Revolutionizing Defence: India's Space-Based Surveillance Initiative

Introduction

India is significantly enhancing its space-based surveillance capabilities following Operation Sindoor, a military operation that revealed critical gaps in real-time monitoring along the nation's borders. To tackle these challenges, the Union Government has approved a fast-track initiative to launch 52 dedicated surveillance satellites under the SBS-III (Space-Based Surveillance-III) programme. This ambitious undertaking aims to bolster round-the-clock surveillance of India's land and maritime borders.

Operation Sindoor: What Was It?

• Purpose of Operation Sindoor: This military operation underscored the urgent need for improved and real-time satellite surveillance. It highlighted the strategic advantage of having uninterrupted satellite-based intelligence to monitor enemy movements, missiles, and drones.
• Role of Satellite Data: Satellite inputs were crucial during the operation, helping to confirm strike impacts, track enemy mobilization, and maintain situational awareness. This capability played a significant role in preventing larger damage to Indian defence assets and improving precision during response operations.

Satellite Launch Plan Under SBS-III

• Number of Satellites: A total of 52 dedicated surveillance satellites are slated for launch.
• Manufacturers: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will build and launch the first 21 satellites, while private Indian space companies will handle the manufacture and launch of the remaining 31 satellites.
• Operational Timeline: The first set of satellites is expected to be operational by 2026, with subsequent launches planned gradually over the next decade.
• Role of the Defence Space Agency (DSA): The DSA will be responsible for operating the new satellites and integrating their surveillance data for use by various defence and security agencies.

Strategic and Technological Features

• New Technology: These satellites will incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance decision-making, precision targeting, and overall performance in space-based operations.
• Existing Surveillance Satellites: Some of the current satellites aiding in surveillance include:
  • Cartosat: Optical imaging for high-resolution land observation.
  • RISAT: Radar Imaging Satellite, effective for all-weather, day-night monitoring.

Benefits for National Security

• Enhancements from SBS-III: This programme will enable 24/7 real-time border monitoring, strengthen maritime awareness in the Indian Ocean Region, enhance India's capability to track enemy drones and missiles, and reduce dependence on foreign surveillance systems.
• Key Benefiting Regions: Surveillance capabilities will particularly improve over the borders with Pakistan and China, as well as India's coastal and oceanic zones.

Funding and Long-Term Vision

• Programme Funding: The Cabinet Committee approved a substantial budget of $3.2 billion for SBS-III in October 2024, marking a significant investment in India's defence space infrastructure.
• Future Implications: SBS-III represents a pivotal shift toward greater self-reliance in defence technology and opens the space sector to private Indian firms for applications related to national security.