The Indian government has approved a ₹27,000 crore project under the Cabinet Committee on Security to deploy a constellation of 52 defence surveillance satellites by 2029. This marks a major leap in India’s space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities—part of the Space-Based Surveillance Phase III initiative
🛰️ Project Highlights
- 52 satellites across Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) covering strategic land and maritime regions.
- Cost: Approximately ₹26,968–27,000 crore approved in October 2024
- Timeline: The first launches are expected by April 2026, with full deployment by 2029
👥 Public–Private Participation
- ISRO will build 21 satellites, while 31 will be developed by three private firms based in South India
- This is a significant shift under India’s 2020 space reforms, opening the defence space domain to private industry
🧠 Advanced Capabilities
- Satellites will integrate AI-driven analytics, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), high-resolution electro-optical imaging, and persistent coverage enabling real-time threat detection—such as missile launches, troop deployments, naval movements, and submarine tracking
- They will facilitate inter-satellite communication, enabling higher-orbit satellites to task lower-orbit satellites for detailed analysis
⚙️ Strategic Implications
- Border and maritime surveillance: Enhances monitoring of the China and Pakistan borders, and Indian Ocean region
- Deterrence & resilience: Layered satellite architecture builds redundancy, safeguarding against cybersecurity, jamming, or anti-satellite threats
- Official doctrine in progress: A dedicated military space doctrine is expected within months, reinforcing policy and command guidance
🧭 Broader Context & Outlook
- Strategic foundation: The Constellation builds upon earlier military communication satellites—GSAT‑7, GSAT‑7A, and the upcoming GSAT‑7B and 7R—for the Navy, Air Force, and Army
- Public–private synergy: This marks India’s first large-scale military satellite project involving private partners, accelerating space innovation economictimes
- Sense of urgency: Triggered by strategic events (e.g. “Operation Sindoor”), the project reflects urgency in closing surveillance capability gaps
✅ Bottom Line
With the ₹27,000 cr military satellite network now approved, India is set to revolutionize its space defence posture. Integrating advanced AI, multi-orbit coverage, and private-sector innovation, the initiative promises persistent, resilient ISR capabilities—bolstering India’s position in the evolving “space frontier” of modern defence.
