Pakistan has rapidly expanded its Earth-observation satellite network over the past 16 months, launching six satellites between January 2025 and June 2026. Most of these satellites are positioned in a manner that allows them to maintain constant surveillance of Indian territory

Pakistan has rapidly expanded its Earth-observation satellite network over the past 16 months, launching six satellites between January 2025 and June 2026.

According to a report by ThePrint, most of these satellites are positioned in a manner that allows them to maintain constant surveillance of Indian territory, particularly northern India, including Jammu and Kashmir.

The expansion comes more than a year after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire following Operation Sindoor. While the security situation on the ground has remained relatively stable, Pakistan appears to have quietly strengthened its space-based surveillance capabilities with support from China in satellite development and launch services.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADRapid growth of Pakistan’s satellite fleet

The report has analysed the launches of PAUSAT-1, PRSC-EO1, PRSS-2, HS-1, PRSC-EO2 and PRSC-EO3 satellites by Pakistan. Most of these satellites are designed for Earth observation and high-resolution imagery. Some also carry advanced capabilities such as hyperspectral imaging and artificial intelligence-assisted image processing.

The satellites have been placed in orbital positions that allow them to repeatedly image the same regions, helping them to detect changes on the ground over time. Collectively, they can provide regular coverage of Indian territory while also monitoring strategic areas including Afghanistan, Iran, China and parts of the northern Indian Ocean, the report said.

A major shift by Pakistan

The pace of Pakistan’s satellite launches marks a major shift from its historically slow-moving space programme. Since its establishment in 1961, Pakistan has launched only 15 satellites, with six of those missions taking place within the last 16 months.

Such rapid progress suggests strong external support, particularly from China. According to the report, most of the recent satellites were either launched on Chinese rockets or developed through China-Pakistan cooperation.

A particular point of interest is PRSC-EO3, launched in April 2026. The report has analysed that its orbit differs from the Sun-synchronous paths commonly used by Earth-observation satellites. Instead of prioritising global coverage, the satellite’s orbit increases revisit rates over South Asia, especially northern India and the Kashmir region. This allows more frequent monitoring of a smaller geographic area.

Civilian missions with strategic uses

Although Pakistan describes these satellites as civilian platforms intended for applications such as agriculture, disaster management and resource monitoring, modern Earth-observation satellites often have dual-use capabilities.

High-resolution optical sensors, hyperspectral imaging systems and advanced data-processing tools can be used to monitor military installations, detect infrastructure changes, track troop movements and observe naval activity. Similar technologies are increasingly used by both civilian and military organisations worldwide.

India’s space challenges

These Pakistani developments come at a time when India has faced several setbacks in strategic satellite programmes. Between 2025 and 2026, missions involving Earth-observation and navigation satellites suffered failures, including the EOS-N1, EOS-09 and NavIC NVS-02 missions.

Space-based surveillance has become a critical component of modern warfare and national security. Experts say that India need to strengthen its own satellite capabilities to maintain strategic awareness in an increasingly competitive regional space environment.

The rapid expansion of Pakistan’s satellite network highlights the growing role of space assets in regional security.

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First Published:
June 08, 2026, 10:55 IST

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