Ajey Lele

Power Politics Transcends Space Security

Deputy Director General, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Gp Capt Ajey Lele’s article ‘Power politics transcends space security’ has been published in ‘The Space Review’ on 03 June 2024.

The need of the hour is to have a universally acceptable, verifiable, and multilaterally negotiated legally binding instrument for space security. This topic is too important to be left to the Americans, Russians, and Chinese.

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The views expressed by the author are personal and do not in any way reflect the views of MP-IDSA or the Government of India.

Published: 5 June, 2024

50 years of Pokhran-I

Deputy Director General, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Gp Capt Ajey Lele’s article ‘50 years of Pokhran-I’ has been published in Taaza Khabar News on 23 May 2024.

Today, while celebrating the five decades of India’s entry into the field of nuclear weaponry, it is important not to lose the site of the efforts of the scientific community towards the conduct of Pokhran-I, says Gp Capt Lele.

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The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of the Institute.

Published: 23 May, 2024

Chang’e 6 Mission: China Tightens Grip on The ‘Global’ Moon Quest

Deputy Director General, Manohar Parrikar IDSA. Gp Capt (Dr) Ajey Lele’s opinion piece ‘Chang'e 6 Mission: China Tightens Grip on The ‘Global’ Moon Quest’ has been published ‘The Wire’ on 07 May 2024.

At present, India and Japan are planning for a sample return mission, while China has already launched its second such mission. One of the important reasons behind China’s success in the moon domain could be their belief in getting the ‘basics’ right, says Gp Capt Lele.

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The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of the Institute.

Published: 9 May, 2024

Iran, Israel, and military gambling

Deputy Director General, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Gp Capt (Dr) Ajey Lele’s opinion piece ‘Iran, Israel, and military gambling’ has been published in Taazakhabarnews.com on 21 April 2024.

All in all, it appears that both Iran and Israel are unnecessarily taking calculated risks and any mishap could lead to a full-scale war. It is important for the powers like the US to play a mediatory role and de-escalate tensions in the region, says Gp Capt (Dr) Lele.

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Published: 2 May, 2024

ISRO Tests Reusable Launch Vehicle For Sustainable Space Exploration

Deputy Director General, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Gp Capt (Dr) Ajey Lele’s article ‘ISRO Tests Reusable Launch Vehicle For Sustainable Space Exploration’ was published by the Society for the Study of Peace and Conflict (SSPC) on 29 March 2024.

The development of India's Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) program as a dual-use initiative is not just strategic but essential. It ensures that India remains at the vanguard of space technology, capable of leveraging its advancements for both civilian and defense purposes, thereby safeguarding its interests in the rapidly evolving arena of space exploration and security, says Gp Capt Lele.

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Published: 1 May, 2024

A severe Geomagnetic Storm broiling, could impact Commutations

Deputy Director General, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Gp Capt (Dr) Ajey Lele’s article ‘A severe Geomagnetic Storm broiling, could impact Commutations’ has been published in Financial Express on 26 March 2024.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX had lost around 40 satellites after they were hit by a geomagnetic storm a day after launch, causing them to fall from orbit and burn up, says Gp Capt Lele.

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Published: 1 May, 2024

MIRV technology – Modernizing India’s Nuclear Arsenal

Deputy Director General, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Gp Capt (Dr) Ajey V Lele’s article ‘MIRV technology – modernizing India’s nuclear arsenal’ has been published in Taaza Khabar News on 12 March 2024.

India has started focussing on miniaturising technologies for nuclear weapons. Is India also interested in developing tactical nuclear weapons? No definitive conclusions could be drawn in this regard, however India must be monitoring the progress of Pakistan’s tactical nuclear weapons program, says Gp Capt (Dr) Lele.

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Published: 30 April, 2024

New FDI Policy to Propel Indian Space Sector to Greater Heights

Consultant, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Gp Capt Ajey Lele’s article ‘New FDI Policy to Propel Indian Space Sector to Greater Heights’ has been published in Geo Spatial World on 28 February 2024.

There is great potential within the Indian industry and some of them are expected to offer a launch facility in the near future. In the coming future, after the operationalization of its Gaganyaan program, India should be able to exploit this technology for commercial purposes too, says Gp Capt Lele.

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Published: 30 April, 2024

The Evolution of India’s Weather Satellite Programs

Consultant, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Gp Capt Ajey Lele’s article ‘The evolution of India’s weather satellite programs’ has been published in ‘The Space Review’ on 19 February 2024.

The time has come for IMD to look beyond ISRO and be involved in more international projects and engage India’s private industry to fulfill their requirements, says Gp Capt Lele.

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Published: 30 April, 2024

Russia-Ukraine War: Starlink Row Offers a Cautionary Tale on Role of Private Space Industry in Wars

Consultant, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Gp Capt Ajey Lele’s article ‘Russia-Ukraine War: Starlink Row Offers a Cautionary Tale on Role of Private Space Industry in Wars’ has been published in ‘The Wire’ on 16 February 2024.

A controversy emerged after Ukraine claimed that the Russian forces are using Starlink internet services in occupied areas. Despite Space X claiming that it has no links with Russia, the controversy refuses to die down, says Gp Capt Lele.

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