India’s Defence Space Command & Militarization of Space (2025)
5️⃣6️⃣ India’s Defence Space Command & Militarization of Space (2025) 🛰️⚔️
🔹 Introduction
India is strengthening its military space capabilities with the establishment of the Defence Space Command (DSC) and expansion of anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons, satellite-based surveillance, and cyber warfare strategies. As global powers move towards the militarization of space, India is ensuring its national security in space while adhering to international norms.
With adversaries developing hypersonic missiles, electronic warfare, and space-based weapons, India is investing in AI-powered defense satellites, space-based missile tracking, and strategic partnerships with allies like the USA, France, and Russia.
🔹 Key Developments in India’s Defence Space Strategy (2025)
✅ Formation of India’s Defence Space Command (DSC) 🚀
- Integrated space warfare unit under the Indian Armed Forces.
- Operational control over military satellites, missile defense, and cyber warfare.
- Real-time satellite imagery for border surveillance and naval operations.
✅ Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Weapons & Space-Based Defence Systems 🛰️
- India’s ASAT missile tested successfully in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO).
- Directed-energy weapons (DEWs) in development for satellite defense.
- Laser-based space debris removal technology tested for orbital clean-up.
✅ Satellite-Based Missile Early Warning System 🛡️
- Deployment of AI-driven satellites for hypersonic missile tracking.
- Integration of satellite data with Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system.
- Strategic partnerships with the US & European Space Agencies for space surveillance.
✅ Cyber Warfare & Electronic Warfare in Space 🔐
- AI-driven space cybersecurity command to counter satellite hacking threats.
- Deployment of electronic warfare satellites to jam enemy communications.
- Testing of space-based AI surveillance for tracking adversary missile launches.
✅ Challenges in India’s Space Defence Expansion ⚠️
- International treaties restricting military use of outer space.
- Threat of space debris impacting military and civilian satellites.
- High costs of space-based weapons and satellite defense programs.
📌 Advanced 3-Statement-Based MCQs on India’s Defence Space Command (2025)
1️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding India’s Defence Space Command (DSC):
- The DSC operates under the Indian Air Force and is responsible for space warfare and surveillance.
- The DSC integrates military satellite operations, cyber defense, and missile tracking.
- India has officially joined the US-led Artemis Accords for space military cooperation.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
2️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding India’s Anti-Satellite (ASAT) capabilities:
- India successfully tested its ASAT missile under ‘Mission Shakti’ in 2019.
- The ASAT missile can target both Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites.
- India’s ASAT technology is purely defensive and does not pose an offensive military threat.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
3️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding India’s missile early warning system:
- India is deploying AI-powered satellites to detect hypersonic missile threats.
- Satellite-based missile tracking is being integrated into India’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system.
- India’s early warning satellites are fully independent and do not rely on foreign data-sharing agreements.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
4️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding space-based cybersecurity and electronic warfare:
- AI-driven cyber defense units protect India’s military satellites from hacking threats.
- India has developed electronic warfare satellites to jam enemy communications.
- India has signed an agreement with NATO for joint cyber warfare research in space.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
5️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding challenges in India’s space defense strategy:
- The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 prohibits the militarization of space, limiting India’s options.
- Space debris generated by ASAT missile tests poses risks to India’s operational satellites.
- India has fully developed space-based laser weapons to neutralize enemy satellites.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
🚀 Conclusion
India’s Defence Space Command is enhancing space-based military capabilities, but international treaties, space debris risks, and high costs remain challenges. With strategic investments in ASAT technology, missile defense satellites, and AI-driven cyber warfare, India is strengthening its space security framework.