In a major boost to national security, the Indian government has approved the accelerated launch of 52 military-grade surveillance satellites,
aimed at enhancing real-time monitoring of the country’s land and maritime borders.
🚀 India Accelerates Space-Based Defence Surveillance
- India is moving swiftly to strengthen its space-based military intelligence infrastructure. The new satellite programme is a response to evolving
geopolitical threats and recent lessons from the field. - Operation Sindoor, a recent covert mission, proved the critical value of satellite intelligence in thwarting hostile drone and missile strikes.
Real-time satellite data enabled the Indian military to neutralize threats with speed and precision.
✳️ Trigger Point: China’s Alleged Space Assistance to Pakistan
Intelligence reports during Operation Sindoor suggested China provided space-based support to Pakistan, accelerating India’s push for
independent and indigenous space surveillance.
🛰️ SBS-III Programme: India’s Strategic Satellite Grid
In October 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Security, led by PM Modi, approved a $3.2 billion investment for the SBS-III (Space-Based
Surveillance–III) programme.
🔑 Key Features
- 52 satellites to be launched by 2032
- ISRO will develop and launch the first 21 satellites
- Private sector to design and deploy the remaining 31 satellites
- Defence Space Agency (DSA) to handle operational command and coordination
🧠 Next-Gen Capabilities with AI & Radar Tech
The satellites under SBS-III will deploy cutting-edge technologies, including:
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for all-weather, day-night imaging
- AI-powered threat detection to:
- Identify hostile movements autonomously
- Deliver real-time alerts
- Enable predictive intelligence using machine learning
High-resolution imaging for remote and high-risk zones
These features will reduce reaction time, boost situational awareness,
and support quick decision-making by defence forces.
🌐 Strategic Focus Areas
The satellite network will focus surveillance over three key zones:
- India-China Border
- Especially Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh
- Monitor troop movements and infrastructure buildup
- India-Pakistan Border
- Track infiltration corridors and missile deployments
- Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
- Monitor naval activity
- Detect foreign submarine and drone incursions
Safeguard maritime trade routes
🏗️ Public-Private Partnership: A New Era in Defence Space Tech
The SBS-III programme represents India’s most ambitious space-defence collaboration to date, involving both:
- ISRO (for design and technical standards)
- Private space startups and firms (for manufacturing and rapid deployment)
Private aerospace companies have welcomed the government’s early deployment targets. The first satellite launches are expected by 2026,
forming the backbone of India’s independent surveillance grid.
✅ Conclusion: India’s Leap Toward Space-Security Sovereignty
With the SBS-III programme, India is:
- Reducing reliance on foreign satellite intelligence
- Strengthening self-reliance in high-stakes defence tech
- Modernizing its military with AI and satellite-based command systems
This is a strategic leap in India’s defence preparedness, integrating space technology into core national security operations for years to come.