India faces calls to shake up its space capabilities
India performed a first anti-satellite missile test on 27 March 2019. (Indian MoD)
There is growing demand for India to enhance its space force structure to meet military needs.
The security implications of China’s growing capabilities and investment in space are causing serious apprehension in India.
Chinese space militarisation directly impacts Indian security. Such geopolitical concerns have led the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), essentially a civil space agency, to expand over the years into a military role.
In a move to integrate space assets of the three services – the army, navy and air force – the Defence Space Agency (DSA) became operational in November 2019.
India is yet to take steps to beef up the DSA, Ajey Lele, senior fellow at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Space Solutions Special Report
-
![British Army embraces SlingShot]()
British Army embraces SlingShot
Add-on kit turns UHF/VHF radio into a BLoS solution to support voice and data communications.
-
![DEWC Systems takes MOESS sensor development to next stage]()
DEWC Systems takes MOESS sensor development to next stage
The MOESS programme intends to deploy a sovereign Australian tactical electromagnetic sensor capability, installed on a constellation of CubeSats. DEWC is developing a sensor that can conduct radar electronic support in defence-relevant radio frequency bands used by assets such as ships and aircraft.
-
![MDA unlocks key challenge to advanced ballistic missile tracking]()
MDA unlocks key challenge to advanced ballistic missile tracking
The US is progressing with its HBTSS project, having overcome an important obstacle.
-
![Is Russian manned space technology shifting towards military applications?]()
Is Russian manned space technology shifting towards military applications?
Plans for Russia to build its own orbital station could enable geospatial intelligence-gathering missions and onboard military experiments away from international observers.
-
![EU plays catch-up on launchers]()
EU plays catch-up on launchers
Europe ceded the initiative on reusable launcher technology in 2014 and only now is it trying to claw back the lost ground.
-
![Military explores potential of commercial SATCOM]()
Military explores potential of commercial SATCOM
Commercial satellite constellations may find favour with the DoD for low Earth orbit solutions.
