Space technologies and research in support of the concept of total defence of the Republic of Serbia

This paper examines the role of space technologies and research in enhancing the concept of total defence of the Republic of Serbia, starting from contemporary changes in the character of armed conflicts and the growing importance of the space battlefield. The initial assumption is that effective total defence can no longer be based solely on traditional land, air and maritime capabilities, but requires the integration of the space domain as a key source of informational and technological advantage. Through a theoretical analysis of the concepts of the space battlefield, astropolitics and space power, the paper considers the geographical and astrostrategic position of the Republic of Serbia, as well as its actual capabilities in relation to orbital systems and ground-based infrastructure. Particular attention is devoted to identifying existing scientific and technological potentials, institutional capacities and the possibilities for their integration into the defence system. The paper indicates that Serbia, although it does not possess launch capabilities, has significant potential in the development of microsatellites, ground stations and the application of dual-use space data. The applied research methods enable a systematic assessment of the potential of space technologies, their adaptation to the conditions of the Republic of Serbia and the formulation of application-oriented recommendations for improving security and scientific and technological development. The paper concludes that the systematic development of space technologies and their institutional integration can significantly contribute to strengthening the resilience and functionality of the concept of total defence of the Republic of Serbia.