Abstract
Space is no longer merely an enabler of military operations. It is becoming a contested operational domain in its own right. Satellites now support navigation, communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, missile warning and precision targeting. The loss or disruption of these capabilities can affect not only military operations but also civilian life and critical infrastructure.
This brief examines the evolution of space warfare and assesses India’s preparedness against a rapidly changing threat environment. It argues that India has acquired important building blocks, including the 2019 Mission Shakti anti-satellite capability, NavIC, growing space-based surveillance and an expanding private space sector. Yet important gaps remain in resilience, space situational awareness, replenishment, counter-space capability, institutional integration, doctrine and military-space culture.
The central argument is that, India does not need to win a satellite-counting contest. It needs a resilient, integrated and affordable space architecture supported by a dedicated military command, a strong civil-military ecosystem, trusted international partnerships and a force capable of continuing operations when space services are degraded or denied.
Keywords: Space Warfare, Counter-Space Operations, Space Situational Awareness, NavIC, Civil-Military Space Integration
