Eyes in the Sky, Boots on the Ground: How Are India’s Assets in Space Magnifying Its Military Might?

Team Udayavani, Jan 13, 2025, 12:42 PM IST

India’s ascent as a space power is not just about scientific exploration; it is intricately linked to national security. While the Indian Army’s valour on the ground remains undisputed, its increasing reliance on space-based assets is quietly revolutionizing its operational capabilities. From the icy heights of the Himalayas to the dense jungles along its borders, the Indian Army is leveraging its ‘Eyes in the Sky’ to gain a decisive edge, ensuring a safer and more secure nation.

Amplifying Terrestrial Strength

The modern battlefield extends far beyond what the naked eye can see. Satellites orbiting high above Earth provide a critical advantage, offering real-time intelligence, enhancing communication and guiding precision strikes. For the Indian Army, this translates into:

§ Unblinking Surveillance: Imagine monitoring remote border regions, tracking troop movements—and even identifying individual targets with unprecedented clarity. Satellites equipped with high-resolution cameras and advanced sensors provide this crucial capability, enabling the Indian Army to maintain constant vigilance and respond swiftly to potential threats

§ Seamless Communication: In the challenging terrains where the Indian Army often operates, maintaining reliable communication can be the difference between victory and defeat. Satellite-based communication networks ensure uninterrupted connectivity, allowing for seamless coordination of troop movements, real-time intelligence sharing and effective command and control, even in the most remote and inhospitable of environments

§ Precision Strikes: Modern warfare demands pinpoint accuracy to minimize collateral damage and maximize impact. Satellite-guided munitions and missiles enable the Indian Army to strike targets with incredible precision, neutralizing threats with minimal risk to civilian populations or friendly forces

§ Enhanced Situational Awareness: A comprehensive understanding of the battlefield is crucial for effective decision-making. Satellites provide a bird’s-eye view, enabling the Indian Army to track enemy movements, assess terrain and anticipate potential threats, giving commanders a critical edge in strategic planning and tactical execution

Real Impact: Space Power in Action

The Indian Army’s utilization of space assets has already yielded tangible results in critical operations:

§ Surgical Strikes: In 2016, the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes across the line-of-control (LoC) in response to terrorist attacks. Satellite imagery played a crucial role in identifying targets, planning the operation and ensuring strike precision

§ Counter-Insurgency Operations: In regions affected by insurgency, such as Jammu and Kashmir and the North-East, satellite surveillance provides invaluable intelligence, helping the Indian Army track militant movements, identify hideouts and plan effective counter-insurgency operations

§ Disaster Relief: When natural disasters strike, rapid response is crucial. Satellite imagery enables the Indian Army to quickly assess the extent of damage, identify affected areas and deploy resources effectively for search-and-rescue operations and relief efforts

§ Border Management: Securing India’s vast and diverse borders is of paramount importance. Satellite surveillance provides continuous monitoring of border regions, helping the Indian Army detect incursions, track illegal activities and maintain territorial integrity

Space-Enabled Warfare’s Future

As technology advances, the Indian Army’s reliance on space-based assets will only grow. Future trends include:

§ Miniaturized Satellites: Smaller, more agile satellites will provide greater coverage and flexibility, enhancing surveillance and communication capabilities

§ AI-Powered Analysis: Artificial intelligence (AI) will play an increasing role in analysing satellite data, providing real-time insights and enabling faster decision-making

§ Anti-Satellite Capabilities: Protecting India’s space infrastructure from potential threats will become increasingly important, leading to further development of anti-satellite technologies and defensive measures

§ International Collaboration: India will likely strengthen its space cooperation with friendly nations, sharing information and collaborating on technology development to enhance mutual security

Conclusion: Force for the Future

The Indian Army’s embrace of space technology is a testament to its adaptability and its commitment to staying at the forefront of modern warfare. By integrating ‘Eyes in the Sky’ with ‘Boots on the Ground’, the Indian Army is ensuring a safer—and more secure—future for India, demonstrating its readiness to meet the challenges of the 21st Century, and beyond.

By Girish Linganna, Defense Analyst

(The author of this article is an award-winning Science Writer and a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach Girish Linganna at: [email protected] )