In early 2023, a high-altitude balloon from China traversed North American airspace. It caused to heightened diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and China. The U.S. Department of Defense monitored the balloon, assessing its capabilities and potential intelligence-gathering activities. It was a highlight showing vulnerabilities in airspace security and the challenges of attributing and responding to aerial surveillance threats.
About a year ago, in February 2022, Russia launched Kosmos 2553, a military satellite believed to be part of its Neitron radar system. While officially described as a technological spacecraft for testing new onboard instruments, U.S. officials have expressed concerns that it may be linked to anti-satellite weapon development, potentially violating international treaties and escalating space militarization.
As modern warfare evolves, space has become a domain that cannot be ignored for national security. The increasing militarisation of space by global powers has showed the need for India to enhance its space-based surveillance and missile defence capabilities. Recognising this, the Union Budget 2025-26 has prioritised investments in space security, reflecting a strategic shift in India’s defence planning.
With China aggressively expanding its space warfare capabilities and Pakistan strengthening its surveillance assets with foreign assistance, India must remain vigilant. Strengthening satellite surveillance, missile defence, and counter-space technologies will be essential to maintaining strategic stability in the region.
The Growing Importance of Space in Defence
Space-based assets have transformed military operations globally, enabling advanced reconnaissance, secure communications, and real-time battlefield awareness. Satellites play a crucial role in guiding precision weapons, monitoring enemy movements, and ensuring national security. However, with adversaries developing anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons and electronic warfare capabilities, space security is no longer just about surveillance—it is about defence and deterrence.
China has been at the forefront of space militarisation, with a rapidly expanding network of reconnaissance satellites, space-based missile tracking systems, and ASAT capabilities. Beijing’s ability to disable enemy satellites, demonstrated in its 2007 ASAT test, poses a serious threat to India’s military infrastructure. Meanwhile, Pakistan, with assistance from China, has been upgrading its space surveillance systems, such as the PRSS-1 satellite, which enhances its military reconnaissance capabilities.
Given these developments, India’s investment in space security is not just a strategic choice but a necessity. Without robust space capabilities, India risks being at a severe disadvantage in modern warfare.
India’s Defence Budget Allocation for Space Security
India’s 2025-26 defence budget includes a substantial allocation for space-based surveillance and missile defence. The government has recognised that without advanced space capabilities, traditional military superiority will be insufficient to address emerging threats. Key areas of investment include:
1. Strengthening Satellite-Based Surveillance
India is expanding its network of military satellites to enhance real-time reconnaissance and intelligence gathering. The upcoming launches of high-resolution imaging satellites will provide critical data for border security, naval operations, and counter-terrorism efforts. These satellites will help monitor Chinese military movements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Pakistan’s military infrastructure along the Line of Control (LoC).
Additionally, India is investing in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites, which can provide all-weather, day-and-night surveillance, crucial for detecting enemy movements even in adverse conditions.
2. Enhancing Missile Defence Systems
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is spearheading the development of next-generation missile defence systems. A major focus is on hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs), which can manoeuvre at extreme speeds and evade enemy missile defences. Given China’s advancements in hypersonic weapons, India’s investment in this area is essential to maintaining deterrence.
The budget also supports the development of long-range ballistic missile defence (BMD) systems, aimed at intercepting enemy missiles before they reach Indian airspace. These advancements will significantly strengthen India’s ability to counter potential missile threats from adversaries.
3. Developing Counter-Space Capabilities
India successfully demonstrated its ASAT capabilities with ‘Mission Shakti’ in 2019, showcasing the ability to neutralise enemy satellites. The current budget focuses on advancing these capabilities further, including electronic warfare systems that has the potential to disrupt enemy satellite communications and disable hostile space assets without physical destruction.
Investments in space situational awareness (SSA) will enhance India’s ability to track potential threats in orbit, ensuring the protection of its own satellites from both kinetic and non-kinetic attacks.
4. Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence in Space Defence
With increasing threats of cyber warfare targeting space assets, India is prioritising cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) in space defence. AI-driven threat detection systems will help counter cyber-attacks on satellite networks, preventing adversaries from disrupting critical military operations.
AI is also being integrated into space surveillance systems to improve the speed and accuracy of threat identification. Automated systems will enhance decision-making processes, allowing the military to respond more effectively to potential space-based threats.
Challenges in Strengthening India’s Space Security
Despite increased funding, India faces significant challenges in rapidly developing indigenous space capabilities. One of the major hurdles is dependence on foreign suppliers for critical technologies such as advanced sensors, satellite propulsion systems, and electronic warfare components. While the government’s push for self-reliance under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ aims to address this, the development of cutting-edge technologies requires sustained investment and collaboration with the private sector.
Another challenge is the need for a dedicated military space command, similar to those established by the United States and China. While India’s Defence Space Agency (DSA) has been tasked with coordinating space security efforts, a more structured approach with increased funding and authority will be necessary to accelerate progress.
The Path Forward: Strengthening India’s Space Defence Strategy
To future-proof its defence capabilities, India must adopt a multi-pronged approach:
- Accelerating Indigenous Development: Expanding research and development efforts through DRDO and private-sector partnerships will be crucial to reducing dependence on foreign technologies.
- Strengthening Global Alliances: Enhancing cooperation with friendly nations like the United States, France, and Japan in space defence will help India access advanced technologies and intelligence-sharing mechanisms.
- Establishing a Dedicated Space Command: Creating a fully operational military space command will improve coordination between the Indian Armed Forces, DRDO, and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
- Enhancing Cyber Defences: Investing in AI-driven cybersecurity frameworks will help safeguard India’s space assets from cyber warfare threats.
- Expanding Missile Defence Capabilities: Prioritising the development of hypersonic weapons and advanced missile interception systems will bolster India’s deterrence capabilities.
Conclusion
India’s increasing investment in space security and surveillance systems marks a decisive shift towards future-proofing its defence strategy. As space becomes an increasingly contested domain, ensuring the protection of critical assets is essential for national security.
With growing threats from China’s militarisation of space and Pakistan’s emerging capabilities, India must continue to accelerate its space-based military developments. By focusing on indigenous innovation, strengthening international partnerships, and investing in next-generation defence technologies, India can secure its position as a formidable space power while safeguarding its strategic interests.
The coming decade will determine whether India can successfully establish itself as a leader in space security. If it can overcome its technological and organisational challenges, it will not only protect its national security but also solidify its role as a key player in global defence strategy.
