Skylight Exercise Space Domain Capabilities
Source : The Hindu
GS II : International Relation; GS III :  Internal Security

What is discussed under Skylight Exercise Space Domain Capabilities ?

1. About the Exercise
2. Need for the Exercise
3. Indian Army’s Satellite GSAT-7B

Why in News ?

China having developed deadly weapons for space, cyberspace and electronic warfare Indian Army has conducted a major pan-India exercise Skylight

Key Facts

About the Exercise

• • Aims to test the operational readiness and robustness of its hi-tech satellite communication systems in the event of an attack by an

    

    adversary.

  • This exercise, conducted by Indian Army, was the first of its kind large-scale exercise to boost its space domain capabilities.
  • The army is on course to get its own satellite by December 2025.
  • All satellite communication assets of the Indian Army were activated during this exercise.

Need for the Exercise

• • The army has also carried out a detailed study of cyber and electromagnetic warfare in the Russia-Ukraine war.
  • Established the efficacy of a reliable satellite communication system like Starlink that can provide high-speed internet services to remote areas.
  • India wants to leverage space capabilities for supporting a variety of military operations and complex aerospace technology has begun impacting military operations, and communications, in particular.
  • The northern borders with China are a primary area of concern because of the challenges related to topography.
  • Apart from conventional military capabilities, China is leagues ahead in space, cyberspace, robotics, lethal autonomous weapon systems, artificial intelligence and the like, with PLA’s longstanding thrust on informatised and intelligentised  warfare.
  • Indian Army has been dependent on GSAT-7A and other satellites for communication systems.

India has only two dedicated military satellites : GSAT-7 (Rukmini) and GSAT-7A (Angry Bird). They are used by the Indian Navy and Air Force respectively.

Indian Army’s Satellite GSAT-7B

• • The satellite would help the Indian Army enhance its surveillance in border areas.
  • Expected that the state of the art, multi-band, military-grade satellite for the communication and surveillance needs of the Army.

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