New Delhi witnessed a passionate call in the Rajya Sabha on Monday for India to establish its own dedicated Space Force. BJP MP from Odisha, Sujit Kumar, raised the alarm, emphasizing that space is no longer just a scientific frontier but a critical pillar of national security.
In a compelling address, Kumar argued that satellites underpin everything from communications and GPS to banking, surveillance, and military operations. ‘We can’t wait for a silent attack that cripples our economy,’ he warned. ‘A Space Force isn’t for winning wars among the stars—it’s to prevent defeat on the ground.’
Highlighting global precedents, he noted China’s established space military capabilities and the US Space Force launched in 2019. India’s Defence Space Agency and successful anti-satellite missile test in 2019 are steps forward, but Kumar insisted they fall short. The agency lacks a permanent structure, dedicated cadre, or full command authority.
Kumar urged the formation of a high-level committee to study the creation of a Space Force and a Space Warfare Academy. With more military satellites slated for launch, 24/7 dedicated monitoring is essential, he said, something traditional commands can’t handle alone.
This demand comes amid rising geopolitical tensions, where space dominance could dictate outcomes on earthly battlefields. As India eyes its role as a space power, the government’s response will signal its strategic priorities in an era of hybrid warfare.