Air Vice Marshal Manu Midha, Director General of the Defence Space Agency (DSA), delivered a guest lecture at the Military Institute of Technology (MILIT), Pune, on the theme “Space Warfare & Satellite Intelligence: Present Capabilities, Challenges & Way Ahead,” highlighting the increasing importance of the space domain in modern military operations.
The lecture focused on the rapidly evolving role of space-based technologies and satellite-enabled capabilities in strengthening national security and enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces. Addressing officers and participants, Air Vice Marshal Midha emphasised that space has emerged as a critical operational domain alongside land, sea, air and cyber, significantly influencing the character of future warfare.
During his address, he highlighted how satellite-based systems contribute to improved situational awareness, intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, secure communications, navigation and precision targeting. He noted that these capabilities enable commanders to make faster, informed and more effective operational decisions across multiple theatres of operation.
The Director General of the Defence Space Agency also discussed the challenges associated with the increasing militarisation of space, including the protection of critical space assets, emerging counter-space threats and the need to build resilient and secure space-based infrastructure to support military operations.
Air Vice Marshal Midha underscored the importance of leveraging indigenous technologies, innovation and joint capability development to strengthen India’s space security architecture. He stressed that continued investment in advanced satellite systems, space surveillance and emerging technologies would be vital in ensuring operational preparedness for future conflicts.
The lecture provided participants with valuable insights into the evolving strategic landscape of space warfare and the growing significance of satellite intelligence in supporting defence planning, operational readiness and multi-domain military operations.
The interaction at MILIT reaffirmed the Defence Space Agency’s commitment to promoting awareness and understanding of space as a strategic domain while preparing the Armed Forces to effectively address future challenges through technology-driven capability development and integrated defence planning.
