Societies can’t function without reliable access to space, SatCom is ‘dual use oxygen’: Viasat prez

NEW DELHI: Global communications company Viasat on Tuesday said societies cannot function without reliable access to space, describing satellite communications as the “dual use oxygen" that supports missions ranging from weather forecasting to early warning systems.

“Without assured, resilient global SatCom, we would all be in the dark,” Ben Palmer, President of Viasat Commercial, said while addressing the opening plenary session at the DefSat 2026 conference held at New Delhi's Manekshaw Centre on Tuesday.

Highlighting the strategic importance of assured spectrum access and resilient satellite communications, Palmer underscored the role of these technologies in safeguarding national security and sustaining economic stability.

Palmer stressed on the necessity of assured connectivity across alternate orbits and radio frequency bands. He also said, “We're looking at ways to ensure govts have access to assured connectivity via alternate orbits and alternate radio frequency spectrum. We are innovating to deliver cyber and EW resilience, access to different spectrum and new ways to deliver these key enabling capabilities.”

The three-day dialogue, which convenes military leadership, policymakers, and industry partners, focused on the future of space-enabled security. The discussion also addressed the increasing use of uncrewed systems in modern conflict.

Palmer pointed to recent developments in Ukraine as evidence of how such platforms achieve military effects without risking personnel. He explained that Viasat is focused on developing compact terminals, some no larger than a coffee cup, to provide beyond line-of-sight communications for tactical uncrewed platforms.

Regarding India's strategic position, Palmer acknowledged the govt's approach to space sovereignty as “long term, strategic and wise”. He said that India's resistance to market dominance by others in international fora helps maintain freedom of choice. “The grand strategic approach which the Govt of India is adopting to assure its space sovereignty is impressive. This isn't just about 'Make in India' and assuring freedom of operation, it's also about the responsible, pragmatic approach that India has adopted," he said. Viasat, which recently integrated Inmarsat, continues to partner with local institutions like BSNL to build domestic capabilities.

Besides exhibition by defence and space startups at Manekshaw Centre, DefSat 2026 witnessed eminent military, defence, space and cyberspace experts as part of panel discussions.

Building on the success of its first three editions, collectively drawing 500+ participants from 20+ countries, 80+ speakers and representation from 60+ organisations, DefSat 2026 (Feb 24–26) on Day 1 featured a broad agenda spanning operational doctrine, industrial collaboration, technology resilience and geopolitical partnerships.

Subba Rao Pavuluri, president, SIA-India, said, “The DefSat 2026 conference underscores a critical strategic reality: an estimated 70–80% of modern military operations today rely on space-based capabilities, underscoring the rising centrality of space in India’s national security architecture. Day One marked a strong turnout as the conference witnessed 600 registered military leadership, govt officials, diplomats, global industry representatives, startups, academia, and strategic experts.”

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