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India is significantly bolstering its defense capabilities with the planned launch of 52 military satellites by the end of 2029. This ambitious initiative, driven by the imperative to enhance surveillance and security, particularly along its borders with China and Pakistan and within the strategic Indian Ocean Region, represents a major leap forward in India's space-based defense infrastructure. The decision to fast-track this program, with the first launch scheduled for April 2026, underscores the urgency and strategic importance that India places on augmenting its surveillance capabilities in the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics. Operation Sindoor, which demonstrated the critical role of satellites in modern warfare by leveraging both domestic and foreign satellites to track Pakistani military movements, served as a pivotal catalyst for accelerating the satellite launch program. This operation underscored the need for India to have its own robust and advanced space-based surveillance system to ensure real-time monitoring and early warning capabilities. The program's acceleration is also perceived as a direct response to China's rapidly expanding space capabilities, which include a vast network of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) satellites. China's extensive satellite infrastructure presents a potential challenge to India's security interests, necessitating a proactive approach to strengthen its own space-based defense capabilities. The 52 satellites will be launched as part of Phase 3 of the Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) program, which was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security in October of the previous year, highlighting the high-level commitment to the project. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will be responsible for launching 21 of the satellites, while three private firms will develop and deploy the remaining 31. This collaboration between the public and private sectors signifies a strategic shift towards leveraging private sector expertise and innovation to enhance India's space capabilities. The Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) program, initiated in 2001, has evolved through three distinct phases, each building upon the previous one to enhance India's surveillance capabilities. Phase 1, launched in 2001, involved the deployment of four satellites from the Cartosat and Risat series to monitor enemy movements at the border and critical military facilities. Phase 2, initiated in 2013, saw the launch of six surveillance satellites, including Cartosat-2C, 2D, 3A, 3B, Microsat 1, and Risat 2A, further enhancing India's surveillance capabilities. The current Phase 3 focuses on developing new-generation satellites with advanced capabilities and enhanced surveillance coverage. A notable aspect of SBS-3 is the international collaboration, particularly with France, following the signing of a letter of intent on “defense space cooperation.” This partnership aims at co-developing some of the surveillance satellites, enhancing technological capabilities, and sharing expertise. This collaboration underscores India's commitment to leveraging international partnerships to strengthen its space-based defense capabilities.
The deployment of these 52 satellites is expected to significantly enhance India's real-time monitoring capabilities. Military satellites are equipped with advanced cameras and sensors that can capture detailed images from hundreds of kilometers away. These sensors can penetrate cloud cover and zoom in on small details, making them ideal for surveillance purposes. As space expert Girish Langrana emphasized, military satellites can quickly detect suspicious activity, providing the military with early warnings and ample time to plan and respond effectively. This capability is particularly crucial for India, given the ongoing tensions with China and Pakistan. Operation Sindoor highlighted the pivotal role of defense satellites in providing continuous surveillance across diverse terrains, borders, and hostile airspace, granting India a distinct advantage in military operations. The new satellites being launched under SBS-3 will address the limitations of earlier systems by providing better imagery at a faster rate. This enhanced imagery and real-time data will significantly improve battlefield intelligence and enable secure inter-service communication, empowering operational commanders to execute their missions more effectively. The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into the new satellites will further enhance their effectiveness. AI will enable the satellites to interact with each other, optimizing their surveillance capabilities and improving data analysis and dissemination. This technological advancement will significantly improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of India's space-based surveillance system. The project comes with a cost of Rs 26,986 crore, highlighting the significant investment India is making in its space-based defense capabilities. The compression of timelines to launch the satellites faster into low earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit demonstrates the urgency and commitment to quickly enhance India's surveillance capabilities. The private companies involved in the project have been instructed to accelerate the building of the satellites, reflecting the emphasis on timely deployment. The aim of SBS-3 is to cover larger areas of China and Pakistan, as well as the Indian Ocean Region, with shorter revisit times and much better resolution. This enhanced coverage and resolution will provide India with a more comprehensive and detailed understanding of the security landscape in these critical regions. The faster India gets the 52-satellite constellation up in space the better, highlighting the strategic importance of timely deployment to enhance India's overall security posture.
Expanding India's space-based defense capabilities is also crucial in light of the increasing space capabilities of China and Pakistan. China has significantly expanded its satellite infrastructure, from 36 satellites in 2010 to 1,000 in 2024, including 360 satellites dedicated to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. These satellites are used for tracking aircraft, monitoring naval activity, gathering intelligence, and experimenting with potential anti-satellite weapons. China's extensive space capabilities pose a potential threat to India's security interests, necessitating a proactive approach to strengthen its own space-based defense infrastructure. Pakistan is also ramping up its space-based capabilities, albeit with the assistance of China. Its PRSS-1 (Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite), launched in 2018, is capable of tracking land, water, and infrastructure changes. While Pakistan's space capabilities are currently less advanced than those of China, they are steadily growing, and India needs to be prepared to counter any potential threats. In conclusion, India's decision to launch 52 military satellites by 2029 represents a strategic imperative to enhance its surveillance capabilities and safeguard its national security. This ambitious initiative, driven by the lessons learned from Operation Sindoor and the increasing space capabilities of China and Pakistan, underscores India's commitment to strengthening its space-based defense infrastructure. The deployment of these satellites will significantly improve India's real-time monitoring capabilities, enhance battlefield intelligence, and empower operational commanders to execute their missions more effectively. The collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as the international cooperation with France, highlights India's strategic approach to leveraging expertise and resources to achieve its space-based defense objectives. By investing in its space-based surveillance capabilities, India is taking a proactive step to ensure its security and maintain its strategic advantage in the region.
The development of such space-based military assets is also significant from a broader geopolitical perspective. It signals India's growing ambition as a regional power and its determination to safeguard its interests in an increasingly complex and competitive global environment. Space, once the exclusive domain of a few major powers, is now becoming more accessible and contested. The proliferation of satellites, both for commercial and military purposes, is transforming the dynamics of international security and creating new challenges for states. India's investment in military satellites is not merely a response to specific threats or challenges; it is also a reflection of its long-term vision for its role in the world. As a major economic and military power, India recognizes the importance of having its own independent and reliable space-based capabilities to support its strategic objectives. These capabilities include not only surveillance and reconnaissance but also communication, navigation, and early warning systems. The development of these capabilities requires significant investments in research and development, infrastructure, and human resources. India has made significant progress in these areas in recent years, but it still faces challenges in terms of technological innovation, industrial capacity, and international cooperation. The successful deployment and operation of the 52 military satellites will depend on India's ability to address these challenges and to sustain its commitment to space-based defense capabilities over the long term. The program will require continuous monitoring and assessment to ensure that it remains aligned with India's strategic objectives and that it is effectively addressing the evolving threats and challenges in the region. Furthermore, India will need to engage in proactive diplomacy to manage the potential implications of its space-based military capabilities for regional stability and international security. This will require transparency, communication, and cooperation with other states, particularly those that share India's commitment to peaceful uses of outer space. The development of India's space-based defense capabilities is a complex and multifaceted undertaking that requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach. It is not merely a technical or military matter but also a political, economic, and diplomatic one. The success of this endeavor will depend on India's ability to integrate its space-based defense capabilities into its broader national security strategy and to work effectively with its partners and allies to promote regional stability and international security.
Source: Eyes in the skies: Why India is looking to accelerate launch of military satellites