How space is new frontier of warfare and military strategy

Lt Gen PJS Pannu

As we stand at the crossroads of technological evolution, space warfare has emerged as a subject of discussion that is both fascinating and crucial to the future of global security. Ukraine, Russia, and the US have increasingly used space for wars. Israeli Defence Forces have developed a space war capability, which is also on display in their recent and ongoing conflict with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Syria. It is essential to recognise that space is no longer merely a domain for exploration or scientific discovery. It has become an indispensable component of modern military strategy and national defence.

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In this article we shall discuss how space wars reflect terrestrial warfighting principles, the strategic importance of space in military operations, and the emerging complexities that come with this new, also known as the fourth frontier of conflict.

Space Warfare and Terrestrial Warfare Principles

Space warfare, at its core, mirrors the same principles that have governed terrestrial conflict for centuries. Commanders on Earth employ military means—be it soldiers, tanks, or aircraft—to transmit their intent, resolve, and will to adversaries. The tools and methods may differ, but the basic objective remains the same: to achieve dominance, whether through combat, deterrence, or manipulation of adversary actions. In the case of space warfare, these tools are rockets, satellites, and ground-based stations that help project military might from the vastness of space. These tools allow commanders to send commands, collect intelligence, and, if necessary, neutralise threats—making Command and Control (C2) a critical aspect of this new form of warfare. In space, just as on the ground, the ability to transmit intent and resolve to adversaries is vital to achieving military objectives.

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However, unlike traditional warfare, space introduces new challenges. The expanding domains of space—combining orbital operations, electronic warfare, cyber warfare, and kinetic operations—mean that the traditional principles of warfighting must adapt to the new realities. The stakes are higher, and the consequences of military actions are more complex, as the space domain is not a static battlefield but one that continuously evolves with new technologies and capabilities.

Space Warfare as Part of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO)

In modern military doctrine, space warfare does not exist in isolation. It is an integral part of the broader concept of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). MDO is a framework that encompasses the coordination and integration of operations across multiple domains—land, air, sea, cyber, and space—to achieve strategic objectives.

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Space plays a crucial role in MDO by enabling global situational awareness, precision targeting, communication, and navigation. It serves as the backbone for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance, which are essential to modern military operations. Space is the strategic enabler that links all the domains together. It is the force multiplier that allows military forces to operate efficiently, respond to threats in real time, and maintain operational superiority.

But space wars, even when integrated into MDO, present unique challenges. The dynamic nature of space means that military actions in space must be carefully coordinated, as the consequences of actions in space can have long-lasting effects not only on military operations but also on civilian infrastructure and global security.

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The Absence of a Long History in Space Strategy

One of the unique aspects of space warfare is that space strategy planning does not yet have the benefit of a long history. Unlike traditional military domains—where lessons learnt from centuries of combat have shaped tactics, technologies, and doctrine—space is still a relatively young domain for military operations. The first space-based military actions were only initiated in the latter half of the 20th century, and it is only in recent decades that space has become a true theatre of military conflict.

The strategic thinking around space is still evolving. The rules of engagement, tactics, and countermeasures are being developed in real time as space-faring nations race to assert their dominance. Space operations are often shrouded in secrecy, making it difficult for the public or international community to fully understand the scale and scope of the military activity taking place in space.

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Thus, space strategy and tactics remain a work in progress. Military forces are still grappling with how to effectively integrate space into broader military campaigns and how to ensure that space capabilities are defended against adversaries who seek to deny access or disrupt operations.

The Political Nature of Space Warfare

Space wars are highly political by nature. Unlike traditional warfare, where the focus is primarily on physical terrain, space warfare involves a global commons that is used by both military and civilian entities. The geopolitical landscape surrounding space is complex, and the consequences of military actions in space are far-reaching, affecting not just the military balance of power but also international relations and global cooperation in space.

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The militarisation of space has been a topic of intense political debate. On one hand, nations recognise that space is a critical national security asset and are increasingly investing in space-based military capabilities, from satellite defence to anti-satellite weapons. On the other hand, there are international treaties, such as the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, that seek to prevent the weaponisation of space and promote the peaceful use of space.

Yet, as we are seeing today, the line between peaceful space activities and military operations is increasingly blurred. The growing reliance on space for communication, navigation, and intelligence means that denying an adversary access to space could have catastrophic consequences. In this context, space is not only a strategic domain but also a political battleground, where military actions can escalate tensions and lead to long-term diplomatic fallout.

The Long-Term Effects

One of the most significant challenges of space warfare is the long-term impact that military actions can have on space itself. When military operations occur in space, they can create debris, collateral damage, and electronic disturbances that can have lasting consequences for both military and civilian activities. For example, anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons can destroy satellites, creating clouds of space debris that pose a threat to both military and civilian spacecraft. This debris can remain in orbit for years, if not decades, and can interfere with the operations of satellites, disrupt communications, and even endanger human life aboard spacecraft or the International Space Station (ISS). The impact of debris is not limited to the military—it can disrupt critical civilian infrastructure that relies on space for everything from weather forecasting to global positioning systems (GPS).

Similarly, electronic warfare in space—whether through jamming or spoofing—can disrupt communications and navigation systems, causing significant damage to military operations and civilian applications. The long-term effects of such disturbances are difficult to predict, but they can fundamentally alter the way nations use and rely on space.

In addition to debris and electronic warfare, the military use of space can also create strategic vulnerabilities. The more a nation depends on space-based assets, the more vulnerable it becomes to attacks targeting those assets. Thus, the military must balance the need to leverage space for strategic advantage with the risks that such reliance poses.

Conclusion

Space warfare is not just about launching rockets or deploying satellites into orbit. It is about comprehensive space battle management that integrates space capabilities with terrestrial military operations in a way that reflects the principles of warfighting—commanders transmitting their intent, resolve, and will through increasingly complex and expanding military means.

As we continue to navigate this new frontier, we must recognise that space wars are as much about political power and geopolitical manoeuvring as they are about military strategy. The consequences of military actions in space are far-reaching, with long-term effects on space itself, on international relations, and on the future of warfare.

In the coming years, as space becomes an even more critical domain of national defence, it is essential that we develop comprehensive strategies, enhance cooperation among space-faring nations, and be mindful of the long-term impact of our actions in space. It is therefore significant to understanding the complexities and risks involved in space warfare while also highlighting the strategic, political, and long-term consequences of military actions in the space domain.

Lt Gen (Dr) PJS Pannu is a former Deputy Chief Integrated Defence Staff. He was responsible for raising the Defence Space Agency, Defence Cyber Agency and the armed forces’ Special Forces Division. He has done PhD in ‘Indigenisation of Defence Industry’. He is a Senior Advisor to Satcom Industries Association (India). He has conducted two space-based Industrial wargames in the last two years. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author.