On March 27, 2019, India proved its strength in space defense by successfully testing an anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon under Mission Shakti.
In this test, a specially developed missile called PDV Mk-II destroyed an Indian satellite in space within seconds, making India the fourth nation in the world after the US, Russia, and China to show this advanced capability.
This achievement highlighted India’s growing power in space security and its ability to protect its own satellites while deterring enemy surveillance.
India Boosts Space Defence with PDV Mk-II in Sky Shield
On March 27, 2019, India made history by joining the elite group of nations with anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons. In Operation Mission Shakti, India tested and proved its ability to destroy satellites in space.
The test was carried out by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) using the Prithvi Delivery Vehicle Mark-II (PDV Mk-II).
In just 53 seconds, the missile intercepted and destroyed Microsat-R, an Indian satellite orbiting at about 283 km altitude.
This success made India the fourth country after the US, Russia, and China to demonstrate ASAT capabilities.
Why Mission Shakti Was Important
It showed that India can defend its space assets by neutralizing enemy satellites.
The test proved India’s ability to hit targets at altitudes of up to 1,200 km while following its no-first-use policy in space.
The debris created was minimal and burned up quickly, showing India’s responsible approach to space security.
The PDV Mk-II Missile
The PDV Mk-II is a two-stage, solid-fuel missile built on the technology of the Prithvi missile series.
It includes advanced navigation, infrared seekers, and thrust vector control for accuracy.
During the 2019 test, the missile traveled at speeds above Mach 10 and hit the target directly (hit-to-kill).
Originally developed as part of India’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Programme – Phase II, the PDV Mk-II was later adapted for the ASAT role.
Why the System Was Not Inducted Immediately
After the test, DRDO officials confirmed the missile was validated, but the armed forces did not immediately order it. This was likely due to strategic and budgetary reasons.
Since then, the missile has been undergoing refinements, including:
Better infrared homing to target different types of satellites.
Extended range up to 1,500 km.
Integration with the Swordfish Long-Range Tracking Radar for precise tracking and targeting.
With these improvements, the PDV Mk-II could even engage satellites in LEO (Low Earth Orbit), MEO (Medium Earth Orbit), and possibly GEO (Geostationary Orbit).
Integration with Sudarshan Chakra Sky Shield
In August 2025, Prime Minister Modi announced the Sudarshan Chakra Sky Shield, a futuristic national defense shield to be fully developed by 2035.
This system, also called the “Rashtriya Suraksha Kavach” (National Security Shield), will combine:
Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD)
Air Defence systems (like S-400 and Project Kusha)
Space-based defence
The PDV Mk-II will play a major role in this shield by acting as an offensive ASAT weapon.
How the PDV Mk-II Will Strengthen India
The missile will serve two main roles:
Disrupting Enemy Surveillance
Enemy satellites, like China’s Yaogan or Pakistan’s PakSAT, which monitor Indian troop and airbase movements, could be destroyed.
This would blind enemy command-and-control systems during a conflict.
Providing Deterrence
Even with India’s no-first-use doctrine, the missile ensures that if India’s own satellites (like GSAT-7A for IAF communication or IRNSS for navigation) are attacked, India can retaliate.
Supporting Systems
For smooth functioning, the PDV Mk-II would be linked with:
Akashteer AI system for prioritizing threats.
ISRO’s NETRA network for early warning and space object tracking.
This integration will allow India to respond quickly to threats from satellites in 200–2,000 km orbits, with future upgrades possibly covering higher orbits using kinetic or directed-energy weapons.
Global Context and Cost Advantage
China tested ASAT weapons in 2007 and 2013, while Russia has developed the Nudol system.
The Indian system is seen as cost-effective, with each PDV Mk-II missile estimated at $10–15 million, compared to the billions needed to replace satellites.
India’s 2023 Space Policy also allows private companies like Tata and L&T to participate in ASAT development, opening doors for commercial growth in defense space technology.
The Road Ahead
The PDV Mk-II ASAT system could be formally inducted by 2027–2028. Once operational, it would mark India as a true space power capable of conducting asymmetric warfare in space.
It will not only defend India’s critical assets but also serve as a strategic deterrent against adversaries, strengthening India’s position in the global space defense race.
