Beyond Earth: Future of India's Space Defence Strategy

The fascination with space exploration has encouraged humanity to explore new realms, leading to conflicts and prodding nations to enhance their military capabilities. Space warfare encompasses various forms of engagement, underscoring the dynamic nature of modern conflicts.

Illustration by The Geostrata

In today’s world, space plays a crucial role in national security, and India is increasingly acknowledging its importance in fortifying defence and security frameworks in space.

ORIGINS OF A NATIONAL ASPIRATION 

India started its space program in 1962 with the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) and  Subsequently, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was established in August 1969, in place of INCOSPAR emphasizing on applications such as communication, navigation, earth observation, and scientific research, which further led to achievements like the Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions, showcasing India’s space exploration capabilities. 

ISRO’s achievements range from rocket launches to interplanetary and defence missions, including anti-satellite weapon development and an indigenous navigation system (NAVIC). ISRO introduced the indigenous Navigation with Indian Constellation (NAVIC) in 2014, primarily designed for border surveillance.

Furthermore, India’s space aspirations extended to ambitious projects such as establishing its space station by 2035 and the Gaganyaan mission, aiming to send three vyomnauts into lower Earth orbit. Now, over time, India’s space initiatives are evolving, shifting focus from human security to commercialisation and now emphasising national security.

Post-independence, India embarked on a journey of scientific progress and space exploration.

Spearheaded by entities like the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the National Atomic Research Laboratory (NARL), India’s space program prioritised innovation and efficiency, led by initiatives such as the Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) for communications and remote sensing.

STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF AN ADVANCED SPACE PROGRAM

The strategic intent of space for defence operations is to enhance military capabilities by integrating space across various defence domains, building resilience in space systems. This involves defending space assets from potential threats such as jamming or spoofing attacks.

Efforts are being made towards developing capabilities for space warfare, including advanced terrestrial sensors, and Anti-Satellite Weapons (ASAT). In this regard, India conducted its inaugural ASAT test named Mission Shakti, destroying a low Earth orbit satellite in response to China’s ASAT test.

The unveiling of India’s Space Policy in April 2023 outlines objectives in both space exploration and security. India seeks to increase its share in the global space economy from 2% to 10%, focusing on improved capabilities and international cooperation. It aims to encourage private sector involvement in satellite-based services and communication.

The introduction of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) by the Government of India is a major step to streamline authorisation processes and foster industry growth.

AN INDIGENOUS SPACE PROGRAM

The Armed forces worldwide are working on advanced imaging satellites and sensors to enhance combat effectiveness and national security. Space-oriented intelligence systems streamline decision-making processes, making them crucial amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics. India, through its indigenous innovation, is actively seeking to strengthen its armed forces through cutting-edge space innovations. Technologies like hyperspectral imaging, satellite-based navigation, and advanced sensors are crucial in this endeavour.

India is aiming to embark on its military space capabilities, firstly, with the establishment of the Defence Space Agency (DSA) in 2018 to uplift armed forces space-related capabilities. the DSA is gradually aiming to fuse the Defence Imagery Processing and Analysis Centre (DIPAC) and Defence Satellite Control Centre (DSCC). 

Meanwhile, it is also overseeing operational military satellites like GSAT-7 and GSAT-7A, the DSA aims to enhance coordination among military space activities, fostering partnerships with ISRO, DRDO, and the armed forces.. India is also forging partnerships with other nations like France and the US to enhance space security, deepening ties within the Quad.

India’s emphasis on space security is linked with defence readiness and demands a devised national strategy. The strategy necessitates a comprehensive approach, uniting multiple domains and sectors to safeguard India’s space interests effectively. A  key aspect is the formulation of a Space Security Policy to align with national security goals, fostering collaboration across military and commercial sectors to maximise mutual benefits and bolster defence capabilities.

Integrating military space ambitions with the National Space Strategy requires a dynamic approach, such as investing in research to enhance military capabilities, forging international partnerships for collaboration in different domains of technology, and formulating a strategic doctrine outlining India’s military space aspirations.

India is enhancing its space partnerships to counter China’s dominance. New Delhi has formed and strengthened alliances, notably within the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), which includes the US, Japan, and Australia, as well as with France. These partnerships focus on both civil and security aspects and emphasise developing norms of responsible behaviour in space.

Image Credits: Rightful Owner

India is deepening its engagement with various partners, encouraging the Quad to focus on space security and governance. Collaborating on Space Domain Awareness (SDA) is crucial for tracking threats. Additionally, India is considering joining the US-led Artemis Accords for lunar exploration. These approaches will help India advance its space capabilities and influence global space governance while addressing security threats from China

FUTURE OUTLOOK

In today’s geopolitical landscape, India’s aspirations in military space hold significant importance. The importance of space-based assets for critical military functions such as communication, surveillance, and navigation shows the role of robust military space capabilities, which are essential for protecting territorial sovereignty, safeguarding national interests, and projecting influence on the international stage.

---

BY TUSHIT TIWARI

TEAM GEOSTRATA

info@thegeostrata.com