SIA-India will host the 3rd DefSat Conference and Expo from January 8-10, 2025, at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. Themed “Integrated Space Capabilities for Multi-Domain Operations,” the event will explore the convergence of India’s defence modernisation efforts and its growing space aspirations. With over 500 key figures from government, defence, space, technology, and security sectors, the conference will focus on the strategic role of space technologies in modern warfare across land, sea, air, cyberspace, and homeland security domains. The event is supported by the Ministry of Defence’s Department of Defence Production, DRDO, New Space India Ltd, and other prominent institutions.
Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri, President of SIA-India, noted, “This conference comes at a critical time as India accelerates its defence and space ambitions, with both sectors expected to grow at 14-16% annually. The government’s commitment is clear, with significant allocations for DRDO and Defence Space Investments, underlining the urgency of advanced space capabilities for national security.”
India’s armed forces are expanding their space assets, planning to launch 52 new satellites for enhanced surveillance and communication, aimed at strengthening security along strategic borders. The Defence Space Agency (DSA) is playing a key role in managing these assets and is increasing its workforce to meet the growing demands of space operations, highlighting India’s focus on preparing for space-driven military conflicts.
DefSat 2025 will also feature a special session on “Harnessing Space Technologies for Comprehensive Homeland Security,” with senior officials from police and paramilitary forces discussing how space innovations can improve border management, disaster response, counter-insurgency efforts, and law enforcement across India’s varied terrains.
“DefSat 2025 will showcase next-generation military technologies, including quantum key distribution, non-kinetic space warfare, and AI/ML-driven solutions, positioning India at the forefront of future defence operations,” said Lt. Gen (Dr.) PJS Pannu, Senior Advisor to SIA-India. He added that the conference, including the IndSpaceWargame 3.0, will offer participants a chance to simulate space security challenges and demonstrate India’s readiness to tackle the complexities of space-based operations.
The event will feature dignitaries such as Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh, Governor of Uttarakhand, and Lt. Gen. Vinod G. Khandare, Principal Advisor to the Ministry of Defence, among others. These leaders bring expertise in governance, defence, space technology, cybersecurity, and policy, strengthening India’s strategic capabilities in both the defence and space sectors.
Industry leaders from Ananth Technologies, Planet Labs, Safran, Dhruva Space, and others will also showcase their latest innovations in satellite technology, defence systems, and space capabilities, contributing to India’s comprehensive space strategy. DefSat 2025 will not only serve as a pivotal gathering for defence professionals but also reinforce India’s proactive stance in expanding its space capabilities to secure its position on the global stage.
