The Evolution of India’s Missile Programme
India’s missile development journey began in the 1980s with the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). Launched in 1983 and spearheaded by Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, this initiative aimed to achieve self-reliance in missile technology. It produced critical systems such as the Agni and Prithvi series, which form the backbone of India’s strategic arsenal today.
The Agni V, with its intercontinental range exceeding 5,000 km, has significantly enhanced India’s nuclear deterrence capability, placing it among nations with credible long-range missile systems.
Recent Advancements in India’s Missile Programme:
- Agni-P (Agni-Prime): It is a next-generation, medium-range ballistic missile with a range of 1,000 2,000 km. It boasts improved accuracy, manoeuvr ability and a canisterised design, making it highly mobile and quick to deploy.
- BrahMos-II: It is a hypersonic cruise missile being developed jointly with Russia and is expected to achieve speeds exceeding Mach 5. Once operational, this missile is poised to revolutionise India’s strike capabilities through unparalleled speed and precision.
- SANT Missile (Stand-off Anti-tank Missile): It is an advanced anti-tank guided missile equipped with an improved seeker and extended range. It is designed to engage targets with high precision, bolstering India’s anti-armour capabilities.
India’s missile programme continues to evolve, reflecting its commitment to developing indigenous technology and enhancing its strategic defence posture.
Space as the New Frontier
Space has emerged as a critical domain for national security, with India making significant advancements to protect its interests in this arena. In 2019, India successfully conducted an anti-satellite(ASAT) test under “Mission Shakti” , showcasing its ability to neutralise threats in outer space and asserting its status as a space power.
To strengthen its military space capabilities, India has established:
- Defence Space Agency (DSA): Formed in 2019, the DSA is responsible for protecting India’s space assets and commands the military’s integrated space capabilities, including its ASAT weapon systems.
- Defence Space Research Organisation (DSRO): Working in tandem with the DSA, the DSRO develops advanced technologies and space warfare systems to bolster India’s defence capabilities.
Key Initiatives in Military Space Technology:
- Development of Microsatellites for Real-Time Surveillance: India has been deploying microsatellites to enhance surveillance and gather real-time intelligence. The Cartosat series, for instance, provides high-resolution imagery for defence operations, enabling better situational awareness.
- Deployment of Space Based Early Warning Systems: While details remain classified, India is actively developing early warning systems to detect missile launches. These systems are vital for timely threat detection and interception.
- Collaboration with ISRO to Enhance Satellite Networks: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) collaborates with defence agencies to develop dual-use satellites. The GSAT-7 series offers dedicated communication capabilities for the Navy and Air Force, while the RISAT series provides all-weather surveillance and reconnaissance for defence applications.
India’s growing focus on space-based defence initiatives highlights its commitment to securing its strategic assets in space and leveraging space technology to strengthen national security.
Countering Emerging Threats
As space becomes a contested domain, India faces several emerging threats that require immediate attention and innovative solutions. The development of hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) by India’s adversary countries like China showcases rapid advancements in military technology. These weapons, capable of travelling at speeds exceeding Mach 5 and manoeuvring unpredictably, challenge existing defence systems. To address this, India is advancing indigenous hypersonic technologies, enhancing radar and sensor capabilities for early detection and collaborating with partners to develop advanced missile defence systems.
Cyber threats to space assets also pose significant risks as satellites are integral to modern communication, navigation and intelligence systems. Potential threats include hacking satellite command and control systems, intercepting or disrupting critical data and deploying malware to disable or manipulate space assets. To mitigate these challenges, India is strengthening cybersecurity measures for its satellite operations, developing advanced encryption technologies and establishing dedicated cyber response teams to protect its space-based infrastructure.
The increasing accumulation of space debris further complicates India’s space ambitions. Space debris poses risks of collisions, jeopardising the operational life of satellites and threatening the sustainability of orbital activities. To address these challenges, India is incorporating debris mitigation techniques in satellite designs, collaborating with international organisations for space traffic management and exploring active debris removal technologies.
India’s proactive approach to addressing these emerging threats reflects its commitment to safeguarding its space assets, contributing to global space security and ensuring a robust defence posture in an evolving technological landscape.
International Collaborations
India has strengthened ties with nations such as the US, France and Japan for joint research and development in missile and space technology. Agreements like the “US-India Strategic Trade Authorisation” (STA-1) facilitate access to cutting-edge technologies.
Challenges and Opportunities
While India has made significant strides, challenges persist in terms of funding, indigenous technology development and international regulations. However, initiatives like “Atmanirbhar Bharat” in defence manufacturing are expected to reduce dependencies on imports and foster innovation.
Conclusion
India’s focus on missile and space defence is a testament to its commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and regional stability. Continued investments and strategic foresight will ensure India remains prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.