In late 2012, Indian Army personnel stationed in Arunachal Pradesh observed unidentified flying objects along the Indo-China border. These sightings, occurring over several months, were initially believed to be Chinese spy drones due to their behavior, such as hovering and moving against the wind. Upon investigation by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), it was determined that the objects were actually the planets Jupiter and Venus. The atmospheric conditions and the heightened alertness of the soldiers contributed to this misinterpretation.
Not all flags are false alarms, though. Less than a year ago, China’s Ministry of State Security reported that foreign intelligence agencies were attempting to steal secrets from its space program. The ministry emphasized the strategic importance of safeguarding space security, highlighting that space has become a new “battlefield for military struggle.” This statement reflects the growing global competition and concerns over espionage in space-related endeavors.
Forward to 2025, and the writing on the wall is clearer than ever. India is no longer merely launching satellites for weather data or communication. In three months, the country is set to unveil its first military space doctrine, a formal playbook that will shape how India defends, deters, and dominates in the domain where traditional borders don’t exist and threats move at 28,000 kilometres per hour.
The New Rules of Warfare
At the Indian DefSpace Symposium, General Anil Chauhan, India’s Chief of Defence Staff, didn’t mince words: “Space is emerging as a new domain of warfare, and it is going to dominate warfare.” This announcement goes beyond military posturing to the recognition of a silent arms race already underway above our heads.
India’s adversaries have launched their own space-focused military branches, developed kinetic anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons, and demonstrated complex orbital manoeuvres. The ‘high ground’ has always mattered in war. Now, that high ground is quite literally outer space.
Why a Military Space Doctrine Now?
India has long had scientific ambitions in space, led by ISRO. But space has changed. India has already conquered a good part of space exploration and commercial opportunities. Now it’s about control. From GPS-guided precision strikes and real-time battlefield intelligence to jamming enemy satellites and protecting one’s own constellations, space assets are now central to warfare.
And that’s where the doctrine comes in.
For the first time, India will codify a strategy that answers key questions:
- What exactly is military space, and how is it different from civilian efforts?
- How should India structure its space forces?
- What offensive and defensive capabilities are acceptable, and what crosses the line?
A Culture Shift in Uniform
General Chauhan said that he was advocating for a new mindset. He wants the military to internalise a “space culture.” This means setting up dedicated institutions, like space warfare schools, and developing warfighting concepts tailored to the unique challenges of the orbital arena.
Think less about boots on the ground and more about commands in code, algorithms that manage satellite swarms, AI-driven threat detection systems, and cyber-kinetic hybrids that can disable enemy infrastructure without a single shot being fired.
Industry, Private Sector, and the New Space Race
But the doctrine won’t be written behind closed doors by generals alone. India’s private sector, flush with talent, funding, and ambition, is expected to be a major player. Defence startups, space-tech companies, and even traditional defence PSUs will be roped in to develop dual-use platforms, satellite constellations, and responsive launch systems.
This is a sharp pivot from the past. Space was once the playground of state-run giants. Now, the doctrine is expected to incentivise public-private collaboration, recognising that innovation doesn’t wear a uniform.
The Unseen Battlefield
The threats India is preparing for aren’t hypothetical. In 2007, China tested an ASAT weapon, blowing up one of its own satellites and littering space with debris, debris that still threatens global satellites today. The U.S. and Russia have both demonstrated “co-orbital” tactics, shadowing and potentially interfering with rival satellites.
India itself conducted Mission Shakti in 2019, showcasing its own ASAT capability. But it was just the beginning.
Physical destruction isn’t the only thing on the cards in future warfare. They could be subtle, spoofing a navigation signal, dazzling a surveillance sensor, or hacking into satellite control systems. The doctrine will need to anticipate and respond to this full spectrum of threats, kinetic, non-kinetic, cyber, and beyond.
Space Military Doctrine as Deterrent
Much like nuclear doctrine, a clearly defined space doctrine is also about deterrence. By spelling out what India can and will do, it sends a signal: any hostile move in orbit will meet a calibrated, credible response. This clarity is especially important in a domain where rules are still fuzzy and miscalculations can escalate fast.
It’s also a message to the international community: India is not here to militarise space recklessly, but neither will it allow the high frontier to be dominated by others.
Global Dynamics and India’s Strategic Posture
India’s move comes at a time when geopolitical fault lines are intensifying. The US, Russia, China, and even NATO have begun incorporating space warfighting into their doctrines. China’s People’s Liberation Army has a dedicated Strategic Support Force for space, cyber, and electronic warfare.
India, meanwhile, has begun laying the groundwork: the formation of the Defence Space Agency, the Defence Space Research Organisation, and now, a doctrine to unify it all.
The space doctrine is expected to do three things:
- Define Boundaries – What is acceptable military use of space?
- Set Priorities – What capabilities must be developed urgently?
- Create Accountability – Which agency owns what responsibility in the event of an attack?
The Sky Is No Longer the Limit
In February 2022, Russia launched Kosmos 2553, a military satellite officially described as a testbed for new onboard instruments. However, Western defence analysts suspect it may be part of the Neitron radar system—potentially linked to anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons. Such moves have raised alarms about the growing militarisation of space and the risk of breaching international norms.
As warfare increasingly shifts beyond traditional battlefields, space has emerged as a critical frontier for national security. The steady escalation by global powers in deploying space-based military assets has underscored the urgent need for India to enhance its own surveillance, missile defence, and counter-space capabilities. Reflecting this strategic pivot, the Union Budget 2025–26 has prioritised funding for space security—a clear signal that India’s defence planning is evolving to meet the realities of modern conflict.
With China aggressively expanding its space warfare architecture and Pakistan boosting its surveillance networks through foreign collaboration, India cannot afford complacency. Advancing satellite reconnaissance, missile defence systems, and counter-space technologies will be vital to preserving regional stability and strategic deterrence.
In 2025, as India prepares to release its military space doctrine, one thing is clear: the country is not looking up at space with wonder alone—it’s looking up with purpose.
The coming months will be crucial, not just in drafting the doctrine, but also in ensuring that it leads to real-world capabilities. Because in space, there’s no terrain to retreat to, no mountain to defend, and no bunker to hide in.
There’s only one question: will you be ready before your adversary is?
And India, it seems, is preparing to answer with a resounding yes.
Military Space Doctrine in India’s Budget
India’s 2025–26 defence budget also marked a strategic pivot toward space security. It made provisions for substantial investments aimed at strengthening the country’s surveillance, missile defence, and counter-space capabilities. Recognising that future conflicts will extend beyond traditional domains, the government has prioritised the development of advanced space technologies.
One of the key focuses is expanding satellite-based surveillance, including the deployment of high-resolution imaging and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites. These will provide real-time, all-weather intelligence crucial for monitoring adversary movements along the LAC and LoC.
Missile defence is another major priority, with the DRDO advancing hypersonic glide vehicles and long-range ballistic missile defence systems to counter evolving threats, particularly from China.
India is also enhancing its counter-space capabilities, building on the success of Mission Shakti in 2019. New investments include electronic warfare systems and space situational awareness tools to detect and neutralise threats to Indian satellites.
The budget also highlights the importance of cybersecurity and AI in safeguarding space assets. AI-enabled surveillance and cyber-defence mechanisms will support faster threat detection and smarter military responses.
