Rapid militarisation of outer space and rising power competition have transformed space from a domain of peaceful exploration into a critical frontier of national security.
A Shift in Reality
- The Old View: Space was seen through the lens of exploration (Neil Armstrong) and ISRO’s “peaceful missions”.
- The 2026 Reality: Space is no longer just science fiction; it is a geopolitical reality and a crucial part of modern warfare
The New Space Reality – Three ‘C’s
- Congested: The rapid increase in satellite launches has made orbital space increasingly crowded.
- Contested: Major global powers are actively seeking to establish dominance in the space domain.
- Competitive: A strategic race is underway among nations to gain superiority in space capabilities.
Geopolitical Necessity for India
- Geopolitical Pressures: India’s location between two hostile neighbours/nuclear armed adversaries, i.e., China and Pakistan, with active and militarised borders, makes space-based capabilities vital for deterrence and surveillance.
- Strategic Deterrence and Military Balance: Strengthening space-based defence systems is essential to prevent adversaries from gaining asymmetric or decisive advantages, and an operationally empowered Indian Space Force (ISF) is an unavoidable mandate.
- Space as an Extension of National Security: In the 21st century, control and protection of space assets have become indispensable for safeguarding sovereignty and ensuring overall national security.
| Dual Axis Framework- Space and National Security: |
| Axis |
Dimension |
Key Elements |
Explanation / Significance |
| Axis 1: Space for Defence |
Force Multiplier |
Surveillance |
- Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites track enemy movement even through cloud cover and darkness, improving border monitoring and early warning.
|
|
Communication |
- Space-based communication systems maintain uninterrupted contact between troops in remote border areas and command centres, enabling real-time battlefield coordination.
|
|
Navigation |
- Satellite navigation improves missile accuracy and precision strikes, reducing collateral damage and enhancing operational efficiency.
|
| Axis 2: Defence of Space |
Critical Asset Protection |
Non-Military Threats |
- Orbital debris risks collisions and potential Kessler Syndrome (cascade satellite destruction); solar radiation also threatens satellite functioning.
|
|
Military – Non-Kinetic Threats |
- Electronic jamming, GPS spoofing, and cyberattacks on ground stations can disrupt or manipulate satellite services without physical destruction.
|
|
Military – Kinetic Threats |
- Ground-launched missiles, satellite collisions, or robotic capture systems can physically destroy or disable satellites.
|
|
Nuclear Threats |
- A space-based nuclear detonation may generate EMP (electromagnetic pulse), damaging nearby satellite electronics and communications infrastructure.
|
Global Responses and India’s Status
- USA: Established a dedicated Space Force as an independent military branch.
- China: Created the PLA Aerospace Force, integrating space, cyber, and electronic warfare.
- Israel and France: Israel has demonstrated interception capabilities in space, while France has announced its intent to develop space-based military systems.
- India: India possesses ASAT capability through Mission Shakti, a strong ISRO ecosystem, and has conducted exercises such as IndSpaceEx, but its approach remains fragmented.
Gaps in India’s Current Strategy
- Duplication of Effort: Responsibilities are divided among the Defence Space Agency, the Indian Air Force, and ISRO.
- Lack of Accountability: Multiple stakeholders result in unclear command and ownership.
- Operational Speed: Space warfare demands near-instant decision-making, which fragmented systems cannot deliver effectively.
A Dedicated Space Force
- Proposal: The establishment of a dedicated Indian Space Force is proposed, either as an independent service or a super-empowered command within the Air Force.
- Key advantages include:
- Centralised Planning: Unified command and coordinated decision-making.
- Specialised Personnel: Development of trained space warfare professionals.
- Public–Private Synergy: Improved integration of ISRO capabilities with private-sector innovation.
- Faster Procurement: Streamlined acquisition of critical space infrastructure and technology.
Way Forward
- Constitutional and Legal Foundation: Establish the Indian Space Force through an Act of Parliament to ensure democratic legitimacy and constitutional backing.
- Operational Authority and Budgetary Assurance: A statutory framework will define clear mandates, Rules of Engagement, and secure long-term funding for space operations.
- Continuity and Strategic Signalling: Parliamentary creation guarantees institutional stability across governments and signals India’s seriousness about space as a national security domain.
Conclusion
In an era where wars may be decided beyond Earth’s atmosphere, institutionalising a dedicated Indian Space Force through parliamentary mandate is essential to safeguard sovereignty, deterrence, and strategic autonomy.
10 Feb 2026
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