In the ongoing space race between India and Pakistan, the latter has made a significant stride by launching six earth observation (EO) satellites in just over a year. This rapid expansion of its space surveillance capabilities has sparked concerns among experts, who argue that Pakistan's new-found satellite prowess could be used to monitor India's borders, troop movements, and military assets. While the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has been in existence since 1961, Pakistan's first satellite launch didn't occur until 1990, and subsequent launches were limited. However, between January 2025 and April 2026, Pakistan launched six EO satellites, primarily with the help of Chinese rockets. These satellites, including PAUSAT-1, PRSC-EO1, PRSS-2 EO, HS-1, PRSC-EO2, and PRSC-EO3, have significantly enhanced Pakistan's ability to observe Indian territory. Group Captain Ajay Ahlawat (retd), a defense analyst, points out that these EO satellites provide Pakistan with a detailed view of India's borders and military assets for at least 3-4 years. He also highlights India's lack of progress in satellite launches, with ISRO struggling with rocket failures and a depleted navigation satellite constellation. Rear Admiral Sudhir Pillai (Retd), another defense analyst, emphasizes the complementary nature of Pakistan's and India's satellite systems, noting that their combined capabilities provide a more comprehensive view of the South Asian theater. However, he also points out the sequencing problem in India's SBS-3 program, which aims to deploy 52 surveillance satellites by the second half of this decade. The challenge lies in the fact that India's satellites will be deployed at a time when Pakistan's enhanced surveillance capabilities are already operational, raising concerns about the balance of power in the region. In my opinion, the rapid expansion of Pakistan's satellite capabilities is a significant development in the India-Pakistan space race. While it provides Pakistan with a detailed view of India's borders and military assets, it also highlights the need for India to accelerate its satellite programs and address the technical challenges it faces. The complementary nature of the two countries' satellite systems raises questions about the balance of power in the region and the potential implications for regional security. As Pakistan continues to enhance its space surveillance capabilities, it is crucial for India to take proactive steps to address its own satellite launch challenges and maintain a strategic edge in the region.
