On March 29, 2019, India successfully intercepted a satellite in Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of 300 km. This intercept, using the Microsat-R as a target, established a capability that had previously been only theoretical.
This system – designated the PDV Mk.2 – draws heavily from the Indian Ballistic Missile Defence System in respect of its exo-atmospheric interceptor (the PDV) and as such we must factor in the capability conferred by the BMD system as it has evolved.
Current ASAT systems are reliant on kinetic energy weapons in the form of ground-based/ ship-based missiles often derived from BMD systems. In addition, the United States and Russia have tested air-launched kinetic weapons from versions of their manned interceptors. However, increasingly new technologies, such as directed energy weapons or even electromagnetic weapons are being tested and these will have implications for future ASAT systems. In addition, Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) systems may be used to disable satellites. Moreover, some tests are being conducted using other satellites to destroy or disable other satellites with DEW systems being considered for such employment.
Military Use of Space
The use of satellites for military purposes began in 1958 when the United States launched the communications satellite SCORE which transmitted a pre-recorded message from space. Since then, more than 2000 military satellites, the first of which were experimental and others later operational, have been launched by the USA and USSR, and its successor states.
As of 2016, the United States has the largest fleet of satellites in orbit with 589, followed by China with 181 and Russia with 141. India currently stands in seventh place with some 42 satellites in orbit. While the numbers of satellites may be of importance in and of themselves, the challenge of making effective use of the data obtained therefrom by the military is critical.
This story is from the March 2020 edition of Geopolitics.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2020 edition of Geopolitics.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE NEW WAVE OF MARINE LANDING CRAFT.
BAE Systems' new Littoral Strike Craft combines advanced stealth, comfort, and modularity to redefine modern amphibious mission capabilities.
PROVEN AIP FOR S80 SUBMARINES
The BEST AIP system is capable of operating at any depth and in all operational conditions, allowing it to adapt to any Navy mission and making it the most advanced AIP system on the market.
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF AI SECURE, SCALABLE, AND INNOVATIVE
Tardid leverages modular AI designs, robust cybersecurity, and adaptability to deliver secure and scalable solutions, integrating emerging technologies and refining strategies through realworld deployments, shares AASTHA VERMA, Chief Operating Officer, Tardid Technologies, with Geopolitics
TOT-AN IMPERATIVE FOR SUBMARINE MANUFACTURING
India's transition from offset strategies to fostering self-reliance through technology transfer (TOT) and local assembly highlights the significance of global collaborations like thyssenkrupp Marine Systems in shaping a robust, indigenised defence ecosystem, a perspective shared by KHALIL RAHMAN, CEO, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems India.
ENHANCING INDIAN NAVAL AVIATION
JYOTI SINGH reports how a powerful Indian naval air arm will prove to be the biggest seabased conventional level deterrence, both for the tactical and strategic battlefields
PROJECT-751-30 YEARS ON
India's ambitious Project-751, aimed at procuring six advanced submarines, remains stalled nearly three decades after its inception.
WINGS OVER THE OCEAN
Indian Naval Aviation is dramatically upgrading its combat potency with its latest inductions, writes Atul Chandra
HOW INDIA IS RESHAPING REGIONAL DETERRENCE, MARITIME DOMINANCE
In the theatre of modern geopolitics, control over the seas is synonymous with strategic dominance. With its vast coastline and critical position in the Indo-Pacific, India has always recognised the importance of maritime strength, outlines GIRISH LINGANNA
BUILDERS NAVY
The Indian Navy's modernisation efforts are picking up steam, with domestic shipyards running at full capacity, reports MIKE RAJKUMAR
THE NAVY'S NEED FOR SUBMARINES
While aircraft carriers have their place, submarines provide India with a more flexible, cost-effective, and survivable option for projecting power and maintaining deterrence in a complex and evolving strategic environment, argues AMIT GUPTA