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{{short description|Joint formation of the Indian Armed Forces responsible for space warfare}}
{{Short description|Indian Armed Forces Agency/Unit responsible for space warfare}}
{{use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2025}}
{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Defence Space Agency
| unit_name                     = Defence Space Agency
| native_name =  
| native_name                   =  
| image =  
| image                         = File:Defence Space Agency India.png
| image_size =  
| image_size                   = 250px
| alt =  
| alt                           =  
| caption =  
| caption                       = [[Insignia]] of the Defence Space Agency
| dates = *Established: 28 September 2018<ref name=created1 /><ref name=created2 /><br />
| dates                         = {{Unbulleted_list|'''Established:''' {{Start date and age|2018|09|28|df=yes}}<ref name=created1 /><ref name=created2 />|'''Operational:''' {{Start date|2019|11||df=yes}}<ref name=TOI />}}
*Operational: November 2019<ref name=TOI />
| country                       = India
| country = {{flag|India}}
| allegiance                   =  
| allegiance =  
| branch                       =  
| branch =  
| type                         = [[Indian Armed Forces Tri-Service Commands|Integrated tri-services agency]]
| type = [[Joint warfare|Tri-service]] [[Command (military formation)|command]]
| role                         = [[Space Warfare]]<br>[[Geospatial intelligence|Satellite Intelligence]]
| role = [[Space Warfare]]<br>[[Geospatial intelligence|Satellite Intelligence]]
| size                         =  
| size =  
| command_structure             = [[Integrated Defence Staff]]<ref name=IDS />
| command_structure = [[Integrated Defence Staff]]<ref name=IDS />
| garrison                     = [[Bangalore|Bengaluru]]<ref name=headquarter />
| garrison = [[Bengaluru]]<ref name=headquarter />
| garrison_label               = Headquarters
| garrison_label = Headquarters
| nickname                     =  
| nickname =  
| motto                         =  
| motto =  
| colors                       = <!-- or | colours = -->
| colors = <!-- or | colours = -->
| colors_label                 = <!-- or | colours_label = -->
| colors_label = <!-- or | colours_label = -->
| march                         =  
| march =  
| mascot                       =  
| mascot =  
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| anniversaries =  
| equipment                     =  
| equipment =  
| equipment_label               =  
| equipment_label =  
| battles                       =  
| battles =  
| decorations                   =  
| decorations =  
| battle_honours               =  
| battle_honours =  
| battle_honours_label         =  
| battle_honours_label =  
| website                       = <!-- Commanders -->
| website = <!-- Commanders -->
| current_commander             =  
| current_commander =  
| commander1                   = [[Air vice marshal (India)|Air Vice Marshal]] Pavan Kumar, [[Vayu Sena Medal|VM]]<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1773007683135909941 |user=HQ_IDS_India |title=AVM Pawan Kumar DG Defence Space Agency #DSA, #HQ_IDS delivered an insightful talk on 'Exploration of Space Domain' at #MILIT, Pune... |date=2024-03-27 |access-date=2025-06-30}}</ref>
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| commander3                   =  
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| commander6                   =  
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| commander9                   =  
| commander9 =  
| commander9_label             =  
| commander9_label =  
| notable_commanders           = <!-- Insignia -->
| notable_commanders = <!-- Insignia -->
| identification_symbol         =  
| identification_symbol =  
| identification_symbol_label   =  
| identification_symbol_label =  
| identification_symbol_2       =  
| identification_symbol_2 =  
| identification_symbol_2_label =  
| identification_symbol_2_label =  
| identification_symbol_3 =  
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| identification_symbol_3_label =  
| identification_symbol_3_label =  
| identification_symbol_4 =  
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}}
}}
The '''Defence Space Agency''' '''(DSA)''' is a [[Joint warfare|tri-service]] agency of the [[Indian Armed Forces]]. Headquartered in [[Bengaluru]], [[Karnataka]], [[India]]. The agency is tasked with operating the [[Space warfare|space-warfare]] and [[Geospatial intelligence|Satellite Intelligence]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Agencies take shape for special operations, space, cyber war|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/india-begins-setting-up-new-tri-service-agencies-to-handle-special-operations-space-and-cyberspace/articleshow/69346012.cms|access-date=16 May 2019|work=Times Of India}}</ref> assets of [[India]]. The DSA draws personnel from all three branches of the [[Indian Armed Forces|Armed Forces]].


The agency is expected to be converted into a full sized [[Joint warfare|tri-service]] military [[Command (military formation)|command]] in future.<ref name=TOI />
The '''Defence Space Agency''' ('''DSA''') is an [[Integrated Theatre Command (India)|integrated tri-services agency]] of the [[Indian Armed Forces]] headquartered in [[Bangalore|Bengaluru]], Karnataka. The agency is tasked with operating the [[space warfare]] and [[Geospatial intelligence|satellite intelligence]]<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=2019-05-16 |title=Agencies take shape for special operations, space, cyber war |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-begins-setting-up-new-tri-service-agencies-to-handle-special-operations-space-and-cyberspace/articleshow/69346012.cms |access-date=2024-10-20 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> assets of India. The DSA draws personnel from all three branches of the Armed Forces.


== History ==
The agency is expected to be converted into a full sized [[Joint warfare|tri-service]] military [[Command (military formation)|command]] in the future.<ref name=TOI />
=== Origins ===
The Naresh Chandra Task Force was set up in July 2011 by [[National Security Advisor (India)|National Security Advisor]] [[Shivshankar Menon]] to review the recommendations of the [[Kargil Review Committee]], assess the implementation progress and further suggest new reforms related to national security.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/opinion/manoj-joshi/story/national-security-naresh-chandra-gom-manmohan-singh-cabinet-committee-on-security-ministry-of-defence-chandra-committee-iaf-army-218292-2013-11-22|title=Shutting his ears to change|last1=Joshi|first1=Manoj|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=25 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsis.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PR140301_The_Unending_Quest_to_Reform_India_National_Security_System.pdf|title=Policy Report: The Unending Quest to Reform India National Security System|last=Joshi|first=Manoj|date=March 2014|website=S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) (www.rsis.edu.sg)|access-date=25 September 2019}}</ref> The task force was led by [[Naresh Chandra]], retired [[Indian Administrative Service]] officer, and comprised 13{{Nbsp}}other members, including [[Gopalaswami Parthasarathy]], [[Srinivasapuram Krishnaswamy|Air Chief Marshal Srinivasapuram Krishnaswamy]] (Retd), [[Arun Prakash|Admiral Arun Prakash]] (Retd), [[V. R. Raghavan|Lt Gen V. R. Raghavan]] (Retd), [[Anil Kakodkar]], [[K. C. Verma|K C Verma]] and [[V. K. Duggal|V K Duggal]]. The committee conducted the first holistic review of national security since the Kargil Review Committee and submitted its classified report to [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Manmohan Singh]] on 23{{Nbsp}}May{{Nbsp}}2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/naresh-chandra-task-force-to-recommend-permanent-head-chiefs-of-staff-committee/20120523.htm|title=All eyes on Naresh Chandra report on natl security today|website=[[Rediff.com|Rediff]]|access-date=25 September 2019}}</ref> Among its recommendations, the Task Force recommended the creation of a [[Defence Cyber Agency|cyber command]], an aerospace command and a [[Armed Forces Special Operations Division|special operations command]]. All three units were proposed to be tri-service commands.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/book-defence-reform-3.pdf|title=Defence Reforms: A National Imperative|last1=Kanwal|first1=Gurmeet|last2=Kohli|first2=Neha|website=Brookings|access-date=25 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/may/16/formation-of-indian-armed-forces-special-operations-unit-begins-to-have-3000-commandos-1977651.html|title=Formation of Indian armed forces' special operations unit begins, to have 3000 commandos|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=25 September 2019}}</ref> The DSA is a downsized implementation of this proposal.<ref name=TOI />


The creation of the Defence Space Agency (DSA), the [[Defence Cyber Agency]] (DCA), and the [[Armed Forces Special Operations Division]] (AFSOD) was approved by [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] during the Combined Commanders' Conference at [[Jodhpur Airport|Jodhpur Air Force Station]] on 28 September 2018.<ref name="created1">{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/pm-narendra-modi-attends-combined-commanders-conference-in-jodhpur/articleshow/65996826.cms|title=PM Narendra Modi attends Combined Commanders' Conference in Jodhpur|date=2018-09-28|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-09-25}}</ref><ref name="created2">{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/major-general-a-k-dhingra-appointed-as-the-first-special-operations-division-commander/articleshow/69339545.cms|title=Major General A K Dhingra appointed as the first Special Operations Division Commander|date=2019-05-15|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-10-07}}</ref> The Defence Imagery Processing and Analysis Centre in [[Delhi]] and the Defence Satellite Control Centre in [[Bhopal]] were subsumed by the DSA.<ref name="TOI" />
== Background ==


=== Anti-satellite programme of India ===
=== History ===
{{anchor | History | Origin | Origins }}
 
The Naresh Chandra Task Force was set up in July 2011 by [[National Security Advisor (India)|National Security Advisor]] [[Shivshankar Menon]] to review the recommendations of the [[Kargil Review Committee]], assess the implementation progress and further suggest new reforms related to national security.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/opinion/manoj-joshi/story/national-security-naresh-chandra-gom-manmohan-singh-cabinet-committee-on-security-ministry-of-defence-chandra-committee-iaf-army-218292-2013-11-22|title=Shutting his ears to change|last1=Joshi|first1=Manoj|website=India Today|date=22 November 2013 |language=en|access-date=25 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsis.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PR140301_The_Unending_Quest_to_Reform_India_National_Security_System.pdf|title=Policy Report: The Unending Quest to Reform India National Security System|last=Joshi|first=Manoj|date=March 2014|website=S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) (www.rsis.edu.sg)|access-date=25 September 2019}}</ref> The task force was led by [[Naresh Chandra]], retired [[Indian Administrative Service]] officer, and comprised 13{{Nbsp}}other members, including [[Gopalaswami Parthasarathy]], [[Srinivasapuram Krishnaswamy|Air Chief Marshal Srinivasapuram Krishnaswamy]] (Retd), [[Arun Prakash|Admiral Arun Prakash]] (Retd), [[V. R. Raghavan|Lt Gen V. R. Raghavan]] (Retd), [[Anil Kakodkar]], [[K. C. Verma|K C Verma]] and [[V. K. Duggal|V K Duggal]]. The committee conducted the first holistic review of national security since the Kargil Review Committee and submitted its classified report to [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Manmohan Singh]] on 23{{Nbsp}}May{{Nbsp}}2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/naresh-chandra-task-force-to-recommend-permanent-head-chiefs-of-staff-committee/20120523.htm|title=All eyes on Naresh Chandra report on natl security today|website=[[Rediff.com|Rediff]]|access-date=25 September 2019}}</ref> Among its recommendations, the Task Force recommended the creation of a [[Defence Cyber Agency|cyber command]], an aerospace command and a [[Armed Forces Special Operations Division|special operations command]]. All three units were proposed to be tri-service commands.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/book-defence-reform-3.pdf|title=Defence Reforms: A National Imperative|last1=Kanwal|first1=Gurmeet|last2=Kohli|first2=Neha|website=Brookings|access-date=25 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/may/16/formation-of-indian-armed-forces-special-operations-unit-begins-to-have-3000-commandos-1977651.html|title=Formation of Indian armed forces' special operations unit begins, to have 3000 commandos|website=The New Indian Express|date=16 May 2019 |access-date=25 September 2019}}</ref> The DSA is a downsized implementation of this proposal.<ref name=TOI />
 
The creation of the Defence Space Agency (DSA), the [[Defence Cyber Agency]] (DCA), and the [[Armed Forces Special Operations Division]] (AFSOD) was approved by [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] during the Combined Commanders' Conference at [[Jodhpur Airport|Jodhpur Air Force Station]] on 28 September 2018.<ref name="created1">{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/pm-narendra-modi-attends-combined-commanders-conference-in-jodhpur/articleshow/65996826.cms|title=PM Narendra Modi attends Combined Commanders' Conference in Jodhpur|date=2018-09-28|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-09-25}}</ref><ref name="created2">{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/major-general-a-k-dhingra-appointed-as-the-first-special-operations-division-commander/articleshow/69339545.cms|title=Major General A K Dhingra appointed as the first Special Operations Division Commander|date=2019-05-15|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-10-07|archive-date=20 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820205749/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/major-general-a-k-dhingra-appointed-as-the-first-special-operations-division-commander/articleshow/69339545.cms|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Defence Imagery Processing and Analysis Centre in [[Delhi]] and the Defence Satellite Control Centre in [[Bhopal]] were subsumed by the DSA.<ref name="TOI" />
 
On 7 April 2024, India’s [[Chief of Defence Staff (India)|Chief of Defence Staff]] (CDS), [[General (India)|General]] [[Anil Chauhan]], announced the forthcoming release of a dedicated military space doctrine within two to three months as well as the underway formulation of a national military [[space policy]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-04-08 |title='Military space doctrine' in 2-3 months: CDS Anil Chauhan amid China push |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/military-space-doctrine-in-2-3-months-cds-anil-chauhan-amid-china-push/articleshow/120075733.cms |access-date=2025-04-08 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Deshpande |first=Smruti |date=2025-04-07 |title=Military space doctrine & national military space policy on the anvil, says CDS Gen Chauhan |url=https://theprint.in/defence/military-space-doctrine-national-military-space-policy-on-the-anvil-says-cds-gen-chauhan/2581299/ |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> The "Joint Military Space Doctrine" was released on 16 September 2025, the second day of [[Integrated Theatre Command (India)#2025|Combined Commanders' Conference (CCC) 2025]], at the [[Fort William, West Bengal|headquarters]] Army [[Eastern Command (India)|Eastern Command]], [[Fort William, West Bengal|Fort William]], [[Kolkata]].<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Armed Forces shape future roadmap at Combined Commanders’ Conference 2025 |date=2025-09-17 |publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]] |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2167585 |access-date=2025-09-18}}</ref>
 
=== Organisation ===
{{anchor | Organisation | Role }}
 
DSA, headquartered in [[Bangalore]]<ref name="headquarter">{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/defence-space-agency-to-come-up-at-bengaluru/articleshow/69345697.cms|title=Defence Space agency to come up at Bengaluru|date=2019-05-15|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-10-07}}{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> and functioning under the [[Integrated Defence Staff]]<ref name="IDS">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-names-officers-for-tri-service-divisions/article27142117.ece|title=Centre names officers for tri-service divisions|last=Peri|first=Dinakar|date=2019-05-16|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-10-07|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> with military personnel from all the three branches of the [[Indian Armed Forces]] deputed to the agency,<ref name=IDS /> became fully operational in 2019<ref name="TOI">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-begins-setting-up-new-tri-service-agencies-to-handle-special-operations-space-and-cyberspace/articleshow/69346012.cms|title=Agencies take shape for special operations, space, cyber war|date=15 May 2019|website=[[The Times of India]]|language=en|access-date=2019-09-25}}</ref> with the aim to protect Indian interests in [[outer space]], develop a [[space warfare]] strategy, and deal with potential [[Space warfare|space wars]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/government-finalises-broad-contours-of-defence-space-agency/articleshow/69745921.cms|title=Government finalises broad contours of defence space agency|date=2019-06-11|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-10-07}}</ref> by leveraging the [[Signals intelligence|Signals Intelligence]] (SIGINT), [[Electronic intelligence|Electronic Intelligence]] (ELINT), [[Communication intelligence|Communication Intelligence]] (COMINT), and space-based surveillance and tracking systems.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Peri|first=Dinakar|date=2021-03-26|title=Two years since ASAT test, DRDO working on several key space technologies|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/two-years-since-asat-test-drdo-working-on-several-key-space-technologies/article34171447.ece|access-date=2021-03-28|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=D'Souza|first=Caroline Esther|date=2021-03-26|title=India increases military capabilities in space two years after Mission Shakti|url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/india-increases-military-capabilities-in-space-two-years-after-mission-shakti-2350777.html|access-date=2021-03-28|website=Zee News|language=en}}</ref>
 
=== Defence Space Research Agency ===
{{anchor | DSRA }}
 
The Defence Space Research Agency (DSRA) is the scientific organisation responsible for developing space-warfare systems and technologies for the Defence Space Agency. The DSRA was approved by the [[Government of India]] in June 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/defence-space-research-agency-modi-govt-approves-new-body-to-develop-space-warfare-weapon-systems-1546951-2019-06-11|title=Defence Space Research Agency: Modi govt approves new body to develop space weapon systems|date=11 June 2019|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=2019-10-07}}</ref> The DSRA is composed of scientists who undertake research and development in close coordination with the [[Integrated Defence Staff]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/modi-govt-approves-new-agency-to-develop-space-warfare-weapon-systems-119061100627_1.html|title=Modi govt approves new agency to develop space warfare weapon systems|last=ANI|date=2019-06-11|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2019-10-07}}</ref> Various types of [[Anti-satellite weapon]] systems are currently under development.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Pandit |first=Rajat |date=2019-04-07 |title=Satellite-killer not a one-off, India working on star wars armoury |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/satellite-killer-not-a-one-off-india-working-on-star-wars-armoury/articleshow/68758674.cms |access-date=2025-10-06 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
 
== Space Command ==
{{anchor | Command | Space Command }}
 
In 2023, [[Indian Air Force]] proposed to transition itself into '''Indian Air and Space Force''' ('''IASF''') with an enhanced focus on space-based capabilities, including plans to operate over 100 small and large military satellites within next 7 to 8 years by expanding the role of DSA to a full-fledged '''Space Command'''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pandit |first=Rajat |date=2023-12-11 |title=IAF goes full throttle to turn into an 'aerospace power' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/iaf-goes-full-throttle-to-turn-into-an-aerospace-power/articleshow/105885149.cms |access-date=2024-12-26 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
 
In order to strengthen DSA and other related organizations by increasing manpower, ground-based infrastructure, and space-based assets to enhance India's [[Space warfare|space-centric warfare]], space asset protection, and risk mitigation capabilities, the [[Department of Military Affairs]] presented a comprehensive transition plan to the key stakeholders, including the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|MoD]], [[ISRO]] and [[DRDO]], in December 2024. The Indian government had previously accepted DSA's SBS-III project, which calls for the launch of 52 military communication and surveillance satellites for the Indian military between 2025 and 2029, prior to the presentation of this transition plan.<ref name=":7">{{Cite news |date=2024-12-17 |title=Preparing for future warfare, Indian defence forces looking to expand space assets, manpower |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/preparing-for-future-warfare-indian-defence-forces-looking-to-expand-space-assets-manpower/articleshow/116406579.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-12-26 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>
 
== Anti-satellite programme ==
{{anchor | Anti }}
{{further|Mission Shakti}}
{{further|Mission Shakti}}
[[File:Launch of DRDO's Ballistic Missile Defence interceptor missile for an ASAT test on 27 March 2019.jpg|thumb|200px|Indian ASAT missile, taking off during test in March 2019]]
[[File:Launch of DRDO's Ballistic Missile Defence interceptor missile for an ASAT test on 27 March 2019.jpg|thumb|200px|Indian ASAT missile, taking off during test in March 2019.]]
Months before the operationalisation of the Defence Space Agency, [[India]] conducted an [[Anti-satellite weapon]] (ASAT) test in March 2019. The test was aimed at demonstrating India's anti-satellite capability.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-satellite-idUSKCN1R80IA|title=Modi hails India as military space power after anti-satellite missile test|date=2019-03-28|work=Reuters|access-date=2019-10-07|language=en}}</ref>


The Indian ASAT programme can be traced back to its [[Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme|BMD program]], which began in 1999 in response to threats posed by the [[Ballistic missile]]s of [[Pakistan]] and [[China]].<ref name="vk">[http://www.defensenews.com/aero/story.php?id=2524130 Interview: Vijay Kumar Saraswat]{{dead link|date=December 2012|accessdate= 27 April 2019}}</ref> In 2006 and 2007, India tested its first exo atmospheric interceptor and has developed many interceptors since then.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ratliff |first=Ben |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/03/06/asia/AS-India-Missile-Defense.php |title=India successfully tests missile interceptor |work=International Herald Tribune |access-date = 27 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/31874/LATEST%20HEADLINES/DRDO+readies+shield+against+Chinese+ICBMs.html |title=DRDO readies shield against Chinese ICBMs |work=India Today |date=9 March 2009 |access-date = 27 April 2019}}</ref> On 18 March 2008, [[DRDO]] Chief [[V. K. Saraswat]] had hinted that India possessed technology required for an ASAT missile, reiterating it in February 2010.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/india-successfully-tests-asat-missile-joins-space-superpower-club-119032800048_1.html|title=India successfully tests ASAT missile, joins space superpower club|last=Shukla|first=Ajai|date=2019-03-28|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2019-10-07|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814090312/https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/india-successfully-tests-asat-missile-joins-space-superpower-club-119032800048_1.html|archive-date=14 August 2019}}</ref> India is known to have been developing an [[Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme|exo-atmospheric kill vehicle]] that can be integrated with the missile to engage satellites.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.strategicfront.org/india-needs-demonstrate-asat-capability-publicly/|title=Archived copy|date=12 February 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051723/https://www.strategicfront.org/india-needs-demonstrate-asat-capability-publicly/|archive-date=2017-12-22|access-date=2015-06-11}}</ref> In April 2012, Saraswat again said that India possessed the critical technologies for an ASAT weapon from radars and interceptors developed for [[Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/agni-v-drdo-chief-dr-vijay-kumar-saraswat-interview-100405-2012-04-27|title=India has all the building blocks for an anti-satellite capability|last=Unnithan|first=Sandeep|date=27 April 2012|newspaper=[[India Today]]|access-date=7 October 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327081410/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/agni-v-drdo-chief-dr-vijay-kumar-saraswat-interview-100405-2012-04-27|archive-date=27 March 2019|df=dmy-all}}</ref> India had begun work on its ASAT soon after the [[2007 Chinese anti-satellite missile test]].<ref name=":1" />
===Origin: BMD (Ballistic Missile Defence) programme ===


As of April 2019, India was working on directed energy ASAT weapons, co-orbital ASAT weapons, lasers and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) based ASAT weapons. The ability to protect space assets from hostile electronic and physical attacks was also being developed by India.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/satellite-killer-not-a-one-off-india-working-on-star-wars-armoury/articleshow/68758674.cms|title=ASAT missile: Satellite-killer not a one-off, India working on star wars armoury {{!}} India News - Times of India|date=7 April 2019|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-10-07}}</ref>
The origin of the Indian ASAT programme can be traced back to its [[Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme|BMD program]], which began in 1999 in response to threats posed by the [[Ballistic missile]]s of [[Pakistan]] and [[China]].<ref name="vk">[http://www.defensenews.com/aero/story.php?id=2524130 Interview: Vijay Kumar Saraswat]{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In 2006 and 2007, India tested its first exo atmospheric interceptor and has developed many interceptors since then.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ratliff |first=Ben |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/03/06/asia/AS-India-Missile-Defense.php |title=India successfully tests missile interceptor |work=International Herald Tribune |access-date = 27 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/latest-headlines/story/drdo-readies-shield-against-chinese-icbms-41421-2009-03-08 |title=DRDO readies shield against Chinese ICBMs |work=India Today |date=9 March 2009 |access-date = 27 April 2019}}</ref> On 18 March 2008, [[DRDO]] Chief [[V. K. Saraswat]] stated that India possessed technology required for an ASAT missile, reiterating it in February 2010.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/india-successfully-tests-asat-missile-joins-space-superpower-club-119032800048_1.html|title=India successfully tests ASAT missile, joins space superpower club|last=Shukla|first=Ajai|date=2019-03-28|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2019-10-07|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814090312/https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/india-successfully-tests-asat-missile-joins-space-superpower-club-119032800048_1.html|archive-date=14 August 2019}}</ref> India is known to have been developing an [[Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme|exo-atmospheric kill vehicle]] that can be integrated with the missile to engage satellites.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.strategicfront.org/india-needs-demonstrate-asat-capability-publicly/|title=Why India Needs to Demonstrate Anti Satellite (ASAT) Capability - Publicly - Strategic Frontier Research Foundation|date=12 February 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051723/https://www.strategicfront.org/india-needs-demonstrate-asat-capability-publicly/|archive-date=2017-12-22|access-date=2015-06-11}}</ref> In April 2012, Saraswat again said that India possessed the critical technologies for an ASAT weapon from radars and interceptors developed for [[Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/agni-v-drdo-chief-dr-vijay-kumar-saraswat-interview-100405-2012-04-27|title=India has all the building blocks for an anti-satellite capability|last=Unnithan|first=Sandeep|date=27 April 2012|newspaper=[[India Today]]|access-date=7 October 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327081410/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/agni-v-drdo-chief-dr-vijay-kumar-saraswat-interview-100405-2012-04-27|archive-date=27 March 2019|df=dmy-all}}</ref> India had begun work on its ASAT soon after the [[2007 Chinese anti-satellite missile test]].<ref name=":1" />


=== Exercise ''IndSpaceEx'' ===
===ASAT: Anti-satellite weapons===
India conducted its first simulated [[space warfare]] exercise on 25th and 26 July 2019, called ''IndSpaceEx''. The exercise was conducted under the supervision of [[Integrated Defence Staff]]. The exercise was aimed at obtaining an assessment of threats and the creation of a joint space warfare doctrine.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/eye-on-china-india-set-to-kickstart-1st-space-war-drill/articleshow/70354760.cms|title=Eye on China, India set to kickstart 1st space war drill {{!}} India News - Times of India|date=24 July 2019|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-10-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/space-defence-is-india-prepared-to-fight-and-win-tomorrows-wars-4314861.html|title=Space Defence {{!}} Is India prepared to fight, and win tomorrow's wars?|website=Moneycontrol|access-date=2019-10-07}}</ref>


== Organisation ==
India's [[Anti-satellite weapon]] (ASAT) program commenced in March 2019, months before the operationalisation of the Defence Space Agency, when India conducted an ASAT test aimed at demonstrating India's anti-satellite capability.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-satellite-idUSKCN1R80IA|title=Modi hails India as military space power after anti-satellite missile test|date=2019-03-28|work=Reuters|access-date=2019-10-07|language=en}}</ref> In 2019, India was working on directed energy ASAT weapons, co-orbital ASAT weapons, lasers and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) based ASAT weapons. The ability to protect space assets from hostile electronic and physical attacks was also being developed by India.<ref name=":0" />
The DSA will be in [[Bengaluru]].<ref name="headquarter">{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/defence-space-agency-to-come-up-at-bengaluru/articleshow/69345697.cms|title=Defence Space agency to come up at Bengaluru|date=2019-05-15|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-10-07}}</ref> It will function under the [[Integrated Defence Staff]].<ref name="IDS">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-names-officers-for-tri-service-divisions/article27142117.ece|title=Centre names officers for tri-service divisions|last=Peri|first=Dinakar|date=2019-05-16|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-10-07|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Personnel from all the three branches of the [[Indian Armed Forces]] will be stationed in the agency.<ref name=IDS /> The agency is expected to be fully operational by November 2019.<ref name="TOI">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-begins-setting-up-new-tri-service-agencies-to-handle-special-operations-space-and-cyberspace/articleshow/69346012.cms|title=Agencies take shape for special operations, space, cyber war|date=15 May 2019|website=[[The Times of India]]|language=en|access-date=2019-09-25}}</ref>


=== Role ===
== Military exercises ==
The DSA will operate systems to protect Indian interests in [[outer space]] and will deal with potential [[Space warfare|space wars]]. The agency will have the responsibility of developing a [[space warfare]] strategy.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/government-finalises-broad-contours-of-defence-space-agency/articleshow/69745921.cms|title=Government finalises broad contours of defence space agency|date=2019-06-11|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-10-07}}</ref> It works on [[Signals intelligence|Signals Intelligence]] (SIGINT), [[Electronic intelligence|Electronic Intelligence]] (ELINT), [[Communication intelligence|Communication Intelligence]] (COMINT) and in areas like space-based tracking systems.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Peri|first=Dinakar|date=2021-03-26|title=Two years since ASAT test, DRDO working on several key space technologies|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/two-years-since-asat-test-drdo-working-on-several-key-space-technologies/article34171447.ece|access-date=2021-03-28|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=D'Souza|first=Caroline Esther|date=2021-03-26|title=India increases military capabilities in space two years after Mission Shakti|url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/india-increases-military-capabilities-in-space-two-years-after-mission-shakti-2350777.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-28|website=Zee News|language=en}}</ref>


=== Defence Space Research Agency ===
=== IndSpaceEx 2019 ===
The Defence Space Research Agency (DSRA) is the scientific organisation responsible for developing space-warfare systems and technologies for the Defence Space Agency. The DSRA was approved by the Indian government in June 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/defence-space-research-agency-modi-govt-approves-new-body-to-develop-space-warfare-weapon-systems-1546951-2019-06-11|title=Defence Space Research Agency: Modi govt approves new body to develop space weapon systems|date=11 June 2019|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=2019-10-07}}</ref> The DSRA is composed of scientists who undertake research and development in close coordination with the [[Integrated Defence Staff]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/modi-govt-approves-new-agency-to-develop-space-warfare-weapon-systems-119061100627_1.html|title=Modi govt approves new agency to develop space warfare weapon systems|last=ANI|date=2019-06-11|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2019-10-07}}</ref> Various types of [[Anti-satellite weapon]] systems are currently under development.<ref name=":0" />
 
India conducted its first simulated [[space warfare]] exercise on 25 and 26 July 2019, called ''IndSpaceEx''. The exercise was conducted under the supervision of the [[Integrated Defence Staff]]. The exercise was aimed at obtaining an assessment of threats and the creation of a joint space warfare doctrine.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/eye-on-china-india-set-to-kickstart-1st-space-war-drill/articleshow/70354760.cms|title=Eye on China, India set to kickstart 1st space war drill {{!}} India News - Times of India|date=24 July 2019|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-10-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/space-defence-is-india-prepared-to-fight-and-win-tomorrows-wars-4314861.html|title=Space Defence {{!}} Is India prepared to fight, and win tomorrow's wars?|website=Moneycontrol|date=9 August 2019 |access-date=2019-10-07}}</ref>
 
=== Antariksha Abhyan (2024-present) ===
 
The first edition of the exercise was conducted from 11 to 13 November 2024 by Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff. The exercise simulated various scenarios of [[war-game]] the growing threats from and to Space Based Assets and Services.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-11 |title=First Ever Space Exercise ‘Antariksha Abhyas – 2024’ hosted by Defence Space Agency begins in New Delhi |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2072518 |access-date=2024-11-11 |website=[[Press Information Bureau]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2024-11-14 |title=Defence Space Agency conducts maiden tabletop exercise ‘Antariksha Abhyas’ |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/defence-space-agency-conducts-maiden-tabletop-exercise-antariksha-abhyas/article68864582.ece |access-date=2025-09-12 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
 
== Space assets ==
 
=== Space Based Surveillance (SBS) project ===
{{Main|Space Based Surveillance project (India)}}
The Space Based Surveillance is a series of projects taken up by the [[Government of India]] to launch a constellation of satellites for [[Earth observation satellite|earth observation]] roles. Additionally, the Indian Armed Forces also operates [[communications satellite]]s of the GSAT-7 series of which [[GSAT-7]] and [[GSAT-7A]] are active while [[GSAT-7B]], [[GSAT-7C]] and [[GSAT-7R]] are planned for launch.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Ray |first=Kalyan |date=2025-02-12 |title=Aero Show 2025: First batch of satellites under new space surveillance programme to be launched by 2027-28 |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/aero-show-2025-first-batch-of-satellites-under-new-space-surveillance-programme-to-be-launched-by-2027-28-3402717 |access-date=2025-02-12 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref>
=== Mission DefSpace ===
'''Mission DefSpace''' is an initiative launched in October 2022 by the [[Defence Innovation Organisation]] (DIO) under the [[Innovations for Defence Excellence|iDEX]] framework to promote indigenous development of dual-use technologies for India’s defence-space ecosystem with DSA.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 October 2022 |title=Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates DefExpo22 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1869117 |access-date=26 November 2025 |work=[[Press Information Bureau]] |agency=Ministry of Defence, Government of India}}</ref> The programme was announced at [[Defence Exhibition Organisation#DefExpo|DefExpo 2022]] and introduced 75 “Defence Space Challenges” covering areas such as launch system, satellite system, communication and payload system, ground system and software system.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gupta |first=Shishir |date=2022-10-18 |title=PM Modi to launch Defence Space Mission with 75 innovative challenges |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-launches-defence-space-mission-takes-on-75-challenges-101666091036162.html |access-date=2025-11-26 |website=[[Hindustan Times]] |language=en}}</ref>
 
Through challenge-based funding and procurement-linked grants, Mission DefSpace enables start-ups, MSMEs, and research institutions to co-develop technologies that complement the operational needs of the Defence Space Agency and the Indian armed forces.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yadav |first=Pooja |date=2023-04-23 |title=What Is Mission Def-Space And How Will It Encourage Innovative Solutions In The Space Industry? |url=https://www.indiatimes.com/explainers/news/what-is-mission-def-space-and-how-will-it-encourage-innovative-solutions-in-the-space-industry-599556.html |access-date=2025-11-26 |website=Indiatimes |language=en-IN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-07 |title=CDS Anil Chauhan calls upon industry to work on counter-space capabilities as deterrent for safeguarding country's space assets |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/cds-anil-chauhan-calls-upon-industry-to-work-on-counter-space-capabilities-as-deterrent-for-safeguarding-countrys-space-assets20240207155858/ |access-date=2025-11-26 |website=ANI News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jacob |first=Jeffy |date=2024-04-18 |title=India’s Ambitious Leap in Space Commerce and Defence |url=https://geospatialworld.net/prime/indias-ambitious-space-commerce-defence/ |access-date=2025-11-26 |website=Geospatial World |language=en-US}}</ref> Companies signing iDEX agreements include Sisir Radar (developing L- and P-band SAR payloads and an unfurlable antenna), Space Kidz India (CubeSat deployers), and Kepler Aerospace (CubeSat-class surveillance satellites), among others.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Surendra |date=2023-10-20 |title=Former Isro director’s startup wins iDEX Challenge for developing SAR payload for satellites |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/former-isro-directors-startup-wins-idex-challenge-for-developing-sar-payload-for-satellites/articleshow/104568003.cms |access-date=2025-11-26 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jagannathan |first=Venkatachari |date=2025-07-09 |title=Kepler Wins Defence Deal for Swarming Satellites |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/kepler-wins-defence-deal-for-swarming-satellites/20250709.htm |access-date=2025-11-26 |website=Rediff |language=en}}</ref>
 
Mission DefSpace represents a major step toward self-reliance under the [[Atmanirbhar Bharat]] initiative, fostering public–private collaboration in space-based intelligence, surveillance, communications, and situational awareness for India’s defence establishment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajagopalan |first=Rajeswari Pillai |date=2022-10-21 |title=India’s Mission DefSpace |url=https://thediplomat.com/2022/10/indias-mission-defspace/ |access-date=2025-11-26 |website=thediplomat.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2023-04-11 |title=We are seeing militarisation of space, steady progress towards weaponisation: Chief of Defence Staff |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/we-are-witnessing-militarisation-of-space-and-steady-progress-towards-weaponisation-cds/article66725336.ece |access-date=2025-11-26 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
 
The CEO of the Defence Innovation Organization and the Additional Secretary of Defence Production signed the first iDEX contract for a micro-propulsion system for cubesats on May 15, 2023. A gas-based technology is being developed for this purpose by the Indian firm InspeCity. Once this technology is established, it can be merged with other satellites, such as the cubesat swarm under Mission DefSpace.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jha |first=Manish Kumar |date=2023-05-15 |title=iDEX-DIO inks the first Micropropulsion system contract with a private space company |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-idex-dio-inks-the-first-micropropulsion-system-contract-with-a-private-space-company-3088871/ |access-date=2025-11-26 |website=The Financial Express |language=en}}</ref>
 
On July 25, 2023, [[Pixxel]] received funding from iDEX to produce small, multi-payload satellites for the [[Indian Air Force|IAF]] that might weigh up to {{convert|150|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. These satellites will be built for [[Hyperspectral imaging|hyperspectral]], [[Infrared imager|infrared]], [[Electro-optical sensor|electro-optical]], and [[Synthetic-aperture radar|synthetic aperture radar]] applications. The funding is a component of the SPARKS project.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-07-25 |title=Space startup Pixxel wins defence ministry grant to build satellites for Air Force |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/space-startup-pixxel-wins-defence-ministry-grant-to-build-satellites-for-iaf-2411704-2023-07-25 |access-date=2025-11-26 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>
 
== List of Indian military satellites ==
{{anchor|Milsat|MilSat|Present military satellites}}
 
As of 2024, India operates 9 military satellites.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Satellite Database {{!}} Union of Concerned Scientists |url=https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/satellite-database |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=www.ucsusa.org |language=en}}</ref> Of these, three strategic satellites including two communication satellites ([[GSAT-7]] and [[GSAT-7A]])<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=2023-03-31 |title=After Navy & IAF, Army to get dedicated satellite Gsat-7B as MoD inks Rs 3k cr deal with NSIL |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/after-navy-iaf-army-to-get-dedicated-satellite-gsat-7b-as-mod-inks-rs-3k-cr-deal-with-nsil/articleshow/99129740.cms |access-date=2024-10-21 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=As Space Security Scares Mount, India Works on Military Space Capabilities |url=https://thewire.in/space/as-space-security-scares-mount-india-works-on-military-space-capabilities |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=The Wire |language=en}}</ref> are for dedicated military use, while the rest are dual-purpose satellites with military and civilian applications.<ref name=":8" />
 
=== Operational ===
{{Incomplete list|date=October 2024}}
 
* '''RISAT-2B series'''
# [[RISAT-2B]]: Launched on 22 May 2019 has replaced the retired [[RISAT-2]]. The primary requirement of the satellite is military surveillance along with secondary civilian purposes like [[disaster management]], [[agriculture]] and [[forestry]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=D.S |first=Madhumathi |date=2019-04-02 |title=Starting May, ISRO to launch a string of 'defence' satellites |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/starting-may-isro-to-launch-a-string-of-defence-satellites/article26714439.ece/amp |access-date=2024-10-22 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name="Display">{{cite web |date=27 April 2021 |title=Display: RISAT-2B 2019-028A |url=https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2019-028A |access-date=14 May 2021 |publisher=NASA}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>
# [[RISAT-2BR1]]: Launched on 11 December 2019 as a part of [[RISAT]] series. It can distinguish between objects which are 35&nbsp;cm apart.<ref name="firstpost.com"/>
 
* '''Cartosat-2 series'''
# [[CARTOSAT-2B]] carries a panchromatic (PAN) camera capable of taking black-and-white pictures in the visible region of electromagnetic spectrum which has a resolution of 80 centimetres.<ref name="cartosat22">{{cite web |title=Cartosat 2 and 2B/Alsat 2A/StudSAT/Cartosat 2A/ISRO/PSLV C15 Rocket |url=http://www.imagine18.com/cartosat-2-and-2b-alsat-2a-studsat-cartosat-2a-isro-pslv-c15-rocket/9199/09/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100716191437/http://www.imagine18.com/cartosat-2-and-2b-alsat-2a-studsat-cartosat-2a-isro-pslv-c15-rocket/9199/09 |archive-date=16 July 2010 |access-date=19 July 2010}}</ref> The highly agile CARTOSAT-2B can be steered up to 45 deg along as well as across the direction of its movement to facilitate imaging of any area more frequently and offers multiple spot scene imagery.<ref>{{cite web |date=12 July 2010 |title=Spy satellite to catch miners, land encroachers |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/81017/spy-satellite-catch-miners-land.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=CartoSat-2B - eoPortal |url=https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/cartosat-2b#mission-capabilities |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=www.eoportal.org}}</ref>
# [[Cartosat-2C]]: Launched in June 2016, the satellite was used in [[reconnaissance]] purposes before and during [[2016 Indian Line of Control strike]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-09-30 |title=Surgical Strikes: First major use of Cartosat images for Army |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/surgical-strikes-first-major-use-of-cartosat-images-for-army/articleshow/54596113.cms |access-date=2024-10-22 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
# [[Cartosat-2E]]: Launched on 23 June 2017, the Cartosat-2E satellite was designed to collect high-resolution (0.6 m×0.6 m), large scale imagery. The satellite provides an edge in warfare with clearer images. The satellite is also used for urban planning, infrastructure development and traffic management.<ref name="firstpost.com">{{Cite web |date=2021-11-24 |title=Defence ministry clears proposal for GSAT-7C satellite for IAF: A look at other military satellites in India |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/defence-ministry-clears-proposal-for-gsat-7c-satellite-for-iaf-a-look-at-other-military-satellites-in-india-10160861.html |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=Firstpost |language=en-us}}</ref>
 
* '''EOS series'''
# [[EOS-01]] (previously RISAT-2BR2)
 
* '''GSAT-7 series'''
# [[GSAT-7]] was launched in 2013 for the exclusive use of the [[Indian Navy]] to monitor the [[Indian Ocean|Indian Ocean Region]] (IOR) with the satellite's 2,000 nautical mile ‘footprint’ and real-time input capabilities to Indian warships, submarines and maritime aircraft.<ref name="howmany2">[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/why-isros-gsat-7a-launch-is-important-for-iaf/articleshow/67153347.cms Why Isro's Gsat-7A launch is important for the Indian Air Force], Times of India, 19 Dec 2018.</ref> To boost its network-centric operations, the IAF is also likely to get another satellite [[GSAT-7C]] within a few years.<ref name="howmany2"/>
# [[GSAT-7A]]: Launched in December 2018 for the exclusive military use for the [[Indian Air Force]].<ref name="howmany2"/><ref name=":03"/> GSAT-7A allows IAF to interlink different ground radar stations, ground airbase, aircraft to aircraft [[Real-time Control System]], [[AEW&C]] aircraft such as [[Beriev A-50]]-based [[EL/W-2090|Phalcon]] and [[DRDO AEW&CS|DRDO Netra]]. The satellite enhances [[network-centric warfare]] capabilities of the Indian Air Force and its global operations.<ref name="ku1">[https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/dec/20/chandrayaan-2-on-track-32-missions-next-year-isro-1914082.html Chandrayaan-2 on track, 32 missions next year: ISRO], Indian Express, 20 Dec 2018.</ref><ref name="howmany2"/> The satellite is also used by [[Indian Army]]'s [[Army Aviation Corps (India)|Aviation Corps]] for real-time control and communication of its aviation operations.<ref name=":04">{{Cite web |title=India's Tech Roadmap Points to Small Sats, Space Weapons |url=http://archive.defensenews.com/article/20130910/DEFREG03/309100007/India-s-Tech-Roadmap-Points-Small-Sats-Space-Weapons |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150121220451/http://archive.defensenews.com/article/20130910/DEFREG03/309100007/India-s-Tech-Roadmap-Points-Small-Sats-Space-Weapons |archive-date=2015-01-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=IAF to induct 214 fifth generation fighter jets |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/iaf-to-induct-214-fifth-generation-fighter-jets/189940-3.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006000407/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/iaf-to-induct-214-fifth-generation-fighter-jets/189940-3.html |archive-date=2011-10-06}}</ref>
 
* '''HySIS series'''
# [[HySIS]], a dual use satellite, was also launched in November 2013, which is used by the navy.<ref>[https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/with-gsat-7a-isro-launches-angry-bird-for-iaf/3-satellites-in-35-days/slideshow/67173280.cms 3 satellites in 35 days], Economic Times, Dec 2018.</ref> HySIS carries two payloads, the first in the [[VNIR|Visible Near Infrared (VNIR)]] spectral range of 0.4 to 0.95 micrometres with 60 contiguous spectral bands and the second in the Shortwave Infrared Range (SWIR) spectral range of 0.85 to 2.4 [[micrometre]]s with a 10 [[nanometre]] bandwidth and 256 contiguous spectral bands. The satellite will have a spatial resolution of 30 meters and a swath of 30&nbsp;km from its 630&nbsp;km [[sun-synchronous orbit]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=D.s |first=Madhumathi |date=9 August 2017 |title=ISRO to develop full-fledged hyperspectral imaging satellite |url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-to-develop-full-fledged-earth-observation-satellite/article19458651.ece |access-date=11 November 2018 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name=":03">{{cite web |title=India's Tech Roadmap Points to Small Sats, Space Weapons |url=http://archive.defensenews.com/article/20130910/DEFREG03/309100007/India-s-Tech-Roadmap-Points-Small-Sats-Space-Weapons |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150121220451/http://archive.defensenews.com/article/20130910/DEFREG03/309100007/India-s-Tech-Roadmap-Points-Small-Sats-Space-Weapons |archive-date=2015-01-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-11-24 |title=Nellore: Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite to be launched on November 29 |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/241118/nellore-hyperspectral-imaging-satellite-to-be-launched-on-november-29.html |access-date=2018-11-26 |work=Deccan Chronicle |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{Cite news |title=Isro to launch hyperspectral imaging sat with 30 foreign satellites on Nov 29 - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-to-launch-hyperspectral-imaging-sat-with-30-foreign-satellites-on-nov-29/articleshow/66801810.cms |access-date=2018-11-25 |work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=4 December 2018 |title=The militaristic claims of ISRO's latest satellite have been greatly exaggerated |url=https://theprint.in/science/the-militaristic-claims-of-isros-latest-satellite-have-been-greatly-exaggerated/158545/ |access-date=4 December 2018 |work=ThePrint}}</ref>
 
* '''EMISAT series'''
# [[EMISAT]]: Launched on 1 April 2019, is a [[reconnaissance satellite]]<ref>{{cite web |title=PSLV C45 Launch Kit |url=https://www.isro.gov.in/pslv-c45-emisat-mission/launch-kit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323093804/https://www.isro.gov.in/sites/default/files/pslv-c45_launch_kitv5.0_fn_23.03.19.pdf |archive-date=23 March 2019 |access-date=2019-03-25 |website=www.isro.gov.in}}</ref> under [[Defence Research and Development Organisation|DRDO]]'s project ''Kautilya''<ref>{{cite web |title=Kautilya |url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/kautilya |access-date=26 January 2020}}</ref> which will provide space-based electronic intelligence or [[ELINT]], especially to improve the situational awareness of the [[Indian Armed Forces]] by providing information and location of enemy radars.<ref>{{Cite news |last=D.s |first=Madhumathi |date=2019-04-01 |title=India gets surveillance satellite |url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/pslv-isro-emisat-launch-from-sriharikota-on-april-1/article26699077.ece |access-date=2019-07-24 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
 
=== Planned ===
* '''Cartosat-3 series'''
# [[Cartosat-3A]] (EOS-8): Planned to be launched on [[PSLV-XL]]. Will have a panchromatic resolution of 0.25 metres and a high quality resolution of 1 metre. To be launched in 2024.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Cartosat 3, 3A, 3B |url=https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/cartosat-3.htm |access-date=2024-10-22 |website=Gunter's Space Page |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2024-10-11 |title=Exclusive: CCS clears launch of 52 surveillance satellites |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/exclusive-ccs-clears-launch-of-52-surveillance-satellites-101728615288379.html |access-date=2024-10-22 |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref>
# [[Cartosat-3B]]: Planned to be launched on [[PSLV-XL]]. Will have a panchromatic resolution of 0.25 metres and a high quality resolution of 1 metre. To be launched in 2025.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=PSLV-XL {{!}} Cartosat-3B |url=https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/2029 |access-date=2024-10-22 |website=nextspaceflight.com |language=en}}</ref>
 
* '''GSAT-7 series'''
# [[GSAT-7R]]: Shall planned to replace [[GSAT-7]] for the Indian Navy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ray |first=Kalyan |date=2025-09-11 |title=Indian Navy to operationalise new info centre in Gurugram today |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/indian-navy-to-operationalise-new-info-centre-in-gurugram-today-3723886 |access-date=2025-09-12 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref> Launch is scheduled on 2 November 2025.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-10-23 |title=LVM-3 to launch CMS-03 on November 2; Nisar to begin operations soon |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/lvm-3-to-launch-cms-03-on-november-2-nisar-to-begin-operations-soon/articleshow/124758812.cms |access-date=2025-10-23 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
# [[GSAT-7B]], planned to be first dedicated military satellite for the Indian Army. The approval was granted by Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on 21 March 2023. The multiband military satellite, featuring integrated communication for [[network-centric operations]], will be launched in 2–3 years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Philip |first=Snehesh Alex |date=2022-03-23 |title=India eyes more military satellites, aims for secure communication & 24-hr border surveillance |url=https://theprint.in/defence/india-eyes-more-military-satellites-aims-for-secure-communication-24-hr-border-surveillance/884796/ |access-date=2024-10-22 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> Contract for a 5-tonne satellite signed with [[NewSpace India Limited]] (NSIL), worth {{INRConvert|2963|c|lk=on|year=2023}} on 29 March 2023. The satellite would provide [[Non-line-of-sight propagation|beyond line of sight communication]] to troops and formations as well as weapon and airborne platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-29 |title=Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks two contracts with BEL, worth Rs 2,400 crore, for procurement of Automated Air Defence Control & Reporting System ‘Project Akashteer’ for Indian Army... |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1911937 |access-date=2024-11-14 |website=[[Press Information Bureau]]}}</ref><ref name=":4" />
# [[GSAT-7C]], replace [[GSAT-7A]] for the Indian Air Force.<ref>{{cite news |last1=P |first1=Rajat |date=22 September 2018 |title=Satellite control set to give drones more sting |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/satellite-control-set-to-give-drones-more-sting/articleshow/65907159.cms |work=The Times of India}}</ref>
 
* Additional 52 surveillance satellites under the [[Defence Space Agency#SBS Phase-III|Phase 3 of Space Based Surveillance (SBS) project]] to be launched between 2025–29.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Surendra |date=2024-10-12 |title=CCS 'approves launch of 52 spy satellites for Rs 27,000 crore to boost space surveillance |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ccs-approves-launch-of-52-spy-satellites-for-rs-27000-crore-to-boost-space-surveillance/articleshow/114158442.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250823163409/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ccs-approves-launch-of-52-spy-satellites-for-rs-27000-crore-to-boost-space-surveillance/articleshow/114158442.cms |archive-date=2025-08-23 |access-date=2024-10-20 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9">{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2025-06-30 |title=India to fast-track 52 military satellites for better surveillance at borders |url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/india-to-fast-track-new-military-satellites-for-better-surveillance-at-borders/article69755996.ece |access-date=2025-06-30 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
 
=== Decommissioned ===
# [[Technology Experiment Satellite]] or (TES) is an experimental satellite to demonstrate and validate, in orbit, technologies that could be used in the future satellites of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).<ref>{{cite web |title=Technology Experiment Satellite (TES) |url=http://www.isro.org/satellites/technology_experiment_satellite_tes.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612214937/http://isro.org/satellites/technology_experiment_satellite_tes.aspx |archive-date=12 June 2010 |access-date=18 July 2010 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> The Technology Experiment Satellite (TES) has a [[panchromatic]] camera capable of producing images of 1 meter resolution for remote sensing.<ref name="tes2">{{cite news |date=27 November 2001 |title=India's spy satellite boost |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1679321.stm |access-date=31 Jul 2009 |publisher=BBC}}</ref> The launch of TES made India the second country in the world after the United States that can commercially offer images with one meter resolution.<ref name="tes2" /> It is used for remote sensing of civilian areas, mapping industry and geographical information services.
# [[RISAT-2]], or Radar Imaging Satellite 2 has a primary sensor, the [[synthetic aperture radar]] from [[Israel Aerospace Industries]] (IAI).<ref name="GSP2">{{cite web |last=Krebs |first=Gunter |title=ANUSAT |url=http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/anusat.htm |access-date=2009-04-17 |publisher=Gunter's Space Page}}</ref> RISAT-2 is India's first satellite with a [[synthetic aperture radar]]. It has a day-night, all-weather monitoring capability and has a resolution of one metre.<ref name="voa2">{{cite web |last=Herman |first=Steve |date=20 April 2008 |title=India Launches High-Tech Imaging Satellite |url=http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2009-04/2009-04-20-voa13.cfm?CFID=264321146&CFTOKEN=89382867&jsessionid=8830364952f39bcb7dcb118473f48396c7a4 |access-date=31 Jul 2009 |publisher=[[Voice of America]]}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Potential applications include tracking hostile ships at sea.<ref name="India's spy in the sky: ISRO launches RISAT-22">{{cite news |date=20 April 2009 |title=India's spy in the sky: ISRO launches RISAT-2 |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/indias-spy-in-the-sky-isro-launches-risat2/90656-11.html?from=rssfeed |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427135457/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/indias-spy-in-the-sky-isro-launches-risat2/90656-11.html?from=rssfeed |archive-date=2009-04-27 |access-date=2009-04-20 |publisher=[[CNN-IBN]]}}</ref> Though the [[Indian Space Research Organisation]] sought to underplay the satellite's defence capabilities in its website and in its announcements, a majority of the media preferred to classify it as a spy satellite.<ref name="India launches key spy satellite2">{{cite news |date=20 April 2009 |title=India launches key spy satellite |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8007653.stm?from=rssfeed |access-date=2009-04-20 |publisher=BBC}}</ref> ISRO claims that the satellite will enhance ISRO's capability for earth observation, especially during floods, cyclones, landslides and in disaster management in a more effective way.<ref>{{cite web |title=RISAT-2 |url=http://www.isro.org/satellites/RISAT-2.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612220312/http://isro.org/satellites/RISAT-2.aspx |archive-date=12 June 2010 |access-date=19 July 2010}}</ref>
# [[CARTOSAT-2]] carries a state-of-the-art panchromatic (PAN) camera that take black and white pictures of the Earth in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The swath covered by these high resolution PAN cameras is 9.6&nbsp;km and their spatial resolution is 80 centimetres.<ref>{{cite web |title=CARTOSAT-2 program data |url=http://www.scanex.ru/en/data/default.asp?submenu=cartosat2&id=index |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100718095148/http://www.scanex.ru/en/data/default.asp?submenu=cartosat2&id=index |archive-date=18 July 2010 |access-date=19 July 2010}}</ref> The satellite can be steered up to 45 degrees along as well as across the track. CARTOSAT-2 is an advanced remote sensing satellite capable of providing scene-specific spot imagery. The data from the satellite will be used for detailed mapping and other cartographic applications at cadastral level, urban and rural infrastructure development and management, as well as applications in Land Information System (LIS) and Geographical Information System (GIS).<ref name="cartosat22"/> Cartosat was decommissioned and the perigee lowered by controlled burns between March and Sep 2020 as debris mitigation activities. This will result in the orbit naturally decaying and re-entry within 10 years.
# [[GSAT-6A]] is a dedicated satellite for army as a replacement for [[GSAT-6]] which lost communication after its launch.<ref name="howmany2"/>
# [[Microsat-R]], a [[Integrated Space Cell#Satellites operated|dedicated]] [[military satellite]] for the [[Indian Armed Forces]], was launched on 24 January 2019. The 760&nbsp;kg imaging satellite was launched using [[PSLV-C43#PSLV-C44|PSLV C-44]] rocket.<ref name="rsat1">[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isros-pslv-c-44-places-military-satellite-microsat-r-in-orbit/articleshow/67679340.cms India launches military satellite], Times of India, 25 January 2019.</ref>
 
== Re-orientation and optimization plan ==
The [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defense]] has been aiming for a three-layered constellation of multi-functional satellites since 2024. Satellites having the ability to uplink and downlink encrypted data are to be placed in [[Low Earth orbit|low]] (up to 2,000 km), [[Medium Earth orbit|medium]] (between 2,000 km and 35,780 km), and [[Geostationary orbit|geo-stationary]] (above 35,780 km) orbits. This program analyzes the lessons learned from the [[Russo-Ukrainian war (2022–present)|Russo-Ukrainian War]] of 2022 and allows the frequency bands to be licensed from private satellite agencies if necessary. The Defense Space Agency is in charge of the initiative.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Mayank |date=2024-10-05 |title=Under the optimisation plan India working on satellites in three orbits |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Oct/05/under-the-optimisation-plan-india-working-on-satellites-in-three-orbits |access-date=2025-10-22 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Space Force]]
* [[Space Force]]
; Integrated entities  
* [[TSAT-1A]]
* [[Defence Planning Committee]], tri-services command at policy level with NSA as its chief  
* [[Mission Sudarshan Chakra]] - proposed multi-layer defense system for India
 
; Integrated entities
* [[Defence Planning Committee]], tri-services command at policy level with NSA as its chief
* [[Chief of Defence Staff (India)]], professional head of the Indian Armed Forces
* [[Integrated Defence Staff]], tri-services command at strategic level composed of MoD, MEA and tri-services staff
* [[Integrated Defence Staff]], tri-services command at strategic level composed of MoD, MEA and tri-services staff
* [[Integrated Theatre Command]]
* [[Indian Armed Forces Tri-Service Commands]]
* [[Armed Forces Special Operations Division]], tri-services command at operational level part of [[Integrated Defence Staff]]
** [[Northern Theatre Command (India)]]
* [[Nuclear Command Authority (India)|Indian Nuclear Command Authority]]
** [[Western Theatre Command (India)]]
** [[Strategic Forces Command]]
** [[Maritime Theatre Command]]
** [[Air Defence Command (India)]]
** [[Strategic Forces Command]], nuclear command of India
*** [[Nuclear Command Authority (India)|Indian Nuclear Command Authority]], Strategic Forces Command
** [[Defence Cyber Agency]]
** [[Armed Forces Special Operations Division|Special Operations Division]]


; Foreign Assets  
; Assets
* [[List of Indian Air Force stations]]
* [[List of Indian Navy bases]]
* [[List of active Indian Navy ships]]
* [[List of countries with overseas military bases#India|India's overseas military bases]]
* [[List of countries with overseas military bases#India|India's overseas military bases]]


; Other nations
; Other nations
* [[Special Operations Forces (Russia)|Special Operations Forces Command (KSSO)]] - Russian equivalent command
* [[Russian Space Forces|Space Forces (Russia)]] - Russian equivalent command
* [[Joint Special Operations Command|Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC)]] - U.S. equivalent command
* [[Space Operations Command|Space Operations Command (US)]] - U.S. equivalent command


; General concepts
; General concepts
* [[Joint warfare]], general concept
* [[Joint warfare]], general concept
* [[Minimum Credible Deterrence]]
* [[Credible minimum deterrence]]
* [[List of cyber warfare forces]] of other nations


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:Military of India| ]]
[[Category:Military of India| ]]
[[Category:Government agencies established in 2018]]
[[Category:Government agencies established in 2018]]
[[Category:Space units and formations]]

Latest revision as of 17:44, 21 January 2026


Defence Space Agency
Insignia of the Defence Space Agency
Active
  • Established: 28 September 2018; 7 years ago (2018-09-28)[1][2]
  • Operational: November 2019 (2019-11)[3]
CountryIndia
TypeIntegrated tri-services agency
RoleSpace Warfare
Satellite Intelligence
Part ofIntegrated Defence Staff[4]
HeadquartersBengaluru[5]
Commanders
Current
commander		Air Vice Marshal Pavan Kumar, VM[6]

The Defence Space Agency (DSA) is an integrated tri-services agency of the Indian Armed Forces headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The agency is tasked with operating the space warfare and satellite intelligence[7] assets of India. The DSA draws personnel from all three branches of the Armed Forces.

The agency is expected to be converted into a full sized tri-service military command in the future.[3]

Background[edit | edit source]

History[edit | edit source]

The Naresh Chandra Task Force was set up in July 2011 by National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon to review the recommendations of the Kargil Review Committee, assess the implementation progress and further suggest new reforms related to national security.[8][9] The task force was led by Naresh Chandra, retired Indian Administrative Service officer, and comprised 13 other members, including Gopalaswami Parthasarathy, Air Chief Marshal Srinivasapuram Krishnaswamy (Retd), Admiral Arun Prakash (Retd), Lt Gen V. R. Raghavan (Retd), Anil Kakodkar, K C Verma and V K Duggal. The committee conducted the first holistic review of national security since the Kargil Review Committee and submitted its classified report to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 23 May 2012.[10] Among its recommendations, the Task Force recommended the creation of a cyber command, an aerospace command and a special operations command. All three units were proposed to be tri-service commands.[11][12] The DSA is a downsized implementation of this proposal.[3]

The creation of the Defence Space Agency (DSA), the Defence Cyber Agency (DCA), and the Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD) was approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Combined Commanders' Conference at Jodhpur Air Force Station on 28 September 2018.[1][2] The Defence Imagery Processing and Analysis Centre in Delhi and the Defence Satellite Control Centre in Bhopal were subsumed by the DSA.[3]

On 7 April 2024, India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan, announced the forthcoming release of a dedicated military space doctrine within two to three months as well as the underway formulation of a national military space policy.[13][14] The "Joint Military Space Doctrine" was released on 16 September 2025, the second day of Combined Commanders' Conference (CCC) 2025, at the headquarters Army Eastern Command, Fort William, Kolkata.[15]

Organisation[edit | edit source]

DSA, headquartered in Bangalore[5] and functioning under the Integrated Defence Staff[4] with military personnel from all the three branches of the Indian Armed Forces deputed to the agency,[4] became fully operational in 2019[3] with the aim to protect Indian interests in outer space, develop a space warfare strategy, and deal with potential space wars[16] by leveraging the Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), Communication Intelligence (COMINT), and space-based surveillance and tracking systems.[17][18]

Defence Space Research Agency[edit | edit source]

The Defence Space Research Agency (DSRA) is the scientific organisation responsible for developing space-warfare systems and technologies for the Defence Space Agency. The DSRA was approved by the Government of India in June 2019.[19] The DSRA is composed of scientists who undertake research and development in close coordination with the Integrated Defence Staff.[20] Various types of Anti-satellite weapon systems are currently under development.[21]

Space Command[edit | edit source]

In 2023, Indian Air Force proposed to transition itself into Indian Air and Space Force (IASF) with an enhanced focus on space-based capabilities, including plans to operate over 100 small and large military satellites within next 7 to 8 years by expanding the role of DSA to a full-fledged Space Command.[22]

In order to strengthen DSA and other related organizations by increasing manpower, ground-based infrastructure, and space-based assets to enhance India's space-centric warfare, space asset protection, and risk mitigation capabilities, the Department of Military Affairs presented a comprehensive transition plan to the key stakeholders, including the MoD, ISRO and DRDO, in December 2024. The Indian government had previously accepted DSA's SBS-III project, which calls for the launch of 52 military communication and surveillance satellites for the Indian military between 2025 and 2029, prior to the presentation of this transition plan.[23]

Anti-satellite programme[edit | edit source]

Further information: Mission Shakti
Indian ASAT missile, taking off during test in March 2019.

Origin: BMD (Ballistic Missile Defence) programme[edit | edit source]

The origin of the Indian ASAT programme can be traced back to its BMD program, which began in 1999 in response to threats posed by the Ballistic missiles of Pakistan and China.[24] In 2006 and 2007, India tested its first exo atmospheric interceptor and has developed many interceptors since then.[25][26] On 18 March 2008, DRDO Chief V. K. Saraswat stated that India possessed technology required for an ASAT missile, reiterating it in February 2010.[27] India is known to have been developing an exo-atmospheric kill vehicle that can be integrated with the missile to engage satellites.[28] In April 2012, Saraswat again said that India possessed the critical technologies for an ASAT weapon from radars and interceptors developed for Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme.[29] India had begun work on its ASAT soon after the 2007 Chinese anti-satellite missile test.[27]

ASAT: Anti-satellite weapons[edit | edit source]

India's Anti-satellite weapon (ASAT) program commenced in March 2019, months before the operationalisation of the Defence Space Agency, when India conducted an ASAT test aimed at demonstrating India's anti-satellite capability.[30] In 2019, India was working on directed energy ASAT weapons, co-orbital ASAT weapons, lasers and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) based ASAT weapons. The ability to protect space assets from hostile electronic and physical attacks was also being developed by India.[21]

Military exercises[edit | edit source]

IndSpaceEx 2019[edit | edit source]

India conducted its first simulated space warfare exercise on 25 and 26 July 2019, called IndSpaceEx. The exercise was conducted under the supervision of the Integrated Defence Staff. The exercise was aimed at obtaining an assessment of threats and the creation of a joint space warfare doctrine.[31][32]

Antariksha Abhyan (2024-present)[edit | edit source]

The first edition of the exercise was conducted from 11 to 13 November 2024 by Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff. The exercise simulated various scenarios of war-game the growing threats from and to Space Based Assets and Services.[33][34]

Space assets[edit | edit source]

Space Based Surveillance (SBS) project[edit | edit source]

Main article: Space Based Surveillance project (India)

The Space Based Surveillance is a series of projects taken up by the Government of India to launch a constellation of satellites for earth observation roles. Additionally, the Indian Armed Forces also operates communications satellites of the GSAT-7 series of which GSAT-7 and GSAT-7A are active while GSAT-7B, GSAT-7C and GSAT-7R are planned for launch.[35]

Mission DefSpace[edit | edit source]

Mission DefSpace is an initiative launched in October 2022 by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) under the iDEX framework to promote indigenous development of dual-use technologies for India’s defence-space ecosystem with DSA.[36] The programme was announced at DefExpo 2022 and introduced 75 “Defence Space Challenges” covering areas such as launch system, satellite system, communication and payload system, ground system and software system.[37]

Through challenge-based funding and procurement-linked grants, Mission DefSpace enables start-ups, MSMEs, and research institutions to co-develop technologies that complement the operational needs of the Defence Space Agency and the Indian armed forces.[38][39][40] Companies signing iDEX agreements include Sisir Radar (developing L- and P-band SAR payloads and an unfurlable antenna), Space Kidz India (CubeSat deployers), and Kepler Aerospace (CubeSat-class surveillance satellites), among others.[41][42]

Mission DefSpace represents a major step toward self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, fostering public–private collaboration in space-based intelligence, surveillance, communications, and situational awareness for India’s defence establishment.[43][44]

The CEO of the Defence Innovation Organization and the Additional Secretary of Defence Production signed the first iDEX contract for a micro-propulsion system for cubesats on May 15, 2023. A gas-based technology is being developed for this purpose by the Indian firm InspeCity. Once this technology is established, it can be merged with other satellites, such as the cubesat swarm under Mission DefSpace.[45]

On July 25, 2023, Pixxel received funding from iDEX to produce small, multi-payload satellites for the IAF that might weigh up to 150 kg (330 lb). These satellites will be built for hyperspectral, infrared, electro-optical, and synthetic aperture radar applications. The funding is a component of the SPARKS project.[46]

List of Indian military satellites[edit | edit source]

As of 2024, India operates 9 military satellites.[47] Of these, three strategic satellites including two communication satellites (GSAT-7 and GSAT-7A)[48][49] are for dedicated military use, while the rest are dual-purpose satellites with military and civilian applications.[35]

Operational[edit | edit source]

This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.
  • RISAT-2B series
  1. RISAT-2B: Launched on 22 May 2019 has replaced the retired RISAT-2. The primary requirement of the satellite is military surveillance along with secondary civilian purposes like disaster management, agriculture and forestry.[50][51]
  2. RISAT-2BR1: Launched on 11 December 2019 as a part of RISAT series. It can distinguish between objects which are 35 cm apart.[52]
  • Cartosat-2 series
  1. CARTOSAT-2B carries a panchromatic (PAN) camera capable of taking black-and-white pictures in the visible region of electromagnetic spectrum which has a resolution of 80 centimetres.[53] The highly agile CARTOSAT-2B can be steered up to 45 deg along as well as across the direction of its movement to facilitate imaging of any area more frequently and offers multiple spot scene imagery.[54][55]
  2. Cartosat-2C: Launched in June 2016, the satellite was used in reconnaissance purposes before and during 2016 Indian Line of Control strike.[56]
  3. Cartosat-2E: Launched on 23 June 2017, the Cartosat-2E satellite was designed to collect high-resolution (0.6 m×0.6 m), large scale imagery. The satellite provides an edge in warfare with clearer images. The satellite is also used for urban planning, infrastructure development and traffic management.[52]
  • EOS series
  1. EOS-01 (previously RISAT-2BR2)
  • GSAT-7 series
  1. GSAT-7 was launched in 2013 for the exclusive use of the Indian Navy to monitor the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) with the satellite's 2,000 nautical mile ‘footprint’ and real-time input capabilities to Indian warships, submarines and maritime aircraft.[57] To boost its network-centric operations, the IAF is also likely to get another satellite GSAT-7C within a few years.[57]
  2. GSAT-7A: Launched in December 2018 for the exclusive military use for the Indian Air Force.[57][58] GSAT-7A allows IAF to interlink different ground radar stations, ground airbase, aircraft to aircraft Real-time Control System, AEW&C aircraft such as Beriev A-50-based Phalcon and DRDO Netra. The satellite enhances network-centric warfare capabilities of the Indian Air Force and its global operations.[59][57] The satellite is also used by Indian Army's Aviation Corps for real-time control and communication of its aviation operations.[60][61]
  • HySIS series
  1. HySIS, a dual use satellite, was also launched in November 2013, which is used by the navy.[62] HySIS carries two payloads, the first in the Visible Near Infrared (VNIR) spectral range of 0.4 to 0.95 micrometres with 60 contiguous spectral bands and the second in the Shortwave Infrared Range (SWIR) spectral range of 0.85 to 2.4 micrometres with a 10 nanometre bandwidth and 256 contiguous spectral bands. The satellite will have a spatial resolution of 30 meters and a swath of 30 km from its 630 km sun-synchronous orbit.[63][58][64][65][66]
  • EMISAT series
  1. EMISAT: Launched on 1 April 2019, is a reconnaissance satellite[67] under DRDO's project Kautilya[68] which will provide space-based electronic intelligence or ELINT, especially to improve the situational awareness of the Indian Armed Forces by providing information and location of enemy radars.[69]

Planned[edit | edit source]

  • Cartosat-3 series
  1. Cartosat-3A (EOS-8): Planned to be launched on PSLV-XL. Will have a panchromatic resolution of 0.25 metres and a high quality resolution of 1 metre. To be launched in 2024.[70][71]
  2. Cartosat-3B: Planned to be launched on PSLV-XL. Will have a panchromatic resolution of 0.25 metres and a high quality resolution of 1 metre. To be launched in 2025.[70][71][72]
  • GSAT-7 series
  1. GSAT-7R: Shall planned to replace GSAT-7 for the Indian Navy.[73] Launch is scheduled on 2 November 2025.[74]
  2. GSAT-7B, planned to be first dedicated military satellite for the Indian Army. The approval was granted by Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on 21 March 2023. The multiband military satellite, featuring integrated communication for network-centric operations, will be launched in 2–3 years.[75] Contract for a 5-tonne satellite signed with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), worth ₹2,963 crore (US$420 million) on 29 March 2023. The satellite would provide beyond line of sight communication to troops and formations as well as weapon and airborne platforms.[76][48]
  3. GSAT-7C, replace GSAT-7A for the Indian Air Force.[77]

Decommissioned[edit | edit source]

  1. Technology Experiment Satellite or (TES) is an experimental satellite to demonstrate and validate, in orbit, technologies that could be used in the future satellites of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).[80] The Technology Experiment Satellite (TES) has a panchromatic camera capable of producing images of 1 meter resolution for remote sensing.[81] The launch of TES made India the second country in the world after the United States that can commercially offer images with one meter resolution.[81] It is used for remote sensing of civilian areas, mapping industry and geographical information services.
  2. RISAT-2, or Radar Imaging Satellite 2 has a primary sensor, the synthetic aperture radar from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).[82] RISAT-2 is India's first satellite with a synthetic aperture radar. It has a day-night, all-weather monitoring capability and has a resolution of one metre.[83] Potential applications include tracking hostile ships at sea.[84] Though the Indian Space Research Organisation sought to underplay the satellite's defence capabilities in its website and in its announcements, a majority of the media preferred to classify it as a spy satellite.[85] ISRO claims that the satellite will enhance ISRO's capability for earth observation, especially during floods, cyclones, landslides and in disaster management in a more effective way.[86]
  3. CARTOSAT-2 carries a state-of-the-art panchromatic (PAN) camera that take black and white pictures of the Earth in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The swath covered by these high resolution PAN cameras is 9.6 km and their spatial resolution is 80 centimetres.[87] The satellite can be steered up to 45 degrees along as well as across the track. CARTOSAT-2 is an advanced remote sensing satellite capable of providing scene-specific spot imagery. The data from the satellite will be used for detailed mapping and other cartographic applications at cadastral level, urban and rural infrastructure development and management, as well as applications in Land Information System (LIS) and Geographical Information System (GIS).[53] Cartosat was decommissioned and the perigee lowered by controlled burns between March and Sep 2020 as debris mitigation activities. This will result in the orbit naturally decaying and re-entry within 10 years.
  4. GSAT-6A is a dedicated satellite for army as a replacement for GSAT-6 which lost communication after its launch.[57]
  5. Microsat-R, a dedicated military satellite for the Indian Armed Forces, was launched on 24 January 2019. The 760 kg imaging satellite was launched using PSLV C-44 rocket.[88]

Re-orientation and optimization plan[edit | edit source]

The Ministry of Defense has been aiming for a three-layered constellation of multi-functional satellites since 2024. Satellites having the ability to uplink and downlink encrypted data are to be placed in low (up to 2,000 km), medium (between 2,000 km and 35,780 km), and geo-stationary (above 35,780 km) orbits. This program analyzes the lessons learned from the Russo-Ukrainian War of 2022 and allows the frequency bands to be licensed from private satellite agencies if necessary. The Defense Space Agency is in charge of the initiative.[89]

See also[edit | edit source]

Integrated entities
Assets
Other nations
General concepts

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "PM Narendra Modi attends Combined Commanders' Conference in Jodhpur". The Economic Times. 28 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Major General A K Dhingra appointed as the first Special Operations Division Commander". The Economic Times. 15 May 2019. Archived from the original on 20 August 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "Agencies take shape for special operations, space, cyber war". The Times of India. 15 May 2019. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Peri, Dinakar (16 May 2019). "Centre names officers for tri-service divisions". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Defence Space agency to come up at Bengaluru". The Economic Times. 15 May 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.[permanent dead link]
  6. ↑ @HQ_IDS_India (27 March 2024). "AVM Pawan Kumar DG Defence Space Agency #DSA, #HQ_IDS delivered an insightful talk on 'Exploration of Space Domain' at #MILIT, Pune..." (Tweet). Retrieved 30 June 2025 – via Twitter.
  7. ↑ "Agencies take shape for special operations, space, cyber war". The Times of India. 16 May 2019. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
  8. ↑ Joshi, Manoj (22 November 2013). "Shutting his ears to change". India Today. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
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  13. ↑ "'Military space doctrine' in 2-3 months: CDS Anil Chauhan amid China push". The Times of India. 8 April 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
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  22. ↑ Pandit, Rajat (11 December 2023). "IAF goes full throttle to turn into an 'aerospace power'". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
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  24. ↑ Interview: Vijay Kumar Saraswat[dead link]
  25. ↑ Ratliff, Ben. "India successfully tests missile interceptor". International Herald Tribune. Retrieved 27 April 2019.
  26. ↑ "DRDO readies shield against Chinese ICBMs". India Today. 9 March 2009. Retrieved 27 April 2019.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Shukla, Ajai (28 March 2019). "India successfully tests ASAT missile, joins space superpower club". Business Standard India. Archived from the original on 14 August 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  28. ↑ "Why India Needs to Demonstrate Anti Satellite (ASAT) Capability - Publicly - Strategic Frontier Research Foundation". 12 February 2015. Archived from the original on 22 December 2017. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  29. ↑ Unnithan, Sandeep (27 April 2012). "India has all the building blocks for an anti-satellite capability". India Today. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  30. ↑ "Modi hails India as military space power after anti-satellite missile test". Reuters. 28 March 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  31. ↑ "Eye on China, India set to kickstart 1st space war drill | India News - Times of India". The Times of India. 24 July 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  32. ↑ "Space Defence | Is India prepared to fight, and win tomorrow's wars?". Moneycontrol. 9 August 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  33. ↑ "First Ever Space Exercise 'Antariksha Abhyas – 2024' hosted by Defence Space Agency begins in New Delhi". Press Information Bureau. 11 November 2024. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
  34. ↑ "Defence Space Agency conducts maiden tabletop exercise 'Antariksha Abhyas'". The Hindu. 14 November 2024. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 35.2 Ray, Kalyan (12 February 2025). "Aero Show 2025: First batch of satellites under new space surveillance programme to be launched by 2027-28". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
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  37. ↑ Gupta, Shishir (18 October 2022). "PM Modi to launch Defence Space Mission with 75 innovative challenges". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  38. ↑ Yadav, Pooja (23 April 2023). "What Is Mission Def-Space And How Will It Encourage Innovative Solutions In The Space Industry?". Indiatimes. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  39. ↑ "CDS Anil Chauhan calls upon industry to work on counter-space capabilities as deterrent for safeguarding country's space assets". ANI News. 7 February 2024. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  40. ↑ Jacob, Jeffy (18 April 2024). "India's Ambitious Leap in Space Commerce and Defence". Geospatial World. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  41. ↑ Singh, Surendra (20 October 2023). "Former Isro director's startup wins iDEX Challenge for developing SAR payload for satellites". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  42. ↑ Jagannathan, Venkatachari (9 July 2025). "Kepler Wins Defence Deal for Swarming Satellites". Rediff. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  43. ↑ Rajagopalan, Rajeswari Pillai (21 October 2022). "India's Mission DefSpace". thediplomat.com. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  44. ↑ Peri, Dinakar (11 April 2023). "We are seeing militarisation of space, steady progress towards weaponisation: Chief of Defence Staff". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  45. ↑ Jha, Manish Kumar (15 May 2023). "iDEX-DIO inks the first Micropropulsion system contract with a private space company". The Financial Express. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  46. ↑ "Space startup Pixxel wins defence ministry grant to build satellites for Air Force". India Today. 25 July 2023. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  47. ↑ "Satellite Database | Union of Concerned Scientists". www.ucsusa.org. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
  48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 "After Navy & IAF, Army to get dedicated satellite Gsat-7B as MoD inks Rs 3k cr deal with NSIL". The Times of India. 31 March 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  49. ↑ "As Space Security Scares Mount, India Works on Military Space Capabilities". The Wire. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  50. ↑ D.S, Madhumathi (2 April 2019). "Starting May, ISRO to launch a string of 'defence' satellites". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  51. ↑ "Display: RISAT-2B 2019-028A". NASA. 27 April 2021. Retrieved 14 May 2021. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  52. ↑ 52.0 52.1 "Defence ministry clears proposal for GSAT-7C satellite for IAF: A look at other military satellites in India". Firstpost. 24 November 2021. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 "Cartosat 2 and 2B/Alsat 2A/StudSAT/Cartosat 2A/ISRO/PSLV C15 Rocket". Archived from the original on 16 July 2010. Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  54. ↑ "Spy satellite to catch miners, land encroachers". 12 July 2010.
  55. ↑ "CartoSat-2B - eoPortal". www.eoportal.org. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  56. ↑ "Surgical Strikes: First major use of Cartosat images for Army". The Times of India. 30 September 2016. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  57. ↑ 57.0 57.1 57.2 57.3 57.4 Why Isro's Gsat-7A launch is important for the Indian Air Force, Times of India, 19 Dec 2018.
  58. ↑ 58.0 58.1 "India's Tech Roadmap Points to Small Sats, Space Weapons".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  59. ↑ Chandrayaan-2 on track, 32 missions next year: ISRO, Indian Express, 20 Dec 2018.
  60. ↑ "India's Tech Roadmap Points to Small Sats, Space Weapons".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
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  62. ↑ 3 satellites in 35 days, Economic Times, Dec 2018.
  63. ↑ D.s, Madhumathi (9 August 2017). "ISRO to develop full-fledged hyperspectral imaging satellite". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
  64. ↑ "Nellore: Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite to be launched on November 29". Deccan Chronicle. 24 November 2018. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  65. ↑ "Isro to launch hyperspectral imaging sat with 30 foreign satellites on Nov 29 - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 November 2018.
  66. ↑ "The militaristic claims of ISRO's latest satellite have been greatly exaggerated". ThePrint. 4 December 2018. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
  67. ↑ "PSLV C45 Launch Kit". www.isro.gov.in. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 March 2019. Retrieved 25 March 2019.
  68. ↑ "Kautilya". Retrieved 26 January 2020.
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  70. ↑ 70.0 70.1 "Cartosat 3, 3A, 3B". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  71. ↑ 71.0 71.1 "Exclusive: CCS clears launch of 52 surveillance satellites". Hindustan Times. 11 October 2024. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  72. ↑ "PSLV-XL | Cartosat-3B". nextspaceflight.com. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
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  74. ↑ "LVM-3 to launch CMS-03 on November 2; Nisar to begin operations soon". The Times of India. 23 October 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 23 October 2025.
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  76. ↑ "Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks two contracts with BEL, worth Rs 2,400 crore, for procurement of Automated Air Defence Control & Reporting System 'Project Akashteer' for Indian Army..." Press Information Bureau. 29 March 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
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