Space exploration is expanding in its scope, actors, and applications over time. This evolution of space catalyzed innovation for the benefit of humanity but also resulted in congestion and competition in space. As more states started depending on satellite technologies for national security and civilian uses, counterspace capabilities also evolved.
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In July 2026, hackers leaked over nineteen thousand files from India’s Kudankulam nuclear power plant. The files contained blueprints, cooling layouts, and supplier lists. On the surface, this was a routine cyberattack.
The Center for International Strategic Studies (CISS) Islamabad conducts original policy research, analyses, and strategic outreach, and aims to highlight evolving regional and global strategic issues to promote peace and stability. The monthly perspective contains articles published by our researchers during the period.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) concluded a week-long drill, Exercise ROTOR CLAP III, on 2 August at the Pokhran firing range in Rajasthan. The exercise was conducted to validate a key operational concept of shooting down unwarranted low-flying loitering munitions and drones.
The next India-Pakistan crisis might not begin with a missile, but with a video that never happened. AI can now generate realistic videos, images and audio within minutes. In a nuclearized region, marked by crises, it’s not just a change of technology; it can have implications on how crises emerge and escalate in South Asia.
On May 10th, 2026, Pakistan celebrated the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq. It is one year of the epochal Operation Bunyan al Marsoos, which means ‘a fortified structure’ not just literally but also in real terms. Despite India’s provocation, Pakistan maintained escalation control through its resolve, discipline, and restraint, as symbolized by its name. Pakistan’s defense operation demonstrated a calibrated response and a prime example of exercising nuclear responsibility under escalating pressure.
Scientific collaboration across the world is changing at an unprecedented rate with the advent of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital research platforms. Sensitive technical knowledge can now be shared between scientists internationally via virtual laboratories, cloud technologies for collaboration, and AI tools to support research.
The crisis stability in South Asia remains severely fragile, given the nature of India-Pakistan relations. The May 2025 post-Pahalgam four-day conflict has further highlighted the challenges for regional crisis stability. Since the nuclearization of South Asia, India has been trying to carve out a space for a limited war under the nuclear overhang against Pakistan.
This research paper explores the ongoing strategic competition between the United States (U.S.), China, and Russia in the development and proliferation of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS). It introduces ‘Strategic Funneling’ as an analytical approach that explains how states accelerate military modernization by concentrating resources, institutions, and innovation toward specific technological objectives.
The Indian Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has proposed three theatre commands, including a Western Theatre built explicitly around Pakistan and placed under Air Force leadership, with implementation expected to be completed soon.
