The nature of warfare is evolving, with space emerging as a critical domain in shaping future battles. Lessons from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict have provided key insights into how countries can harness space-based technologies to gain a tactical advantage. The Indian Army, keen to remain at the forefront of modern military strategies, is actively exploring the use of space technology to enhance its artillery systems and overall combat capabilities.
Learning from Global Conflicts: Adapting to a New Warfront
Recent conflicts have showcased how space-based systems, particularly satellite navigation and communication networks, are playing pivotal roles in modern warfare. Lt Gen Adosh Kumar, Director General of Artillery for the Indian Army, noted the growing reliance on precision strikes and the vulnerabilities that arise when these systems are compromised. From jamming GPS signals to targeting key satellite infrastructure, modern combat has highlighted the importance of securing space assets.
Drawing from these observations, the Indian Army is making concerted efforts to adapt its strategies. One significant change is in the deployment of the `Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher System’, a powerful tool in India’s artillery arsenal. Pinaka’s range has been upgraded from 40 kilometers to 75 kilometers, allowing it to strike enemy targets more accurately and from a safer distance. With these enhancements, India is positioning itself to handle future conflicts where reliance on space-based precision will be critical.
NavIC: India’s Indigenous Navigation System
A key component of India’s strategy is the integration of NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), an indigenous satellite navigation system developed by ISRO. NavIC is designed to reduce India’s dependency on foreign GPS systems, which have been unreliable in the past, especially during the 1999 Kargil War when Western powers disrupted India’s access to GPS. NavIC promises greater control and security over India’s navigational needs, offering a robust alternative for both military and civilian purposes.
NavIC operates with a constellation of seven satellites, covering India and areas extending up to 1,500 kilometers beyond its borders. Its L5 frequency band, a protected frequency exclusive to India, ensures minimal interference from other systems. This is a significant improvement over the widely used GPS, which shares its frequency with other global systems. By providing better accuracy and reliability, NavIC will give the Indian military an edge in precision targeting and navigation, especially in GPS-denied environments.
The introduction of NavIC into India’s armoured vehicles and artillery systems is a game changer, especially as future wars are likely to involve more contested space domains where traditional GPS systems could be jammed or disrupted. The integration of NavIC into the Pinaka system, for instance, allows the Indian Army to continue executing precise strikes, even if foreign satellite systems are compromised or denied.
Preparing for Space-Driven Warfare
The evolution of space-based warfare is already reshaping military strategies worldwide, and India is no exception. Countries like the US and Russia have long been developing capabilities to fight in space, including anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons and satellite jammers. India, aware of these global trends, is focusing on developing its own counter-space technologies to protect its satellites and ensure its dominance in space-based operations.
One of the key lessons from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is the importance of space for real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). Satellites provide critical data that allow for swift, informed decisions in the heat of battle. The Indian military is actively working on enhancing its ISR capabilities, integrating satellite data into its command structures to improve battlefield awareness and decision-making.
The Role of Artillery in Future Warfare
The Indian Army is also looking at space as a vital component in its artillery modernization efforts. One example is the adaptation of Area Denial Ammunition Systems (ADMS), inspired by the Russia-Ukraine war, where landmines are deployed via rockets over a 30-40 kilometer range. The Pinaka system is being adapted for this purpose, enabling the Indian Army to deploy landmines remotely and more safely, minimizing risks to personnel.
Furthermore, the need for precision strikes without reliance on GPS has become a priority. As witnessed in the April 2023 Iranian missile strike on Israel, which failed due to navigation disruptions, the Indian Army is preparing to counter similar scenarios by integrating GPS-denial systems into its artillery. These systems would ensure that India’s artillery can function effectively in environments where satellite signals may be jammed or denied by adversaries.
The Space-Driven Future of Warfare
As countries like India continue to embrace the strategic advantages of space, the future of warfare is being rewritten. Satellites, once seen as passive tools for communication and navigation, are now integral to modern combat operations, providing real-time intelligence, precision targeting, and battlefield awareness. The Indian Army’s ongoing efforts to incorporate space-based technologies, from NavIC to advanced rocket systems, demonstrate its commitment to staying ahead in this rapidly changing domain.