Amidst the ongoing Malabar Exercise 2023, involving naval forces from India, Japan, Australia, and the US, a surprising player has entered the arena - Chinese satellites. These satellites are reportedly collecting valuable intelligence on the military drills, sparking concerns about privacy and security. In this article, we delve into this intriguing development and its implications.
The Evolution of Malabar Exercise
Malabar Exercise, which originated in 1992 as bilateral naval drills between India and the US, has grown to include Japan and Australia. This expansion is seen as a collective response to China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting concerns about regional stability and security.
China's Surveillance Activities
According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), China has strategically positioned low-orbit satellites (LEOs) over Australia to gather data on military training operations. These satellites are actively monitoring exercises like "Exercise Talisman Sabre" and "Exercise Malabar."
EOS Space Systems, an Australian defense company, tracked Chinese geostationary orbit satellites that closely monitored the Talisman Sabre war games in northern Australia. This sophisticated surveillance involves collecting optical data during these exercises.
The Extent of Surveillance
EOS Space Systems reveals that over 300 satellites are observing ground-based activities during military drills, with over 3,000 overflights occurring since the start of the Malabar exercise, particularly around Sydney Harbour.
China's Capabilities in Gathering Intelligence
China's utilization of LEO satellites provides low-latency advantages, allowing effortless monitoring of military activities. Although not a novel development, this approach highlights China's ambitious drive for dominance and raises questions about its intentions.
The Global Perspective
Major space powers like the US and Russia have employed satellite surveillance for strategic interests. However, China's deployment of LEO satellites to observe Quad nations' military exercises underscores its intent to expand dominance.
Future Intelligence from Space
Experts suggest that swarms of small satellites working in coordination will provide pervasive surveillance from Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Australia, in particular, must focus on space-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for future defense ventures.
Space as a Pivotal Domain
Space is increasingly becoming a pivotal domain for global war-fighting operations. China's substantial investments in this arena aim to position itself ahead of the US in the growing space race.
Conclusion
As Chinese satellites closely monitor the Malabar Exercise 2023, the world watches with interest and concern. This development underscores the evolving dynamics of global surveillance and the strategic importance of space in modern warfare. It also raises questions about China's intentions and its expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
