Executive Summary
Outer space has transformed into a militarized zone and an emerging arena of geopolitics. Today, space militarization threatens space security and challenges deterrence stability by enhancing ISR capabilities, blurring the distinction between civilian and military targets through dual-use systems, and enabling the development and deployment of anti-satellite (ASAT) technology. As the major powers move towards space militarization, the geopolitical deadlock in international forums hinders the establishment of global space norms and legally binding agreements against space weaponization and an arms race. In South Asia, India’s active pursuit of space militarization and utilization of outer space as a force multiplier in military operations undermines strategic stability in South Asia. It raises concerns about pre-emptive strikes, miscalculations, inadvertent escalation, and an arms race in outer space. Pakistan staunchly supports the peaceful uses of outer space and opposes space weaponization. Amidst the growing space militarization, Pakistan should continue to call for greater global collaboration for the establishment of space norms. Simultaneously, Pakistan should focus on improving defensive space-based systems to respond to any threats from outer space or space-based infrastructure, initiated by any country.
Misbah Zainab is an MPhil scholar of International Relations at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, and an intern at the Center for International Strategic Studies (CISS), Islamabad.
