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BECA and ASAT feasibility (or not)

BECA agreement negotiations have been going on a couple of years so it's no surprise as to what the deal is. The Indian Armed Forces were the main opponents to the deal but both the government and armed forces found common ground and compromised over the main issue they have right now which is the Chinese knocking on their doorstep. Though their main target is China, no doubt they will not hesitate to perhaps use it against Pakistan or other threats that they perceive. Legend summed it up perfectly that we should look to try and leverage our own deals with the US, not follow this mentality of 'you are with us or without us' the same mentality which plagued the US war on terror specifically in Afghanistan.
If a hypothetical Large scale conflict (Not only in Kashmir area but the whole border) occurred between both India and Pakistan with India being the instigator in such scenario, not only would India jeopardize a friendly relationship with the US but also face possible sanctions from them. It would also make the US very nervous as to what India's true intentions are the region aside from containing China and upset the balance. So targeting US assets while also at war with an opponent like India is surely to be the nail to our coffin rather than a benefit to us.
Edit: Forgot to add government w

Lets be honest, America do not have audacity to launch any kinetic action against China, let alone its sidekick India. For all the practical purpose, this BECA agreement will be actually used against Pakistan in any future military conflict.

There has to be a complete understanding of the ground realities that China itself will never see a military action against it as the consequences for instigator nation/s are just too horrific to bear. Instead, the Chinese outreach and influence, both regional and global will be targeted. Hence you see a very strange pattern of instability appearing in central Asia. and ofcourse Pakistan and its CPEC sticking out as a sour thumb. Its the Chinese "periphery" (which includes Pakistan) have been/will bear the brunt of the hybrid and direct military wars and conflicts. Understand BECA under this pretext and understand how it will effect Pakistan national security.

If we understanding our own national security from "what if" scenario of India jeopardising its relationship with America and possible sanctions, how does it even qualify to be even considered when we have already been targeted and our soil is bombed by India using American space base eyes and ears? Do you really want to leave your national security to such flawed assumptions? Even if America sanction India or cut off its ties with India, how does it benefit Pakistan after it has been already on the receiving end? No sorry, national security policies are not made on such flimsy grounds.


America and India, both understand their non existence military options against China and let there be no doubt that their military agreement is all about targeting Pakistan. For American, to cut off Chinese access via CPEC, and India, well we know the reasons.

We need to make America aware, in no uncertain terms, that if America own state assets are used by India to target Pakistan , under this BECA agreement, then we are bound to respond militarily the way we see fit.
 
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As Chinese once said: Attack on Islamabad will be considered an attack on Beijing.
That statement might intimidate India but not USA.

“That capability needs to be one that’s understood by your adversary,” she told reporters at the Space Foundation’s Space Symposium here. “They need to know there are certain things we can do, at least at some broad level, and the final element of deterrence is uncertainty. How confident are they that they know everything we can do? Because there’s a risk calculation in the mind of an adversary.”

Details in: https://www.airforcemag.com/to-deter-enemies-us-may-eventually-flex-space-muscle/

Strike at American military assets and then be ready to deal with consequences.

Only the United States and, in the Cold War era, the Soviet Union have explored, tested, and developed space weapons; Russia placed a moratorium on its program in the 1980s. To be sure, a number of countries, including China, are capable of attacking U.S. satellites with nuclear weapons, but such an attack would be foolhardy, as it would almost certainly be met by a deadly U.S. response. Moreover, as many experts point out, space-based weapons cannot protect satellites because these weapons are nearly as vulnerable to attack as the satellites themselves.[10] No wonder that many countries, including China and Russia, have sought multilateral negotiations on the prevention of space weaponization.

Details in: https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2005-12/features/actionreaction-us-space-weaponization-china

Spaceborne assets are not expendable.

US Space Force is coming into shape lately - a new branch of American military forces. This force is not for the likes of Afghanistan but to deter near-peer adversaries such as Russia and China. They should not have funny ideas...

I am rather surprised to notice how a few members are so aloof to American security considerations - premature contentions TBH.

Attack their satellites and find out...
 
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That statement might intimidate India but not USA.

“That capability needs to be one that’s understood by your adversary,” she told reporters at the Space Foundation’s Space Symposium here. “They need to know there are certain things we can do, at least at some broad level, and the final element of deterrence is uncertainty. How confident are they that they know everything we can do? Because there’s a risk calculation in the mind of an adversary.”

Details in: https://www.airforcemag.com/to-deter-enemies-us-may-eventually-flex-space-muscle/

Strike at American military assets and then be ready to deal with consequences.

Only the United States and, in the Cold War era, the Soviet Union have explored, tested, and developed space weapons; Russia placed a moratorium on its program in the 1980s. To be sure, a number of countries, including China, are capable of attacking U.S. satellites with nuclear weapons, but such an attack would be foolhardy, as it would almost certainly be met by a deadly U.S. response. Moreover, as many experts point out, space-based weapons cannot protect satellites because these weapons are nearly as vulnerable to attack as the satellites themselves.[10] No wonder that many countries, including China and Russia, have sought multilateral negotiations on the prevention of space weaponization.

Details in: https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2005-12/features/actionreaction-us-space-weaponization-china

Spaceborne assets are not expendable.

US Space Force is coming into shape lately - a new branch of American military forces. This force is not for the likes of Afghanistan but to deter near-peer adversaries such as Russia and China. They should not have funny ideas...

I am rather surprised to notice how a few members are so aloof to American security considerations - premature contentions TBH.

Attack their satellites and find out...

China jammed high end American equipment recently in Pacific and it didn't lead to Americans launching an all out attack, did it? Iran shot down the top-end American drone and that didn't lead to USA attacking Iran. Russian jet literally disabled an American warship some years ago but where were the mighty jaw breaking response to Russia?

You always seem to quickly run off to full blown war conclusions where America attacks anyone with full force for anything.

If American systems are used by India to target Pakistan, Chinese systems will come in to play to counter/interrupt those American systems <--- this is not going to lead to USA firing off thousands of missiles into Pakistan or China for that matter!

The main reason why USA is supporting and selling weapons to India is that it can't afford to start a direct war with China or hasn't got the balls to attack Pakistan. It is the same strategy where Saddam was sponsored and supplied to attack Iran, when USA couldn't gather the courage to attack Iran itself despite an invasion of it's embassy!!!

And you are bragging about some massive retaliation after an unmanned US satellite(s) is shot down!
That statement might intimidate India but not USA.

Did USA dare ever again to repeat Salala?
 
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China jammed high end American equipment recently in Pacific and it didn't lead to Americans launching an all out attack, did it?
Chinese navy conducted some EW tests in one exercise in the South China Sea (SCS) in 2018 - why would this provoke USA?


Somebody on Weibo gave that account a new spin which was debunked: https://www.techarp.com/internet/us-navy-chinese-jamming/

USA conducted a massive military exercise of its own in 2020: https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-shows-off-its-firepower-to-beijing-in-south-china-sea-11593965632

China did not interfere in that.

Emphasis mine. Limited non-kinetic probing and prodding does not invite hostilities from any country.

Iran shot down the top-end American drone and that didn't lead to USA attacking Iran.
1. Iran's number two killed? CHECK
2. Iran subjected to punishing sanctions? CHECK
3. Iranian nuclear infrastructure coming under attack? CHECK

It is the common Iranian who is suffering.

Also - a different American administration will react differently to a particular act of aggression. Trump administration tolerated that attack - Bush administration would not have.

Russian jet literally disabled an American warship some years ago but where were the mighty jaw breaking response to Russia?
Russian Su-24 flew over an Arleigh Burke class destroyer in Baltic Sea simulating an attack profile but stood no chance at jamming it - do not be foolish.



That does not happen very often either.

Emphasis mine. Limited non-kinetic probing and prodding does not invite hostilities from any country.

You always seem to quickly run off to full blown war conclusions where America attacks anyone with full force for anything.

If American systems are used by India to target Pakistan, Chinese systems will come in to play to counter/interrupt those American systems <--- this is not going to lead to USA firing off thousands of missiles into Pakistan or China for that matter!

The main reason why USA is supporting and selling weapons to India is that it can't afford to start a direct war with China or hasn't got the balls to attack Pakistan. It is the same strategy where Saddam was sponsored and supplied to attack Iran, when USA couldn't gather the courage to attack Iran itself despite an invasion of it's embassy!!!

And you are bragging about some massive retaliation after an unmanned US satellite(s) is shot down!
You continue to display lack of understanding of these issues, and also putting words in my mouth.

My contention is simple - if a country chooses to attack an American military asset then chances are good that USA will retaliate (scale/intensity of retaliation will depend upon the level of provocation). Openly threatening/challenging a superpower is sure shot way of inviting trouble your way.

CASE STUDY # 1:


Emphasis mine. American military assets came under attack and they retaliated.

CASE STUDY # 2:


Emphasis mine. American military assets came under attack and they retaliated.

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Attacking military-purpose satellite(s) represents a serious level of provocation to Americans. They will not sit idle in this case given the role such satellites play in shaping American Command & Communication infrastructure.

If China subject American Command & Communication infrastructure to cyber attacks, what do you think will happen? USA will not do anything? Americans will respond with their own cyber attacks if not worse.

BECA is kind of - in your face - deal and message from USA in case you were wondering.

ASAT considerations have limitations anyways.

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Now that Indians are procuring American weapon systems, they will need access to American GPS to make the most of them.

Pakistan have access to both GPS and Beidou networks.

Did USA dare ever again to repeat Salala?
Salala was American provocation and not an act of self-defense on their part - invalid analogy again.
 
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گذشتہ ہفتے انڈیا اور امریکہ نے حال ہی میں ’بیسک ایکسچینج اینڈ کوآپریشن ایگریمنٹ‘ (بیکا) نامی ایک دفاعی معاہدے پر دستخط کیے ہیں جس کے تحت دونوں مملک کے درمیان سیٹلائیٹ اور نقشوں سے حاصل کیے گئے حساس ڈیٹا کا تبادلہ ممکن ہو سکے گا۔

اس معاہدے پر پاکستان اور چین نے تحفظات کا اظہار کیا ہے۔ پاکستان کے دفتر خارجہ کی جانب سے جاری ہونے والے ایک بیان میں کہا گیا ہے کہ امریکہ کی جانب سے انڈیا کو جدید ٹیکنالوجی اور انٹیلیجنس کی فراہمی خطے میں طاقت کے عدم توازن کا باعث بنے گی۔

’انڈین میزائلوں کو کئی گنا زیادہ تباہ کُن بنا دینے والا معاہدے‘

یہ حالیہ معاہدہ امریکہ اور انڈیا کے درمیان دفاعی تعاون کو بڑھانے کے لیے کیے گئے معاہدوں کا تیسرا اور آخری مرحلہ ہے جس کے تحت دونوں ممالک ایک دوسرے کے ساتھ ’جیو سپیشل‘ یعنی زمین کی فضا سے لی گئی اعلیٰ کوالٹی کی تصاویر، نقشے اور سمندری حدود سے متعلق ڈیٹا کا تبادلہ کر پائیں گے۔

اس سے قبل اگست 2016 میں دونوں ممالک نے ’لاجسٹک ایکسچینج میمورنڈم آف ایگریمنٹ‘ (ایل ای ایم او اے) پر دستخط کیے تھے جس کے تحت ایک ملک کی فوج کو دوسرے کی سہولیات، ہوائی اڈوں اور بندرگاہوں سے فراہمی اور دیگر خدمات کے لیے ایک دوسرے کے دفاعی ٹھکانوں کو استعمال کرنے کی اجازت ہو گی۔

اسی طرح سنہ 2018 میں دہلی میں’ٹو پلس ٹو مکالمے‘ کے دوران کمیونیکیشن اینڈ انفارمیشن سکیورٹی معاہدے پر دستخط کیے گئے تھے جس کے تحت انڈین اور امریکی فوجی کمانڈروں، اُن کے طیاروں اور دیگر ساز و سامان کے لیے خفیہ اور محفوظ مواصلاتی نیٹ ورکس پر معلومات کا تبادلہ کرنا آسان ہو گیا ہے۔

امریکی خفیہ جغرافیائی معلومات انڈیا کے دفاعی نظام کے لیے کتنی اہم ہیں؟

انڈین میڈیا اور دفاعی تجزیہ کاروں کی جانب سے اس معاہدے کو انڈیا کی ایک بڑی کامیابی قرار دیا جا رہا ہے۔ ’دی اکنامک ٹائمز‘ کی جانب سے اس معاہدے کو ’انڈین میزائلوں کو کئی گنا زیادہ تباہ کن بنا دینے والا‘ معاہدہ قرار دیا گیا۔

مبصرین کا کہنا ہے کہ اس معاہدے کے نتیجے میں حاصل ہونے والے حساس ڈیٹا کی مدد سے انڈیا اس قابل ہو جائے گا کہ وہ میزائلوں، ڈرونز اور دیگر اہداف کو درست اور بالکل ٹھیک ٹھیک انداز سے نشانہ بنے سکے۔

اس کے علاوہ امریکی ٹیکنالوجی کی فراہمی سے انڈیا کو خطے کے کسی بھی ملک کے طیاروں کی نقل و حرکت اور ان کی پرواز کے راستوں کے بارے میں بھی صحیح معلومات حاصل ہوں گی۔ اس معاہدے کے تحت امریکہ انڈیا کے ساتھ طیاروں اور ٹینکوں کے راستوں اور سرگرمیوں کا سراغ لگانے کی صحیح معلومات کا بھی تبادلہ کر سکے گا۔

کیا امریکہ انڈیا کو پاکستان کے حساس علاقوں کے نقشوں تک رسائی فراہم کر دے گا؟

یہ معاہدہ دس سال تک زیر بحث رہنے کے بعد ایک ایسے وقت میں طے پایا جب انڈیا اور امریکہ دونوں ہی ممالک کے چین کے ساتھ تعلقات شدید کشیدگی کا شکار ہیں۔

انڈیا اور چین کے درمیان سرحدی تنازع کے باعث فوجی کشیدگی جاری ہے اور رواں برس 15 جون کو دونوں ملکوں کے فوجیوں کے درمیان لداخ کے علاقے وادی گلوان میں ہونے والی دست بدست لڑائی میں انڈیا کی فوج کے ایک کرنل سمیت 20 فوجی ہلاک جبکہ 50 کے قریب شدید زخمی ہو گئے تھے۔

دوسری جانب امریکہ اور چین کے درمیان بھی تجارتی جنگ عروج پر ہے جسے بہت سے مبصرین دوسری سرد جنگ بھی قرار دے رہے ہیں۔

اس لیے یہ کہنا غلط نہ ہو گا کہ اس معاہدے کا بنیادی مقصد چین کے علاقے میں بڑھتے ہوئے اثرورسوخ کو روکنا ہے لیکن ایئر یونیورسٹی میں ایرو سپیس اینڈ سٹریٹجک سٹڈیز کے ڈین ڈاکٹر عادل سلطان کا کہنا ہے کہ انڈیا اس معاہدے کے نتیجے میں حاصل ہونے والی ٹیکنالوجی اور حساس معلومات کا استعمال صرف پاکستان ہی کے خلاف کرے گا کیونکہ وہ اس وقت چین کے ساتھ کشیدگی بڑھانے یا کسی بڑے فوجی معرکے کا ہرگز متحمل نہیں ہو سکتا۔

’اگر ہم انڈیا اور چین کے گذشتہ چند سرحدی تنازعوں کا جائزہ لیں تو ہمیں معلوم ہوتا ہے کہ انڈیا نے کبھی بھی جارحانہ حکمت عملی نہیں اپنائی یہاں تک کہ جب جون میں ہونے والی جھڑپوں کے دوران انڈیا نے اپنے کچھ علاقوں کا کنٹرول کھو دیا تب بھی اس نے ایسا کوئی فوجی اقدام نہیں اٹھایا گیا جس سے دونوں مملک کے درمیان کشیدگی مزید بڑھے۔ لیکن پاکستان کے ساتھ انڈیا کا حالیہ رویہ جارحانہ اور سرجیکل سٹرائکس جیسی دھمکیوں پر مبنی ہے اور یہ ڈیٹا مستقبل کی سرجیکل سٹرائیکس کو مزید مؤثر بنانے کے لیے استعمال ہو گا۔‘

ڈاکٹر عادل سلطان کا کہنا ہے کہ ایسا ممکن نہیں کہ امریکہ انڈیا ساتھ چین کے سرحدی علاقوں کے نقشے اور تصاویر کا تبادلہ کرے اور اس میں پاکستان سے متعلق معلومات نہ دے کیونکہ فضا یا سیٹیلائٹ سے لی گئی تصاویر میں تو سرحدی حدبندی واضح نہیں ہوتی، لہٰذا نہ چاہتے ہوئے بھی انڈیا کو پاکستان کے حساس علاقوں کے نقشوں کی تفصیلات حاصل ہو جائیں گی۔

لیکن واشنگٹن کے سینٹر فار گلوبل پالیسی میں اینالیٹیکل ڈیویلپمنٹ کے ڈائریکٹر کامران بخاری کا کہنا ہے کہ امریکہ انڈیا کے ساتھ پاکستان سے متعلق حساس معلومات کا تبادلہ کرنے کی حماقت نہیں کرے گا۔

’امریکہ اس وقت جنوبی ایشیا میں دو بڑے تنازعوں کا حصہ ہے۔ ایک چین کے ساتھ اور دوسرا افغانستان میں جہاں پاکستان اس کا اہم اتحادی ہے۔ امریکہ ہرگز نہیں چاہے گا کہ وہ پاکستان سے متعلق حساس معلومات انڈیا کو دے جو اس علاقے میں ایک نئے تنازع کا باعث بنے اور وہ بھی اس وقت میں جب افغانستان کے تنازع کے حل کے لیے امریکہ کو پاکستان کے تعاون کی ضرورت ہے۔‘

پاکستان کے پاس کیا آپشنز ہیں؟

ڈاکٹر عادل سلطان اور کامران بخاری دونوں ہی کے خیال میں پاکستان اور امریکہ کے تعلقات اس وقت اس سطح کے نہیں ہیں جہاں پاکستان امریکہ سے اس قسم کے کسی معاہدے کا مطالبہ کرے البتہ پاکستان امریکہ کو اپنے تحفظات سے آگاہ کر سکتا ہے۔

کامران بخاری کا کہنا ہے کہ ’اس وقت پاکستان کا جھکاؤ مکمل طور پر چین کی طرف ہے اور یہ ایک اہم موقع ہو سکتا ہے کہ پاکستان چین اور امریکہ کے ساتھ اپنے تعلقات میں توازن لائے۔‘

ان کا کہنا ہے کہ پاکستان سفارت کاری کے ذریعے امریکہ کو نہ صرف اپنے تحفظات سے آگاہ کر سکتا ہے بلکہ امریکہ کو انڈیا کے ساتھ اس سے متعلق حساس معلومات کا تبادلہ نہ کرنے پر آمادہ بھی کر سکتا ہے لیکن اس کے لیے پاکستان کو اپنا چین کی طرف جھکاؤ کم کرنا ہوگا۔

’امریکہ انڈیا کی چین کے مقابلے میں وسائل کی کمی سے باخوبی آگاہ ہے لہٰذا پاکستان کی چین کے طرف جھکاؤ میں کمی اسے کے لیے فائدہ مند ثابت ہو سکتی ہے۔‘
بیکا معاہدے کے خطے کی سلامتی پر اثرات

ڈاکٹر عادل سلطان کا ماننا ہے کہ اگر انڈیا کو پاکستان کے علاقوں، فوجی اور حساس تنصیبات سے متعلق معلومات تک رسائی حاصل ہو جاتی ہے تو اس کی پاکستان کے خلاف جارحانہ حکمت عملی میں مزید شدت آئے گی۔

’انڈیا ان معلومات کے حصول کے بعد اپنی سرجیکل سٹرائیکس کی کامیابی اور پاکستان میں اپنے اہداف کو نشانہ بنانے سے متعلق زیادہ پر اعتماد ہو جائے گا اور اس کی یہ خود اعتمادی مستقبل میں کسی فوجی کارروائی کی وجہ بن سکتی ہے۔‘

دوسری جانب تجزیہ کار کامران بخاری کا کہنا ہے کہ یہ معاہدہ پاکستان کا جھکاؤ چین کی طرف مزید بڑھائے گا اور ایک ایسے وقت میں جب انڈیا، چین سرحدی کشیدگی جاری ہے اور بحر ہند میں چین کا اثر و رسوخ انڈیا سے کہیں زیادہ ہے، یہ معاہدہ خطے میں مزید تناؤ کا باعث بنے گا۔
Source: https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan-54787742
 
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Some members are aloof to the basic understanding on what is being debated here.

Let me make it loud and clear, its not about Pakistan instigating the aggression against America.

Its about a very real scenario, where Pakistan might be subjected to aggression by India, using American space based assets, under the formal and now open military pact between these two countries.

From now on, it will be extreme lunacy, if we do not consider the American military assets based in space as a threat to Pakistan national security.
 
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If China subject American Command & Communication infrastructure to cyber attacks, what do you think will happen? USA will not do anything? Americans will respond with their own cyber attacks if not worse.

So?

Americans are giving Indians their systems to attack us, and China is likely to assist us or give us the technology to counter those systems. That is not going to result in USA attacking us. You keep missing the points my miles.

I guess you think that during war with India if any americans are present and killed on an Indian base attacked by us would be considered a declaration of war on USA?
 
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Btw Pakistan should look into asat or at least sat blinders like lazzer dazzling GPS jamming etc
We already have a prelude to match Indian asat capabilities
Btw Pakistan should look into asat or at least sat blinders like lazzer dazzling GPS jamming etc
We already have a prelude to match Indian asat capabilities
As a deterrent and Ew tactic
We made nukes doesn't mean we would fire em at first instance of Instigation

But they serve as deterrent

So make others think twice before escalation
So
Part of our escalation ladder

Same with asat sat blinders

Will make third party evaluate how much assistance they can give without triggering a strike back


And blinders jammers wouldn't actually destroy SATs but disrupt there effectiveness against us
 
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So?

Americans are giving Indians their systems to attack us, and China is likely to assist us or give us the technology to counter those systems. That is not going to result in USA attacking us. You keep missing the points my miles.

I guess you think that during war with India if any americans are present and killed on an Indian base attacked by us would be considered a declaration of war on USA?
Because I keep missing your points by miles - can you simplify them for me and help me get to the bottom of your view?

I have already mentioned that China offers Beidou navigation technology to Pakistan:




That was all over the news as well.

I absolutely understand that BECA is an alarming development for Pakistan - this was not the point of contention. One member (you know who) asserted that Pakistan should consider attacking American GPS satellites in case of hostilities with India due to BECA factor. Based on my readings and limited knowledge - I do not get the impression that WE can snipe at American GPS satellites with impunity and get away with this. This is not a realistic take of the issue. This might not be technically feasible either (see below). Do you know better?

I completely understand the appeal of ASAT capability in person, and Pakistan should pursue this capability as the means to intimidate India (strong PSYOPS factor). Having the option to snipe Indian satellites is tempting consideration in itself but following considerations are important nevertheless; (1) Indians can/will respond in kind; (2) sniping satellites can lead to debris which might threaten other satellites in orbit and upset many countries in the process including even China; and (3) ASAT capability will not provide deterrence to Pakistan (versus USA).

Technical considerations:

"GPS satellites fly in medium Earth orbit (MEO) at an altitude of approximately 20,200 km (12,550 miles). Each satellite circles the Earth twice a day."

LINK: https://www.gps.gov/systems/gps/space/

Sniping a GPS satellite would require a very capable ICBM duly configured/amended for ASAT engagement(s), and a very powerful radar system to guide it towards one. This is very challenging and costly enterprise. Easier said than done.

There are also rumors of spaceborne interceptors being positioned up there which are can be instructed to attacking other satellites and/or incoming missiles/rockets just in case. Therefore, potential ASAT engagement(s) can be challenged head on.

Talk is cheap.
 
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Because I keep missing your points by miles - can you simplify them for me and help me get to the bottom of your view?

I have already mentioned that China offers Beidou navigation technology to Pakistan:




That was all over the news as well.

I absolutely understand that BECA is an alarming development for Pakistan - this was not the point of contention. One member (you know who) asserted that Pakistan should consider attacking American GPS satellites in case of hostilities with India due to BECA factor. Based on my readings and limited knowledge - I do not get the impression that WE can snipe at American GPS satellites with impunity and get away with this. This is not a realistic take of the issue. This might not be technically feasible either (see below). Do you know better?

I completely understand the appeal of ASAT capability in person, and Pakistan should pursue this capability as the means to intimidate India (strong PSYOPS factor). Having the option to snipe Indian satellites is tempting consideration in itself but following considerations are important nevertheless; (1) Indians can/will respond in kind; (2) sniping satellites can lead to debris which might threaten other satellites in orbit and upset many countries in the process including even China; and (3) ASAT capability will not provide deterrence to Pakistan (versus USA).

Technical considerations:

"GPS satellites fly in medium Earth orbit (MEO) at an altitude of approximately 20,200 km (12,550 miles). Each satellite circles the Earth twice a day."

LINK: https://www.gps.gov/systems/gps/space/

Sniping a GPS satellite would require a very capable ICBM duly configured/amended for ASAT engagement(s), and a very powerful radar system to guide it towards one. This is very challenging and costly enterprise. Easier said than done.

There are also rumors of spaceborne interceptors being stationed in space just in case. Therefore, potential ASAT engagement(s) can be challenged head on.

Talk is cheap.

My point is use of EW by Pakistan or China against those US satellites assisting Indians during war. Why blow/snip them when data to & fro can be jammed, disrupted or corrupted? China has far more sats covering this region than USA and India combined.
 
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My point is use of EW by Pakistan or China against those US satellites assisting Indians during war. Why blow/snip them when data to & fro can be jammed, disrupted or corrupted? China has far more sats covering this region than USA and India combined.
See post # 7 then.
 
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My point is use of EW by Pakistan or China against those US satellites assisting Indians during war. Why blow/snip them when data to & fro can be jammed, disrupted or corrupted? China has far more sats covering this region than USA and India combined.

The US has more satellites in space then all the other nations in the world combined. Only a small fraction of these are in a geostationary orbit.
A few points to consider:

- US Military satellites aren't as vulnerable as you think, Capabilities are classified but shooting a US military satellite down isn't as easy as you think it is...
- The US is prepared for the potential destruction of its military satellites and is able to replace a downed satellite in hours, look up the OSP-4 program
- EW against satellites is area restricted, you can protect key installations but not all assets and pretty much useless against modern US munitions.
- The US military isn't reliant on GPS the US is several decades ahead of everyone else in INS sophistication, in terms of size, power and accuracy,
- GPS III with M-Code is here ...its the next gen of jam resistant military satellites.
- Satellites are the least of your worries
 
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Some members keep on ignoring the fact that India has already taken steps on acquiring ASAT capability. Question to these members, who is the target of such capability by India? Pakistan do not have any worthwhile space base military assets. Of course Indians got Chinese satellites in mind. If it is acceptable and kosher for third world India to purse such capability against a super power, I am not sure why some members are so jittery if Pakistan tread the same path. Infact, Pakistan got more excuses to explore the possibilities because of Indian own so called "indigenous" satellites, and can easily fire its guns using India as a pretext.
 
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See post # 7 then.
The US has more satellites in space then all the other nations in the world combined. Only a small fraction of these are in a geostationary orbit.
A few points to consider:

- US Military satellites aren't as vulnerable as you think, Capabilities are classified but shooting a US military satellite down isn't as easy as you think it is...
- The US is prepared for the potential destruction of its military satellites and is able to replace a downed satellite in hours, look up the OSP-4 program
- EW against satellites is area restricted, you can protect key installations but not all assets and pretty much useless against modern US munitions.
- The US military isn't reliant on GPS the US is several decades ahead of everyone else in INS sophistication, in terms of size, power and accuracy,
- GPS III with M-Code is here ...its the next gen of jam resistant military satellites.
- Satellites are the least of your worries

We won't know until there is a conflict whether Chinese can jam/disrupt US satellites. Right now everyone is pulling assumptions out of wherever about US sats being decades ahead and whatnot.
 
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