Weaponisation of Outer Space in South Asia: Security Challenges for Pakistan

With millions of satellites in outer space, security dynamics have become increasingly complex. The space ecosystem now widely supports military planning for command and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The South Asian scenario of the outer space has become most important for Pakistan because India is operating a large constellation of satellites, which, apart from economic development, can be used in an offensive mode in military applications. According to current estimates, India has more than one hundred satellites in outer space capable of military operations. Such advancement in outer space technology is of serious concern to Pakistan because of the continuous tense relationship between the two countries. With its antisatellite test (ASAT) capabilities, India can now kinetically intercept satellites and make them nonoperational. This capability is likely to disrupt the strategic arms balance in South Asia, especially in the context of Pakistan

India is strategically partnering with several countries in space weaponization. It has agreements with the different countries such as United States in information sharing in satellite threats, Japan and Australia for sharing intelligence and countering space threats, and France on space surveillance. Such collaborations have enabled India to enhance its space militarization. India’s Space Research Organization (ISRO) is now working to build its military capabilities in outer space. According to various reports, India’s space programme is now the most advanced one in South Asia. Its satellites, like RISAT and GSAT, are capable of civil and military uses. Its space weaponization and antisatellite capabilities have seriously disrupted any strategic balance in South Asia.

Pakistan lags behind India in space weaponization and antisatellite capability. Its Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has not been able to advance much in space technology because of financial constraints and political instability. Currently, Pakistan lacks the capability to launch orbital satellites, and it has to rely on China for the purpose. At present, Pakistan’s remote sensing satellite PRSS-1 is an earth observation satellite which can provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support. It can also be used for disaster management. PAKSAT-1R can provide secure communications and can be used for broadcasting.

Pakistan is cognizant of potential threats, which indeed are a serious challenge. Such dynamics are pushing the country to upgrade its outer space programme for defence. With the aim to increase the number of satellites with Chinese collaboration, Pakistan is

getting its astronauts trained in China. In the medium term, Pakistan is working to reduce asymmetry and create strategic balance, resilience, and parity.

Currently. Pakistan is focusing on measures like Cyber and electronic warfare. According to various reports, by 2040, Pakistan aims to launch multiple satellites, but it may continue to rely on Chinese collaboration. China has been helping Pakistan in building space infrastructure. In our ballistic missile programme, Chinese help has been a key to upgrading our defence preparedness. This capability served us well in May 2025 when India tried to damage our defences.

The Annual Report of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) reads: “As tension with India escalated in April-May 2025, the PTA deployed an integrated digital defence strategy combining technological surveillance, policy enforcement, and platform engagement. The approach disrupted hostile narratives, preserved information sovereignty, and led to the blocking of 202 hostile digital assets. PTA also directed Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms to remove Indian-origin content spreading disinformation.”

In view of the consistent Pakistan-India nuclear and space rivalry, what should Pakistan do to meet the challenges posed by India’s space weaponization? First and foremost, Pakistan must maintain its nuclear deterrence. It should explore asymmetric countermeasures such as cyber and electronic warfare. A close collaboration with China for launching satellites and acquiring antisatellite capability should be the priority. To be able to launch satellites from its own soil will be necessary. The Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence agreement should also be a part of the programme. Lastly, Pakistan should do more on the diplomatic front forming strategic partnerships and establishing space-specific ventures with the technologically advanced world.

(Brigadier Mohammad Yasin (Retired) Is a Chartered Engineer in Telecommunications. He is a Distinguished Adviser Emeritus at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute Islamabad.)