How Do You Win a War in Space? Meet Ram Riojas, the Ex-Nuclear Commander Who Led 150 Combat Missions & Now Advises Nations on Space Defense

The next war won’t start on Earth—it will start in space, where satellites power everything from banking to missile defense. In the opening seconds of a modern conflict, these satellites will be the first targets. Whoever controls space will control the battlefield.

Most Americans don’t realize that in under 60 seconds, their banking systems, cell phones, and power grid could be crippled. Ram Riojas does—because he’s spent decades preparing for it. Over 26 years in the U.S. Air Force, NATO, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense, he has executed eight combat deployments, 150+ missions, and helped shape military space strategy at the highest levels.

Now, as CEO of Delta Defense Group, he trains military leaders, shapes defense policies, and helps nations prepare for the conflicts ahead. His clients include NATO allies and Asian powers, all racing to master a domain where civilian technology and military power are inseparably linked.

While billionaires chase dreams of Mars colonies, Riojas is preparing for a far grimmer reality: a future where wars are won and lost in orbit. His warning is clear—the world isn’t ready for what’s coming.

With your background as an ICBM Missile Combat Crew Commander and a leader in space launch operations, how do you see nuclear deterrence and space capabilities overlapping as space becomes more militarized?

"These domains, nuclear and space, are far more interconnected today than ever before," Riojas explains. "When our nuclear arsenal was first designed in the 1950s and fielded in the 1960s, we had few space capabilities. Systems were purposely designed independently to prevent hacking into command and control systems or interference from any attack."

That separation has evolved dramatically. "As we advanced our space capabilities, the nuclear enterprise began leveraging satellite communications to transmit Emergency Action messages for nuclear command and control, while maintaining their traditional ground-based methods. This created multiple, redundant pathways for critical communications across the entire nuclear triad—Air Force bombers, land-based Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), and Navy nuclear submarines."

The integration reached a significant turning point in the early 1990s. "The Air Force actually merged the career fields—that's how I gained expertise in both areas. Though they later separated them again, I believe they'll eventually reconverge due to the pros and cons of each approach. Today's nuclear operations rely heavily on Global Positioning System (GPS), satellite communications, and space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities for early warning and threat detection."

This integration has fundamentally strengthened America's strategic position. "It has enhanced our deterrence significantly by reducing communication timelines and providing National Command authorities with far more comprehensive intelligence for decision-making."

From your time as Chief of Strategy & Combat Plans Division and other roles, what major changes have you seen in how space assets are used in multi-domain operations?

"Multi-domain operations represent perhaps the most significant shift in the last decade," Riojas notes. "The Air Force has even created a dedicated career field for Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), formalizing practices that were once handled informally."

His experience spans three major operations centers: "I've served in the Air Operations Center in Qatar, focusing on air-space integration for Middle East operations during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars; on the Korean peninsula; and at the Combined Space Operations Center in California. This last facility merges all space units worldwide with Air Force operation centers, creating seamless coordination across all domains—air, space, cyber, land, and maritime."

Two key factors enabled this transformation:

"First, technological advances in satellite communications now allow us to transmit enormous amounts of secure and unsecure data, supporting daily video conferences with forces worldwide. 

Second, and perhaps more importantly, was the restructuring of our units. Operations centers now include personnel from every service branch—Space Force, Air Force, Navy, Army, Marine Corps—plus allied nations. We've expanded beyond traditional NATO partners like the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain to include strategic partners like South Korea, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand."

This integration was further solidified by the creation of the Space Force and reestablishment of U.S. Space Command. "That really elevated space operations to the same level as other combat commands," Riojas explains. "Making capabilities public rather than keeping them highly classified has been crucial—it allows better integration with other forces and helps secure necessary budget authority."

With your experience in US Strategic Command and missile defense, how do you evaluate the current global balance of space-based early warning systems, and what future developments should we watch?

"The United States maintains clear leadership in space-based early warning technology," Riojas states. "Some of our early Defense Support Program (DSP) satellites from the 1970s and 80s were still operational when I left service three years ago. These assets in geostationary orbit, approximately 22,000 miles up, provide continuous surveillance for strategic missile warning and enable attribution of any potential attacks."

The technology has evolved substantially. "The Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) represents a quantum leap in capability—far more sensitive and versatile than its predecessors. This enhanced sensitivity allowed us to expand from strategic missile warning to tactical theater missile defense, supporting forward-deployed troops. I integrated these capabilities at our main operations center in Qatar during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, working in conjunction with ground-based radar systems that have also been continuously modernized."

However, new threats have emerged. "The proliferation of anti-satellite capabilities, particularly from China and Russia, has created new vulnerabilities. Geostationary satellites make relatively easy targets—they maintain fixed positions and can only maneuver slightly without compromising their primary mission. If you maneuver them too much to avoid a threat, they can't perform their primary surveillance role."

This challenge has sparked innovation. "The Missile Defense Agency and Space Development Agency are now pursuing a strategy of proliferation into different orbital regimes. Medium Earth orbit, where GPS satellites operate, offers better survivability. While low Earth orbit requires more satellites due to limited coverage windows—only several minutes at a time—a constellation of thousands of less capable sensors could provide greater resilience than a few exquisite ones."

The commercial sector is also contributing solutions. "Companies are now providing incredible capabilities with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and other technologies. They could easily add additional sensors to their existing platforms—while individual sensors might not match SBIRS or DSP capabilities, having a thousand of them creates superior capability and resilience. No single attack can blind our early warning capabilities."

Based on your work in intelligence operations and space launch, how is the growth of commercial space affecting traditional national technical means and space-based intelligence gathering?

“The impact is revolutionary," Riojas emphasizes. "Commercial Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities have advanced dramatically in just the last three to five years. European and American companies now operate sophisticated SAR satellite constellations—technology that was once among the most closely guarded military capabilities. This proved particularly advantageous because adversaries would often conduct operations at night, not realizing we could observe them through cloud cover and darkness."

The commercial space sector has evolved beyond traditional satellite communications. "While SATCOM services have been available commercially for years, SpaceX's Starlink constellation, with over 6,000 satellites, has completely transformed the landscape. The government's response was surprising—rather than resisting this commercialization with concerns about protecting their 'rice bowl,' they've embraced it, recognizing these services as valuable augmentation to military capabilities."

This shift has particularly benefited tactical operations. "Previously, National Technical Means (NTM) prioritized strategic targets—large troop movements, missile launches, and major military activities. Tactical units tracking smaller targets, like insurgents entering safe houses, often couldn't get immediate space-based support. Even special operations units in sensitive areas sometimes preferred not to rely on broader Department of Defense systems. Commercial capabilities have filled this gap, allowing agencies to procure services directly."

The implications extend beyond military applications. "Today, space technology underpins daily civilian life—from smartwatches and mobile phones to gas station transactions, banking, stock trading, and health records. Everything depends on precise GPS timing for synchronization. This represents a complete reversal from decades ago, when 80% of space capabilities served government customers. Now, the private sector drives 80% of the space economy."

Given your experience as a Senior Military Advisor internationally and now at Delta Defense Group, what capabilities or gaps do you think emerging nations are focusing on as they develop their space programs?

"Secure command and control, multi-domain integration, and interoperability across systems remain paramount," Riojas explains, drawing on his extensive international advisory experience. "Since 2004, I've worked with senior officials in South Korea, Afghanistan, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, Colombia, and Chile, and since 2022 with leaders from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Peru, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. I've consistently advised all nations that sharing space domain awareness and intelligence information serves their collective interests against common challenges."

His advisory work spans the United States, Middle-East, Europe, South America, and Indo-Pacific region. "I advise partner nations in support of U.S. government contracts, expanding recommendations to include Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Germany, France, Finland, Albania, and Montenegro. The focus is on developing integrated capabilities rather than isolated national programs."

Modern military systems present their own challenges. "Nations investing in advanced platforms like F-16s, F-35s, modern naval vessels, and armored vehicles quickly realize these systems require sophisticated space-based support. You almost need internet service wherever these platforms are stationed just to handle updates and maintenance. Without proper integration of space capabilities, even the most advanced military equipment becomes relegated to parades and air shows rather than effective combat systems."

The expansion of drone warfare has added complexity. "These systems pose a significant challenge because while they may be less sophisticated than traditional threats, they can still cause substantial damage if not intercepted. Our existing defense systems weren't inherently designed for such slow-moving threats, making it difficult to distinguish them from birds or other benign objects. It's a delicate balance between effective detection and avoiding false alarms."

Key Takeaways From This Interview:

1. The Future of Warfare Has Changed

• Space is now the first battleground in modern conflict
• Critical infrastructure vulnerability window: under 60 seconds
• Traditional military superiority doesn't guarantee space dominance
• First target in modern warfare: satellites, not military assets

2. Space Infrastructure Integration

• Nuclear deterrence now heavily relies on space capabilities
• Modern military platforms (F-35s, naval vessels) require constant space connectivity
• 80% of space capabilities now driven by commercial sector
• GPS timing critical for civilian infrastructure (banking, power, communications)

3. Emerging Strategic Shifts

• Moving from few expensive satellites to many distributed systems
• Commercial capabilities filling tactical operation gaps
• Multi-domain operations becoming standard military doctrine
• Traditional military boundaries blurring with space integration

4. Key Vulnerabilities & Challenges

• Geostationary satellites: high-value, difficult-to-defend targets
• Drone warfare complicating traditional defense systems
• Cyber threats to space-based assets increasing
• Need for continuous technological adaptation

5. International Dynamics

• Emerging nations rapidly developing space capabilities
• NATO allies and Asian powers racing to establish space presence
• International collaboration becoming crucial for effective defense
• Space capabilities essential for modern military credibility

Author’s Commentary: 

Riojas' insights suggest we're at a critical inflection point in military strategy. The integration of space capabilities has created both unprecedented advantages and vulnerabilities. His emphasis on commercial sector involvement and distributed systems indicates a shift away from traditional military-dominated space operations. Most concerning is the speed at which critical infrastructure could be compromised, suggesting current defense strategies may be inadequate for future conflicts. The interview highlights an urgent need for nations to adapt their military doctrine to this new reality where space superiority directly impacts terrestrial capabilities.

About Ram Riojas

Ram Riojas is a globally acclaimed CEO, Aerospace and Intelligence Executive, Defense Consultant, Senior Military Advisor, and decorated combat veteran with 29 years of proven service across the defense spectrum. As the CEO and President of Delta Defense Group, LLC, he brings deep operational expertise in Air, Space, Missile, Nuclear, and Cyber Operations—coupled with hands-on experience in Intelligence, Special Operations, Defense Budgeting & Procurement, Foreign Affairs, and International Security Cooperation. His career is a testament to mission-focused leadership and real-world impact.

During his 26 years on active duty, Ram served with the U.S. Air Force, NATO, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, various Combatant Commands, and the National Reconnaissance Office. Retiring as a Colonel in 2022, he earned respect and credibility through assignments in the U.S., Middle East, Asia, and Europe—completing eight combat deployments and over 150 combat missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Horn of Africa. His extensive field experience and commitment to excellence resonate with military professionals who value discipline, precision, and accountability.

Renowned for his ability to execute multi-billion-dollar budgets and lead cross-functional, multi-domain, and multinational teams of more than 500 personnel, Ram transitioned seamlessly from government service to a global defense leadership role. His achievements were recently recognized with an induction into the 2024 Who’s Who in America by Marquis Publications. Today, he is a trusted advisor to the U.S. Government and its most critical allied partners—including key Ministries of Defense—providing pragmatic counsel on national security, military modernization, and transformative defense initiatives.

About Delta Defense Group, LLC

Delta Defense Group, LLC stands at the forefront of defense consulting and military advising. Our global team delivers trusted, professional services across the defense, air & space, intelligence, cyber, nuclear, munitions, and drone sectors. With decades of combined military (DoD & NATO), intelligence community, and private sector experience, we support foreign Ministries of Defense & Interior, U.S. DoD & DoS, intelligence agencies, and commercial enterprises. Our battle-tested, in-theater expertise ensures that we meet your tactical, operational, and strategic needs with proven effectiveness.

For more information, contact Ram at ram.riojas@deltadefensegroup.com