The Indian Army is stepping up its focus on space-based technologies as modern warfare increasingly depends on advanced surveillance, secure communications and real-time intelligence. Recognising space as an important operational domain, the Army is examining ways to integrate space capabilities into its land-based military operations and strengthen its preparedness for future conflicts.
On November 3, 2026, the Indian Army organised a seminar titled “Emerging Battlefield: Leveraging Space for Land Forces” at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. The event brought together representatives and specialists from the Armed Forces, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), industry and academic institutions to discuss the growing significance of space technologies in military operations.
The discussions focused on key areas such as Space Domain Awareness, Space Denial capabilities and secure satellite communications. These technologies are becoming increasingly important as modern military operations require uninterrupted access to intelligence, surveillance and communication networks. Space-based information can help military commanders develop a clearer understanding of battlefield conditions, coordinate forces more effectively and make faster operational decisions.
The seminar also highlighted the changing nature of warfare, where traditional operational environments such as land, sea and air are increasingly interconnected with space and cyberspace. This evolving battlefield requires armed forces to develop integrated capabilities that allow them to operate across multiple domains simultaneously. For the Indian Army, access to reliable satellite-based intelligence and communication systems is particularly important for supporting troops, monitoring developments and coordinating operations across challenging geographical environments.
Another important aspect of the discussions was the development of resilient and indigenous space technologies. Military space infrastructure must be capable of supporting operations even in contested environments where satellite communications and other space-based services could face disruption, interference or hostile actions. Strengthening domestic technological capabilities would help India reduce dependence on external systems and maintain greater control over critical military infrastructure.
The seminar further emphasised the importance of cooperation between the military, government organisations, research institutions, universities and private-sector companies. Greater collaboration between these stakeholders could accelerate innovation, encourage the development of advanced technologies and support their integration into the Armed Forces. The involvement of India’s growing private space industry is also relevant to building a stronger domestic ecosystem for strategic and defence applications.
The Indian Army’s growing interest in space capabilities reflects the wider transformation taking place in India’s defence planning. As military operations become increasingly technology-driven, satellite communications, space-based surveillance and awareness of activities in orbit are gaining importance alongside conventional military assets. The discussions at the Manekshaw Centre highlighted the need to prepare land forces for an operational environment in which space will play an increasingly significant role.
By examining emerging space technologies and encouraging greater cooperation across the defence and space sectors, the Indian Army is seeking to strengthen its ability to respond to future security challenges. Developing reliable space infrastructure and secure communication networks will remain important elements of India’s broader efforts to build a technologically advanced and self-reliant military.