By Lt. Gen. Vinod G. Khandare (r), Wg Cdr Satyam Kushwaha (r) & Dr Kriti Singh

China’s sustained advancement in satellite-to-ground laser communication is a significant leap in its technological capabilities. With the successful demonstration of a 100 Gbps data transmission rate using their Jilin-1 satellite constellation, China has surpassed the previous records and also positioned itself as a frontrunner in the race towards 6G internet and satellite-based communication technologies (Chang Guang Satellite Technology, 2024). This development warrants scrutiny, as it carries both opportunities and challenges for India’s strategic and technological landscape.

1.   Key Developments in China’s Satellite Communication

1.1 High-Speed Data Transmission:

1. Chang Guang Satellite Technology achieved a record-breaking 100 Gbps data transmission rate, a tenfold improvement over their earlier achievements (Chang Guang Satellite Technology, 2024).

1. This level of efficiency significantly enhances the speed at which heavy image, text, audio/video and communication data can be transmitted, particularly for applications in real-time surveillance and global communications.

1.2   Mobile Ground Stations:

• The utilization of truck-mounted transportable or mobile ground stations demonstrated the feasibility of high-speed satellite communication in challenging terrain, in remote areas and adverse weather conditions (Chang Guang Satellite Technology, 2024).

1.3   AI Integration for Real-Time Analytics:

• The laser communication technology includes capabilities to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) for real-time data processing from satellites, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making efficiency in terms of speed and quality thus staying ahead in the Observe, Orient, Decide, Act (OODA) Loop. (Economic Times, 2025).

1.4   Satellite Network Expansion:

• China’s Jilin-1 satellite constellation is set to expand to 300 satellites by 2027, embedding the new laser communication technology across its network. This expansion aims to support military, commercial, and civilian applications (Chang Guang Satellite Technology, 2024). China’s ambition to have a global footprint initially culminating in a global vision of geoeconomic domination will get a boost with such reliable communications, a      necessity for any ambitious power.

1.5     Internet Advancements 6G:

• These technological developments are a game changer for China’s ambitions in shaping 6G internet, enabling reliable ultra-fast connectivity and enhanced global coverage (Wang & Zhang, 2023). China is rapidly reducing the technological differential with the USA and possibly may take the lead.

1.6. Military Applications:

• China needs to get strong militarily for which surveillance, communication, Positioning, Navigation, Timing (PNT) etc. are the key areas for them to take a quantum jump to be able to challenge the existing superpower.
• China’s laser communication capabilities are expected to strengthen its network-centric warfare strategies, enhancing real-time data relay for reconnaissance satellites and ground operations (Kumar, 2024). China will have to get data empowered and AI-enabled decision-making in military applications to achieve the Sun Tzu strategy of ‘Winning a War without Fighting One’. Recent developments are a step in that direction.

1.7 Economic and Commercial Potential:

• Beyond military applications, these advancements pave the way for disrupting the global market for high-speed internet services, potentially challenging players like Starlink (Singh & Patel, 2024). The USA is the global giant in information due to its dominance in data aggregation. Recent technological developments could be a way ahead in challenging the USA’s information gathering and utilization supremacy.

2.   Force Multipliers in the Gray Zone

2.1 Potential for Espionage and Surveillance:

• The integration of AI with high-speed satellite communication raises concerns about the misuse of data for espionage, especially in contested regions like the South China Sea (Kumar, 2024). Every nation will promote its national interests, and it is reasonable to expect the quality of espionage and declared surveillance to get better. All aspiring superpowers have a legitimate desire to enhance these Force Multipliers empowered by Laser Technology.

2.2   Control over Global Standards:

• By galloping faster than global competitors, China would seek to set, influence or dominate global technological standards in satellite communication and 6G, potentially marginalizing other nations (Wang & Zhang, 2023).

2.3   Opaque Dual-Use Technology:

• Authoritarian regimes like China are rarely transparent in their intent, capabilities and actions.
  • While China claims civilian applications for its technology, the dual-use nature of space assets makes it challenging to separate commercial objectives from military strategies (Singh & Patel, 2024).

   2.4 Lack of Transparent Collaboration:

• Western nations declare and propagate that they rely on open alliances, China’s approach often excludes international collaboration or has selective alliances, raising questions about its long-term intentions and willingness to cooperate in shared domains like space (Rao & Mehta, 2024). Such hegemony is an indicator of future geo-strategic equations dictated by technology dominance.

3.   Strategic Implications for India

3.1 Technological Competition: China’s leadership in satellite-to-ground laser communication underscores its growing influence in the global tech ecosystem. For India, this sets a new challenge and tech benchmark, necessitating investment in cutting-edge satellite and communication technologies, human capital and ecosystem transformation. (Kumar, 2024).

• National Security Concerns: Enhanced Chinese capabilities in satellite communication pose potential risks for India’s security landscape. Real-time data transmission can bolster both surveillance as well as combat potentially affecting regional stability (Singh & Patel, 2024). The only option India has is to move fast and devise strategies, action plans and focus to make up the capability lag.

• Commercial and Strategic Opportunities: India must draw lessons from China’s successes to strengthen its indigenous programs, such as the Gaganyaan mission and the development of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) as well as multi-orbit hybrid satellite constellations (ISRO, 2023) secured using Quantum Secure Technologies.

3.4   Diplomatic and Policy Implications:

• China’s advancements could influence international standards in satellite communication, requiring India to engage proactively in global forums to safeguard its interests.
  • Collaborative efforts through the Quad and other strategic alliances can help India bridge technological gaps (Rao & Mehta, 2024).

3.5   Global Standards Influence:

• China’s advancements in 6G and satellite communication would enable it to set global technological standards, potentially creating dependencies for other nations (Wang & Zhang, 2023). Such technological dependencies are leveraged for compliance in a geo-strategic stage setting, China is surely focused on securing a global position for itself by harnessing technology prowess.

4.   Strategic Pathways for India

4.1 Invest in Indigenous Technology Development:

• Strengthen partnerships between ISRO, DRDO, and private sector players to develop competitive satellite communication technologies. Collaboration between the public and private sectors unconditionally in the national interest would enable India to grow faster. Much remains to be done.

• Prioritize research in quantum communication, and laser-based satellite technologies, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative (ISRO, 2023). More focus is needed on emerging technologies by aligning with foreign achievers. Indian diaspora has to be encouraged to empower India in emerging technologies, always playing catch-up is not the solution.

4.2   Leverage Strategic Alliances:

• Collaborate with Quad nations and other allies to seek-share data, research knowledge, resources, and expertise in advanced communication technologies.
  • Engage with global tech leaders to co-develop systems that align with India’s strategic interests (Rao & Mehta, 2024).

4.3   Enhance National Security Measures:

• Establish robust cybersecurity frameworks to secure India’s satellite infrastructure.
  • Develop countermeasures to mitigate potential threats from adversaries’ enhanced surveillance capabilities (Kumar, 2024).

4.4   Expand Low-Cost Internet Initiatives:

• Partner with private entities to develop affordable satellite-based internet solutions to serve developing or underdeveloped rural areas, under-pressure urban areas and underserved areas anywhere in the country or the region. (ISRO, 2023).
  • Develop security arrangements using low-cost internet solutions to make civil society safe internally and keep the frontiers secure from external threats by serving the frontier population in or out of uniform. Whole of nation participation can best be achieved by ensuring affordable and reliable connectivity through technological solutions being available in remote areas. The current depopulation of frontier areas can be tackled with e-health, e-education, e-commerce, e-governance and low-cost unmanned autonomous systems being available to all. In a digitized world remaining digitally connected is the foremost aspiration of citizens.

4.5   Policy and Regulatory Frameworks:

• Formulate policies, and action plans with timelines and responsibilities that incentivize innovation and protect India’s strategic autonomy in the evolving tech landscape.
  • Actively participate in going beyond mere observer status and mindset in international standard-setting bodies to influence norms in space and communication technologies (Singh & Patel, 2024).

Conclusion

China’s breakthrough in satellite-to-ground laser communication marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of space and communication technologies. For India, this development underscores the immediate and inescapable urgency of accelerating its technological advancements through applications in daily life while addressing potential developmental and security challenges. By investing in indigenous capabilities, leveraging strategic alliances, and shaping global norms, India can not only mitigate risks but also emerge as a key player in the competitive landscape of space and deep-tech industries.

There is a need to constantly monitor and undertake a 360-degree impact analysis of rapid advancements in such disruptive technologies on our national security and economy and spread awareness by offering actionable insights and fostering collaborations to ensure India remains at the forefront of emerging technologies. Beyond this, strengthening India’s Comprehensive National Power (CNP) involves advancing technology and integrating it across economic, military, and diplomatic dimensions. By doing so, India can align its tech-driven growth with national priorities and contribute to a stable and secure global order. Think tanks can play an instrumental role in this process by providing actionable insights, fostering global collaborations, and guiding policies to strengthen India’s Comprehensive National Power (CNP).

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this article are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the authors or any affiliated organizations. The data and insights presented are derived from secondary sources and have been analyzed using AI tools for content creation. Readers are advised to independently verify the information before forming any conclusions or taking action.

Lt. Gen. VG Khandare (r) PVSM, AVSM, SM is the Principal Adviser to the Ministry of Defence, India & Editorial Board Member of IADB.

Wing Commander Satyam Kushwaha (r), a third-generation military officer and veteran fighter pilot, brings 27+ years of expertise in space, geospatial, military aviation, and national security. He is the Founding Director of the Indian Space Association (ISpA) and the founder of Scytale Alpha Pvt Ltd, specializing in quantum-secure communications.

Dr. Kriti Singh, Honorary Advisor at Chakra Dialogues Foundation, is a renowned academic, author, and researcher specializing in international relations, communication, defence studies, media-military relations, and law.