With space being increasingly exploited for military applications and some neighbouring countries actively pursuing space programmes, the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) is forming a study group to examine current and future threats emanating from beyond the atmosphere and chart a suitable course of action.
Titled ‘Space Warfare: The New High Ground of Conflict’, the study will identify the emerging contours of space as a new battleground in the Indian context and compile its findings and recommendations for consideration by policymakers, sources said.
The project will take stock of India’s existing space capabilities, assess the capabilities of adversaries and their likely impact, analyse the capabilities and doctrines of other space powers, and define emerging threats and challenges.
Retired defence officers as well as experts from various think tanks with the requisite expertise and domain knowledge will be part of the study group, which will have access to official military data.
Today, major armed forces rely heavily on space assets not only for surveillance and communications but also for the execution of operations in a networked environment involving multiple platforms operating simultaneously across land, sea, air and cyber domains. Satellites form a critical link for targeting by ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as long-range drones.
From the early days of space militarisation, when only a handful of countries possessed dedicated space-based assets, there has been a significant proliferation of military satellites, either owned directly by nations or operated through collaborative arrangements.
The importance of space assets came to the fore during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, when the Indian Armed Forces used indigenous satellites, supplemented by foreign commercial data, to execute precision strikes inside Pakistan. Satellites were also used to integrate tri-service platforms.
More recently, during the ongoing Middle East crisis, there have been reports in the Western media that Iran used satellite data supplied by China to launch missile and drone attacks against US bases and other targets in the region. During Operation Sindoor as well, China allegedly colluded with Pakistan by providing satellite-based intelligence.
The Chinese military already possesses highly advanced space capabilities, including anti-satellite weapons. Over the past year, Pakistan has launched six low-Earth-orbit observation satellites that can be used for surveillance and is actively collaborating with China to enhance its space programme.
India, too, has built significant civilian and military capabilities and continues extensive research in this domain. Besides dedicated military satellites, supported by civilian assets, India has successfully tested indigenously developed anti-satellite missiles. Work is also underway to develop directed-energy weapons such as lasers.
The Defence Space Agency, a tri-service organisation headquartered in Bengaluru, is responsible for handling space warfare and satellite intelligence. A Joint Military Space Doctrine, released in September 2025, institutionalised this domain as part of the national security strategy and laid down guidelines for operations in space.
