhi, February 9: The topic of establishing a Space Force was raised in the Rajya Sabha on Monday. Members of the house emphasized the need for India to form an independent Space Force, highlighting that space is now directly linked to national security. This domain significantly impacts strategic economic and Military Operations.
BJP MP Sujit Kumar from Odisha brought this issue to the forefront. He stated that space is no longer just a scientific domain; it has become a strategic area directly related to national security. He urged the government to seriously consider the establishment of an independent Space Force.
In his address, he remarked, “We can either wait for a silent attack that could cripple our economy, or we can proactively build a force that prevents such an attack. A Space Force is essential not for winning wars among the stars, but for preventing losses on the ground.”
The Rajya Sabha member called for the formation of a high-level committee to explore the establishment of a Space Force and a Space Warfare Academy, urging for a prompt report on the matter. He pointed out that today, our calls, internet, GPS, banking, surveillance, and military operations all rely on satellites in space. Any disruption by adversaries in space could severely impact national security and order on the ground.
He also referenced the government’s initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting the establishment of the Defense Space Agency and the Defense Space Research Organization in 2019. The success of anti-satellite missile tests has positioned India as a formidable space power globally. However, he stressed that these measures are not sufficient. In today’s context, creating a separate Space Force is imperative.
Kumar highlighted that China already possesses a dedicated military space capability, and the United States established its Space Force in 2019. Therefore, India cannot afford to lag behind. He noted that while the current Defense Space Agency is a good start, it operates within a temporary framework, lacking its own cadre, full command, and permanent structure.
He further mentioned that several new military satellites will be launched in the coming years, necessitating dedicated military surveillance and operations around the clock for their security. He argued that traditional military commands alone cannot manage this responsibility.
