Race to extend spy satellite networks across Asia being led by China and India

China, India, and other Asian nations are bolstering satellite networks to track military movements in the region in response to an increasingly complex security environment.

At a 500-kilometer height, reconnaissance satellites track developments such as army movements and missile launches. During a military battle, intelligence can help governments target enemy assets properly.

China operated 136 reconnaissance satellites in 2022, up from 66 in 2019, according to the Military Balance report published by the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Beijing is increasing the number of its electronic intelligence (ELINT) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) satellites, which are able to intercept electronic information, in addition to its Earth-surface photography satellites.

In addition to nuclear and missile technology, spy satellites are North Korea's top military priorities, enabling it to keep real-time track of US aircraft carriers. 2023 saw the failure of two satellite launches but a successful third launch in November.

India has launched a number of radar imaging satellites (RISAT), increasing the fleet from 12 in 2019 to 16 in the escalating rivalry with China. With an eye toward North Korea and China, South Korea and Japan also want to increase the size of their satellite fleets.

In 2004, Japan started using satellites to gather data on security and natural disasters. It intends to expand its constellation of satellites from the existing five to nine by the fiscal year 2029.

According to reports, military satellites can detect even minute items on the ground, which makes them useful in combat. The early Ukrainian response to the Russian invasion is thought to have benefited from the use of U.S. satellite imagery.