Indian Air Force close to becoming a near-space power

As the nature of warfare evolves, so too must the capabilities of those entrusted with defending national sovereignty. For the Indian Air Force (IAF), this means looking beyond traditional airspace and venturing into the largely untapped domain of near space—a strategic zone stretching from 20 to 100 kilometers above the Earth’s surface.

This region, often referred to as the “ignored middle,” lies above the reach of conventional aircraft and below the orbits of satellites, offering a unique opportunity for extended surveillance, communication and defense applications.

In an era of multi-domain operations where seamless integration of land, air, sea, cyber and space is critical, near space is a vital enabler. With advances in high-altitude platforms, reusable vehicles and hypersonic technology, the IAF is beginning to establish its presence in this emerging domain.

Near space offers several strategic advantages. It allows for persistent surveillance over contested or remote regions, supports reliable communication links in difficult terrain and enables early detection of missile threats.

Unlike satellites, which follow predictable orbits and are vulnerable to anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons, near-space platforms can be maneuvered, recovered and redeployed quickly and cost-effectively.

Moreover, the growing military applications of near space align with India’s broader security priorities, particularly with regard to monitoring China’s activities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), protecting the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and countering the growing missile capabilities of neighboring countries.

One of the most immediate applications of near space for the IAF is in the field of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR). Platforms such as High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) and stratospheric balloons can maintain station at altitudes between 20 and 30 kilometers for extended periods.

These systems, powered by solar energy and equipped with advanced sensors, can deliver high-resolution imagery and signals intelligence over a broad area. This persistent aerial presence is ideal for border monitoring, particularly in remote areas like Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh and the Siachen Glacier.

Traditional drones and manned aircraft are limited by fuel and endurance, while satellites may only pass over a given area at certain intervals. HAPS and similar near-space vehicles can fill this critical surveillance gap.

In the challenging topography of India—ranging from high-altitude deserts to dense jungles—maintaining real-time communication between air, ground and naval units is difficult. Here, too, near space offers solutions. The IAF can use near-space platforms as relay nodes to extend the reach of its network-centric warfare (NCW) capabilities.

Near-space relays can provide emergency communication support during natural disasters, establish battlefield communication networks in remote regions and serve as backup systems if satellite links are disrupted. This capability is particularly relevant in the event of cyber warfare or ASAT attacks, where traditional communication infrastructure may be compromised.

With the increasing sophistication of missile threats, ranging from ballistic missiles to hypersonic glide vehicles, India’s defense strategy requires a robust early warning and interception system.

Much of a ballistic missile’s flight path takes place in near space, especially during the mid-course phase. Surveillance and detection systems operating in this region can provide crucial data for Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) systems.

The IAF is working closely with agencies like DRDO to develop and integrate sensors and tracking technologies that can operate in near space. Early warning systems placed in this zone can detect launches in real time, track incoming threats and provide targeting data for interception systems based on land, sea or even air-based platforms.

India’s expanding space program, particularly in the domain of reusable launch technology, also opens new avenues for the IAF. Vehicles like ISRO’s Reusable Launch Vehicle – Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) and DRDO’s Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) operate in or transit through near space during their missions.

The IAF supports these missions by providing airspace monitoring, safety coordination, tracking, and recovery operations. As India moves toward a future with operational reusable space planes or hypersonic cruise missiles, the IAF’s involvement in near-space launch and recovery operations will become even more critical.

Hypersonic technology, capable of speeds exceeding Mach 5, often operates within the near-space band. India is developing hypersonic capabilities for both military and space applications. These include hypersonic missiles that can evade traditional air defenses and spaceplanes that could revolutionize logistics and reconnaissance.

As these systems develop, the IAF is expected to play a central role in integrating them into India’s strategic deterrence posture. From planning and testing to eventual deployment, hypersonic vehicles will require new doctrines, tactics, and support infrastructure—much of which will fall under the IAF’s domain.

Recognizing the need for innovation, the IAF is increasingly collaborating with ISRO, DRDO, academic institutions and the private sector to develop near-space technologies. These include solar-powered drones, high-altitude balloons, advanced sensors, and artificial intelligence-based navigation and data analysis systems.

Initiatives like Innovations for Defense Excellence (iDEX) are encouraging Indian startups and tech firms to create disruptive technologies for military use. The IAF is a key stakeholder in these initiatives, ensuring that the solutions developed are not only technologically sound but also operationally relevant.

Despite its promise, the exploitation of near space is not without challenges. The environment is harsh, with low temperatures, high radiation levels and thin air requiring robust engineering solutions. Navigation and control at such altitudes are complex, and regulatory frameworks for near-space operations remain underdeveloped.

Moreover, effective utilization of near space demands inter-service coordination, as well as clarity in roles and responsibilities across the IAF, Army, Navy and space agencies. Standard operating procedures, legal protocols and command structures for near-space missions must evolve in tandem with technological progress.

The IAF’s exploration of near space is not merely a technological ambition—it is a strategic necessity. In an age where control of information, communication and surveillance is key to national security, the ability to operate seamlessly across all layers of the atmosphere is essential. Near space bridges the gap between air and space, offering capabilities that are both flexible and cost-effective.

By investing in this domain, the IAF positions itself at the forefront of modern warfare, ensuring that India’s air power remains not just dominant in the skies but also among the stars. The future of defense lies not only in traditional battlefields but also in mastering the spaces in between—and near space is one such space India can no longer afford to overlook.

Dr Martand Jha is a security studies researcher with a PhD from the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.