Indian Armed Forces and Space Technology

Abstract

The Indian space program, which was started with a modest mandate in the early 1960s, has today become a leader in the developing world. India's space program is civilian in orientation and has a major socioeconomic developmental focus. India also has an interest in lunar and planetary exploration missions: it has already successfully undertaken its first Moon mission. Nuclear India's growing international stature gives it strategic relevance, both regionally and globally. Satellite technology, being inherently dual-use, has applicability for strategic purposes too. Modern-day military preparation demands dependence on space assets for communication, navigation and reconnaissance. This article attempts to understand how India is trying to factor space into its overall security calculus. With changing threat perceptions, it is becoming important for the Indian armed forces to increase its dependence on space assets. Currently, the mandate for the state's civilian space program, cost considerations, technology transfer and other geopolitical concerns are limiting India's foray into the military space arena. India's position as regards conducting an anti-satellite test has also not yet been clearly articulated.