India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is strengthening military space capabilities through advanced electronics research. The state-owned organisation is prioritising research and development of advanced electronics for the Indian Armed Forces. According to B.K. Das, director general of DRDO’s Electronics and Communication Systems division, domestic defence growth has changed priorities.
Speaking to Janes on 20 July, Das said India’s defence industry has matured significantly. Therefore, DRDO can now move beyond developing military systems. The agency can focus on specialised technologies for military space applications. These technologies aim to improve surveillance, communications, and position, navigation, and timing capabilities.
Additionally, they will support future military space capabilities for the Indian Armed Forces.
Space Capabilities Become Key For Future Warfare
Das highlighted these priorities during a presentation at the IEEE Space 2026 conference in Bengaluru. He explained DRDO’s short-term and long-term research goals for advanced space electronics. Modern battlefields are becoming more contactless, autonomous, and information-focused, according to Das. Moreover, space capabilities can provide the Armed Forces with a strategic high ground.
He said modern warfare depends heavily on space-based assets, including precision-strike operations. Das warned that future conflicts may begin before ground attacks happen. He said adversaries may first attempt to disable, isolate, and weaken space infrastructure.
DRDO Focuses On Stronger Military Space Assets
According to Das, future conflicts could target important space-based systems. These targets include PNT satellites, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance constellations. They also include satellite communication networks and missile warning satellites. Therefore, DRDO is developing technologies to improve the strength of India’s military space assets.
The organisation aims to increase the resilience and effectiveness of these systems.
Through advanced electronics research, DRDO is preparing for future space-based defence requirements.
