IAF aims to dominate ‘near space’: How earth’s ‘secret zone’ could make India unbeatable in the skies

IAF expands into near space, enhancing surveillance and communication with high-altitude tech for future warfare dominance

The Indian armed forces showcased the strength, coordination, and strategic foresight of the Tri-Services in the Operation Sindoor on May in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Demonstrating robust multi-domain capabilities, India’s military effectively countered Pakistan’s provocative cross-border actions.

To enhance its capabilities in countering emerging threats, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is expanding its operational focus beyond traditional airspace.

The IAF is venturing into near space—a largely unexplored region between 20 and 100 kilometers above Earth, often referred to as the “ignored middle,” according to article of Asian Times authored by Dr Martand Jha, security studies researcher.

This region lies above the reach of conventional aircraft and below satellite orbits, offering a unique opportunity for extended surveillance, communication, and defense applications.

The IAF is actively working to establish a stronghold in near space, leveraging advancements in high-altitude platforms, reusable vehicles, and hypersonic technology, according to the report.

How IAF will level up the game with near space power ? 

IAF is "close to becoming a near-space power" as the largest democracy aims to fortify its air power by major investments in the "largely untapped strategic domain," Jha mentioned in the article.

High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) and stratospheric balloons are part of near-space platforms that can offer edge over conventional drones and satellites. near-space systems are maneuverable, cost-effective, and capable of being redeployed quickly stand out the satellites, which are predictable and vulnerable to anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons.

Near space systems are powered by solar energy and equipped with advanced sensors, can deliver high-resolution imagery and signals intelligence over vast areas for extended durations. They will be ideal for surveillance in remote zones such as Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, and the Siachen Glacier.

Unlike traditional drones and manned aircraft with limited fuel and endurance, and satellites that pass over areas intermittently, HAPS and similar near-space vehicles provide continuous surveillance coverage.

In addition to Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), near-space systems also address India’s communication challenges across its diverse topography. Acting as relay nodes, they support network-centric warfare by enabling continuous, real-time communication across air, ground, and naval forces.

The shift aligns with India’s broader defense objectives, including countering missile threats from neighboring countries and enhancing monitoring along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

In India's challenging topography, these near-space platforms can be utilised by the IAF as "relay nodes to extend the reach of its network-centric warfare (NCW) capabilities" Jha mentioned in the report.

Near space plays can also play a key role in ballistic missile tracking, especially during the mid-course phase, offering vital data for missile defense systems.

ISRO-DRDO to boost near-space push

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is intensifying efforts to harness near-space technologies, viewing it as a "strategic necessity" rather than just a technological goal. According to an article in Asia Times by Jha, “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.”

To advance its capabilities in this high-altitude zone, the IAF is collaborating with ISRO, DRDO, private firms, and academic institutions. They are focusing towards developing solar-powered drones, high-altitude balloons, advanced sensors, and AI-driven navigation and data systems. These technologies aim to offer flexible, cost-effective solutions for surveillance, communication, and defense.

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.

Initiatives like Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) are also supporting the development of disruptive military technologies, with the IAF playing a central role in ensuring their operational relevance.

Effective use of near space requires close coordination among the Indian Air Force, Army, Navy, and space agencies, along with clearly defined roles and responsibilities. This strategic zone serves as a bridge between air and space, offering adaptable and cost-efficient capabilities.

Close coordination and clearly defined roles and responsibilities among the Indian Air Force, Army, Navy, and space agencies are essential for the effective utilization of near space. This strategic zone acts as a bridge between air and space, offering flexible and cost-efficient capabilities.