Securing the Nation from Earth to Orbit

With space emerging as a critical domain for military operations, the Indian Army is actively integrating space-based capabilities into its operational doctrines. By embracing space technology, fostering innovation and collaborating strategically, the Army is transforming into a truly multi-domain force, capable of safeguarding the nation’s interests on Earth and beyond

Every year, on January 15, India marks Army Day — a solemn occasion to commemorate the day in 1949 when Lieutenant General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa took command of the Indian Army, becoming the first Indian to lead the force after Independence. This historic transition symbolised the nation’s newfound sovereignty and self-determination, with an Indian finally at the helm of its own defence.

But Army Day, 2025, is more than just a remembrance of the past. It is a moment to recognise how the Indian Army is constantly evolving, adapting to new challenges and embracing cutting-edge technologies to safeguard the nation in an increasingly complex world. This includes a growing focus on the strategic domain of space, where the Indian Army is actively integrating space-based assets to enhance its operational capabilities and secure the nation’s interests beyond its terrestrial borders.

Space: The New Frontier of Warfare

The 21st Century has witnessed a paradigm shift in warfare, with space emerging as a critical domain for military operations. Satellites provide invaluable capabilities for communication, navigation, surveillance and intelligence-gathering. Disrupting, or destroying, these assets can cripple an adversary’s command-and-control systems, rendering them vulnerable.

Recognising this reality, the Indian Army is actively integrating space-based capabilities into its operational doctrines. This involves leveraging existing space assets, collaborating with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and developing dedicated military space capabilities within the newly established Defence Space Agency (DSA).

Reliable communication is the lifeline of military operations. Satellites provide the Indian Army with robust communication networks, enabling seamless connectivity across vast distances and challenging terrains. This is crucial for coordinating troop movements, transmitting real-time intelligence and maintaining command and control

A Force Multiplier for Indian Army

Here is how space technology is transforming the Indian Army’s capabilities:

Enhanced Communication: Secure and reliable communications is the lifeline of any military operation. Satellites provide the Indian Army with robust communication networks, enabling seamless connectivity across vast distances and challenging terrains. This is crucial for coordinating troop movements, transmitting real-time intelligence and maintaining command and control — especially in the remote border areas.
Precise Navigation: Accurate navigation is essential for modern warfare. Satellite-based navigation systems, such as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), provide the Indian Army with precise location data, enabling accurate targeting, troop deployment and efficient logistics.
Surveillance and Reconnaissance: Keeping a watchful eye on potential threats is crucial for national security. Satellites equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors provide the Indian Army with a comprehensive battlefield view, enabling real-time surveillance, target identification and damage assessment. This is particularly valuable in monitoring border areas, tracking enemy movements and gathering intelligence.
Early Warning Systems: Early detection of missile launches and other threats is vital for effective defence. Space-based sensors provide the Indian Army with early warning capabilities, enabling rapid response and minimising potential damage.
Network-Centric Warfare: Modern warfare is increasingly reliant on networked systems. Space-based assets play a crucial role in enabling network-centric warfare, allowing the Indian Army to seamlessly share information, coordinate operations and maintain situational awareness across all levels of command.

Established in 2019, the Defence Space Agency (DSA) is tasked with developing and deploying, space-based assets for the Indian armed forces. It is crucial in coordinating space-related activities, ensuring seamless integration of space capabilities into military operations and safeguarding India’s space infrastructure

DSA: Spearheading Space Ambitions

Established in 2019, the DSA is tasked with developing, and deploying, space-based assets for the Indian armed forces. It is crucial in coordinating space-related activities, ensuring seamless integration of space capabilities into military operations and safeguarding India’s space infrastructure.

The DSA’s Recent Growing Role

Dedicated Military Satellites: The DSA is actively procuring dedicated military satellites for communication, surveillance and navigation, enhancing the Indian Army’s operational capabilities. In December 2024, the Department of Military Affairs presented a plan to acquire 52 new military satellites to senior members of the Ministry of Defence and stakeholders from the DRDO and ISRO.
Anti-Satellite Capabilities: In 2019, India demonstrated its ASAT capabilities by successfully destroying a low-Earth orbit satellite. This test showcased India’s ability to defend its space assets and deter potential adversaries.
Space Situational Awareness: The DSA is developing capabilities to monitor space debris and track potential threats to Indian satellites, ensuring the safety and security of space-based assets.
International Collaboration: The DSA is actively engaging in international collaborations to enhance space cooperation and share best practices

While India has made significant strides in space technology, challenges remain in fully integrating space capabilities into the Indian Army’s operational framework. Continuous investment in research and development (R&D) is crucial to keep pace with the rapid advancements in space technology and develop cutting-edge capabilities

The Challenges and the Road Ahead

While India has made significant strides in space technology, challenges remain in fully integrating space capabilities into the Indian Army’s operational framework.

Technology Development: Continuous investment in research and development (R&D) is crucial to keep pace with the rapid advancements in space technology and develop cutting-edge capabilities.
Inter-Agency Coordination: Effective coordination between the DSA, ISRO and the Indian Army is essential to ensure seamless integration of space-based assets into military operations.
Cybersecurity Issues: Protecting space infrastructure from cyberattacks and ensuring data security are critical considerations in the evolving space domain.
Problem of Space Debris: The growing problem of space debris poses a threat to operational satellites. Developing effective mitigation strategies is crucial.

Conclusion: A Force for the Future

As India celebrates Army Day, 2025, the Indian Army stands at the cusp of a new era, where the battle space extends beyond terrestrial boundaries and into the vast expanse of space. By embracing space technology, fostering innovation and collaborating strategically, the Indian Army is transforming itself into a truly multi-domain force, capable of safeguarding the nation’s interests on Earth and beyond. This journey towards space-enabled capabilities is a testament to the Indian Army’s adaptability, its commitment to technological advancement and its unwavering dedication to protecting the nation.

Girish Linganna

-The author is a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com. The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily carry the views of Raksha Anirveda