52 Defence Surveillance Satellites

52 Defence Surveillance Satellites

Operation Sindoor exposed the need for precision, round-the-clock surveillance of India’s land borders and coastline, especially to monitor enemy activities like drone and missile movements. It was reported that China supported Pakistan with satellite intelligence during this operation, underscoring the strategic importance of India having an independent and superior space-based surveillance capability.

Space-Based Surveillance-III (SBS-III) Programme

• In October 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Security, led by PM Narendra Modi, approved $3.2 billion (₹26,968 crore) for the next-generation surveillance satellite constellation.

• Satellite Manufacturing & Launch:

• ISRO to build and launch 21 satellites.

Private Indian companies to build and launch 31 satellites, indicating growing private sector participation in strategic space infrastructure.

Technology:

• These satellites will feature next-generation radar imaging, enabling all-weather, day-and-night surveillance.Incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for smarter, autonomous decision-making and enhanced efficiency in surveillance tasks.

ISRO will transfer Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology to private players This will facilitate rapid satellite launches in emergencies, enhancing responsiveness

Oversight:

• Defence Space Agency (DSA) will oversee operations and coordination among ISRO, private players, and armed forces.

Coverage & Capability:

• Will cover larger areas of China and Pakistan plus the Indian Ocean Region

Provides shorter revisit times — meaning satellites will surveil the same area more frequently

Offers higher resolution imaging for detailed intelligence

Operational Benefits:

• Enables Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to monitor adversary movements deep inside hostile territory — including airfields, military bases, and staging areas

AI-enabled satellites that can communicate and collaborate to gather more effective GeoIntelligence

Timeline:

The first satellite is expected to be launched by April 2026, with the full constellation targeted for completion by the end of 2029.

Strategic Impact:

• • Once fully operational, SBS-III will reduce India’s dependence on foreign intelligence satellites.

It will focus more precisely on China and Pakistan borders, and cover the Indian Ocean Region extensively.

Existing satellites like Cartosat and RISAT have already played vital roles in providing real-time intelligence during Operation Sindoor, helping prevent significant military losses.

Military Space Doctrine:

• A comprehensive doctrine is being finalized and is expected within three months, to provide a strategic framework for India’s military space operations, ensuring better coordination and protection of space assets.