Why in the News?

The Union government has ordered the fast-tracking of the launch of 52 dedicated surveillance satellites, enhancing round-the-clock monitoring of the coastline and land borders.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• New Military Satellites (Introduction, Need, About the Programme, Key Features, Strategic Significance, etc.)

India Accelerates Defence Surveillance with 52 New Military Satellites

• India is taking a significant leap in its space-based military capabilities with the fast-tracking of 52 surveillance satellites.
• Following the learnings from Operation Sindoor, which showcased the strategic value of satellite-based intelligence, the government has moved swiftly to enhance round-the-clock surveillance over its land borders and coastline.
• This decision marks a pivotal shift in India’s national security framework by integrating space technology more deeply into defence operations.

Operation Sindoor: A Trigger for Strategic Space Expansion

• The impetus for this initiative stems from Operation Sindoor, where satellite imagery played a vital role in enabling swift military responses.
• Satellite data provided Indian defence forces with real-time intelligence on the movement and trajectory of drones and missiles, helping avert substantial damage to military assets.
• It was during this operation that India reportedly faced satellite-assisted activities from adversaries, with claims that China extended space-based support to Pakistan.
• In this context, enhancing indigenous surveillance capacity has become a top priority for national security.

SBS-III Programme: India’s New Space Security Vision

• To execute this strategic expansion, the Cabinet Committee, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a $3.2 billion budget in October 2024 for the SBS-III programme.
• This programme is aimed at developing a new generation of military satellites over the next decade.
• Key features of the SBS-III programme include:

• 52 satellites to be launched in total.
• ISRO to design and launch the first 21 satellites.
• Private space sector companies will develop and launch the remaining 31 satellites.
• The Defence Space Agency (DSA) will be responsible for managing the satellite constellation’s operational command.

Enhanced Capabilities with Next-Gen Surveillance Tech

• The new surveillance satellites will feature next-generation radar imaging systems, capable of providing all-weather, day-and-night coverage.
• According to defence officials, these satellites are expected to drastically improve intelligence gathering, especially in remote or high-risk border zones.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play a significant role in the functionality of these satellites. AI integration will:

• Enable automated threat detection.
• Enhance data processing speed and accuracy.
• Provide predictive intelligence through machine learning algorithms.

• These advancements are expected to support India’s ability to monitor adversarial activities with greater precision and real-time responsiveness.

Strategic Coverage Areas: Focus on China, Pakistan, and the Indian Ocean

• The satellite network will prioritise three critical theatres:

• India-China border, particularly in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
• India-Pakistan border, including monitoring infiltration routes and missile deployments.
• Indian Ocean Region (IOR), to track naval movements and maritime threats.

• The deployment is aimed at reducing India’s dependence on foreign satellite intelligence and enabling self-reliance in space-based defence infrastructure.

ISRO and Private Sector Collaboration

• This initiative highlights India’s evolving approach to defence-sector partnerships, especially the growing role of private players in space technology.
• The government’s call for early deployment has been positively received by private aerospace companies, indicating a new chapter in public-private collaboration.
• By 2026, the first set of satellites is expected to be launched, establishing a secure, scalable surveillance grid capable of serving India's strategic needs for years to come.