India is moving swiftly to enhance its space-based surveillance capabilities with the launch of 52 defence satellites, a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering border security with China and Pakistan and extending monitoring across the Indian Ocean Region. The Rs 26,968 crore project seeks to provide real-time tracking of threats, supporting the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in monitoring enemy movements deep within adversary territories, thereby addressing gaps highlighted during Operation Sindoor.
Strategic expansion of surveillance capabilities
Under Phase 3 of the Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) initiative, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch 21 satellites, while three private sector firms will develop and deploy the remaining 31 satellites, reflecting a significant move towards private industry participation in India’s defence space sector. The first satellite in this constellation is expected to launch in April 2026, with full deployment planned by the end of 2029, enabling India to achieve faster revisit times and high-resolution imagery to monitor threats effectively.
Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, emphasised the importance of early threat detection, stating, “We must detect, identify and track potential threats not when they approach our borders, but when they are still in their staging areas, airfields and bases, deep within an adversary’s territory.” This approach will allow the armed forces to plan proactive defence measures rather than respond reactively when threats reach India’s borders.
Focus on technological integration and deterrence
The satellite network will cover both low Earth and geostationary orbits, supporting round-the-clock monitoring of critical regions. It will serve as a counter to China’s advancing anti-satellite capabilities, including electronic warfare systems and kinetic weapons, while strengthening India’s deterrence posture in the region.
India’s recent Operation Sindoor showcased the effectiveness of indigenous and commercial satellite-based tracking for military operations, underscoring the need for a robust surveillance network to aid precision in targeting and operational planning. In line with this, ISRO is preparing to transfer its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology to private firms to enable rapid satellite launches during emergencies, providing flexibility and speed in deployment as required.
The Integrated Defence Staff is overseeing this high-priority project, reflecting a coordinated effort to secure India’s territorial integrity and maritime interests amidst evolving regional security dynamics. With an emphasis on high-resolution satellite imagery and real-time data, the initiative will strengthen India’s defence preparedness while setting a precedent for public-private collaboration in critical strategic areas.
