Launch of 52 Military Satellites Network Accelerated after Operation Sindoor

The first launch is planned for April 2026. Authorities are reportedly working to advance the schedule. This will ensure faster deployment.

India is reportedly accelerating the deployment of 52 dedicated military satellites. The country is also finalising a comprehensive space warfare doctrine. This is happening amid growing regional security concerns and lessons from Operation Sindoor.

The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the initiative in October 2023. The Rs 26,968-crore initiative forms Phase 3 of the Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) programme.

Of the 52 satellites, 21 will be developed by ISRO and 31 by three private firms, states the report. The first launch is planned for April 2026, but authorities are working to advance the schedule to ensure faster deployment.

The SBS-3 constellation is spearheaded by the Defence Space Agency (DSA) under the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS). It will magnify surveillance over China and Pakistan. It will also enhance oversight of the Indian Ocean region, says the report.

The satellites will be placed in low Earth and geostationary orbits. This aims to deliver high-resolution imagery. It will also provide shorter revisit times for near-real-time intelligence.

Notably, China’s rapidly growing military space program is the key reason behind India’s push. This program currently operates over 1,000 satellites, including 360 for ISR. Beijing aims to control space as a strategic frontier. This goal is shown by the establishment of the PLA Aerospace Force last year.

Also read: India to spent ₹22,000 Crore to Strengthen Spy Satellite Network to Enhance Surveillance on Terrorist Activity

Chief IDS Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Overseeing the Project

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, recently discussed the need to detect threats at their source. He said, “We must detect, identify and track potential threats not when they approach our borders. Instead, when they are still in their staging areas, airfields and bases, deep within an adversary’s territory.”

The Integrated Defence Staff is overseeing the project which will focus on both low Earth and geostationary orbits. The satellite network also serves as a deterrent. It counters China’s evolving anti-satellite capabilities, including kinetic weapons. It also addresses electronic warfare systems.

During Operation Sindoor in May, India relied on domestic and foreign commercial satellites. They used these satellites to monitor cross-border military activity. This reliance exposed critical gaps in real-time surveillance.

Apart from this, the Indian Air Force is planning to procure three High-Altitude Platform System UAVs. These are also known as pseudo-satellites. They are intended for long-duration ISR missions. This information has been learnt from the report.

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