India Leverages Dual-Use Satellites For Strategic Defence Superiority

India today commands a satellite fleet of over 50 diverse systems dedicated to communication, earth observation, defence, navigation (NavIC), and scientific research.

While approximately 10–12 of these are directly operated by the armed forces, the wider national constellation remains available for defence purposes during conflict escalation.

This integrated use of civilian space assets underscores the dual-use nature of satellite infrastructure.

As previously highlighted by a former ISRO chairman, any satellite equipped with a camera holds potential for surveillance, reinforcing space’s evolving role as the ‘fourth dimension’ of warfare.

Recognising this strategic imperative, India has developed considerable capabilities in space-based defence.

A landmark moment arrived in 2019 with the launch of Mission Shakti, where India successfully demonstrated its anti-satellite (ASAT) missile capability.

By targeting and destroying one of its own satellites in low-earth orbit, India joined an elite club comprising the United States, China, and Russia with proven ASAT technologies.

Beyond kinetic strikes, India’s space assets offer significant defence applications.

These include surveillance using earth observation satellites for intelligence gathering, and the deployment of electronic warfare to jam or degrade enemy transmissions.

Additionally, cyber warfare through spoofing – broadcasting false navigational signals – has the potential to mislead enemy logistics and guidance systems.

Although kinetic collisions between satellites are theoretically possible, they remain operationally difficult due to international space tracking and the ability of targeted satellites to manoeuvre.

Protecting NavIC

A major focus remains on securing India’s NavIC navigation system, currently supported by four fully functional satellites and additional units offering messaging services.

Widely integrated into military vehicles and missile guidance systems, NavIC is essential for independent operations.

Despite redundancy safeguards, experts warn that spoofing attempts pose a global challenge to satellite-based navigation, and India must remain vigilant.

While these advances mark a significant stride, India’s satellite fleet is still modest in comparison to that of China or the United States.

To bridge this gap, the government has planned the launch of 52 satellites over the next decade, aiming to strengthen space-based surveillance and military readiness.

However, setbacks persist. A recent example was the unsuccessful launch of RISAT 1B, a radar imaging satellite intended to enhance all-weather observation, which failed due to technical issues on 18 May.

Looking outward, India is also embracing international cooperation.

A letter of intent with France signals deeper collaboration in space defence, including the potential joint development of military-specific satellites.

Together, these initiatives reflect India’s growing resolve to secure its interests and gain strategic leverage in the increasingly contested domain of space.

Also Read: How ‘Operation Sindoor’ Showcased India’s Defence Self-Reliance