New Delhi – As India evaluates the future of its military surveillance systems, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit on Wednesday raised concerns about the rapid expansion of China’s military space capabilities, calling it a key element of the evolving regional threat landscape.
Speaking at a seminar on ‘Surveillance and Electro-optics’ hosted by the Centre for Strategic Studies and Indian Military Review at Subroto Park, Air Marshal Dixit cited the dramatic rise in China’s space assets and its potential implications for India’s national security.
“As we contemplate our own surveillance capabilities, we must understand the rapidly evolving threat landscape, particularly the remarkable advances made by our neighbours to the north,” Dixit stated.
He noted that China has expanded its military space fleet from just 36 satellites in 2010 to over 1,000 in 2024, with more than 360 dedicated to ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) missions.
“They have evolved from a kill chain to a kill mesh, an integrated network that seamlessly interweaves ISR satellites with weapon systems,” he explained.
Dixit further revealed that Chinese satellites have demonstrated “sophisticated dog-fighting manoeuvres” in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)—a clear indication of their operational ambitions in space.
🛰️ India’s Response: Operation Sindoor and IACCS Success
Despite the challenges, Air Marshal Dixit highlighted the success of India’s Operation Sindoor, praising the role of the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).
“At the heart of our success was the integrated air command and control system — a testament to Indian engineering’s excellence and strategic vision,” he noted.
The IACCS, synchronized with the Indian Army’s Akasheteer system, enabled a joint and integrated air defence framework, significantly reducing the sensor-to-shooter decision cycle.
“IACCS compressed our sensor-to-shooter timelines dramatically, enabling responses that outpaced the adversary’s decision cycles,” Dixit said.
🔮 The Future: Surveillance-Driven Warfare
Looking ahead, Dixit emphasised the importance of surveillance and electro-optics in future warfare, noting that dominance will rely more on foresight and situational awareness than traditional firepower.
“Tomorrow’s battlefields will demand sensors in all domains… Surveillance and electro-optics will be one of the foundational layers of military operations,” he said.
India’s surveillance platforms like MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) and HALE (High Altitude Long Endurance) drones — including the MQ-9 Reaper — must evolve with modular payloads, AI-assisted analytics, and real-time data capabilities to empower commanders with unmatched situational awareness, he added.
🌌 Growing Concern Over Space Militarisation
The remarks echo concerns raised earlier by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, who, at a 2023 symposium, underscored the “intense race toward the militarisation of space”, urging India to focus on dual-use platforms and advanced technologies in the space domain.
Gen Chauhan had stated that India must develop space capabilities to counter rapid advances by “an adversary”, widely understood to be China.