India is significantly boosting its space-based military capabilities through the fast-tracked launch of 52 dedicated defense surveillance satellites. This ambitious endeavor is part of the Space Based Surveillance-3 (SBS-3) program, which was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security in October 2024, with a massive budget of ₹27,000 crores. The initiative aims to enhance intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and surveillance capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.

Driving Forces and Objectives

The decision to fast-track the SBS-3 program reflects a growing sense of urgency among India's defense and intelligence agencies, particularly in light of recent geopolitical tensions and cross-border hostilities. Operation Sindoor, a post-ceasefire operation after the worst India-Pakistan hostilities since 1971, highlighted gaps in India's space-based military surveillance capabilities, prompting the Ministry of Defence to compress the satellite development timeline from four years to just 12-18 months. The program aims for operational readiness by the end of 2026 or even earlier.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has underscored the growing significance of space as a key military domain, emphasizing the need to nurture a robust 'Space Culture'. The 52 military satellites will provide the Indian Armed Forces with dedicated assets for their land, sea, and air-based missions. These satellites will enable round-the-clock Earth observation capabilities, unaffected by weather and daytime, facilitating proactive defense and timely action against contingencies.

Public-Private Partnership

A significant aspect of the SBS-3 program is the strong participation from the private sector. Out of the 52 satellites planned, 31 will be developed by private companies, while the remaining 21 will be constructed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This collaboration underscores the Indian government's strategy of leveraging domestic industry expertise to accelerate technological advancement. The Ministry of Defence and the Department of Science and Technology have reportedly asked three firms to fast-track the deployment of the SBS-3 surveillance project.

Several Indian space startups are playing a crucial role in this initiative. Ananth Technologies, a long-time engineering partner for ISRO, Centum Electronics and Alpha Design are key players in fast-tracking satellite deployment. Bengaluru-based Digantara has reportedly secured the lead contract for a satellite surveillance program to detect and counter foreign snooping efforts.

Capabilities and Strategic Implications

Equipped with advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and high-resolution radar imaging, these satellites will provide continuous surveillance of India's borders. They will monitor cross-border movements, detect military installations, and track mobile assets like warships and missile launchers. The enhanced surveillance capabilities are expected to significantly improve India's geo-intelligence and strengthen its deterrence against potential threats.

Beyond defense, these satellites will also support disaster management, providing critical data during natural calamities such as floods and earthquakes. The SBS-3 constellation will assist relief operations by delivering real-time information to decision-makers, enabling faster and more effective responses.

Addressing Space-Based Threats

In addition to enhancing surveillance capabilities, India is also taking steps to protect its space assets from potential threats. A military space doctrine, which will serve as a guiding policy for the Armed Forces, is expected to be finalized soon. The doctrine is expected to address the growing threat of anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons, space debris, and electronic warfare in space, ensuring that India's space assets remain secure and operational in a contested environment.

Towards Self-Reliance and Global Partnerships

India is also actively working on deploying a dedicated constellation of satellites by 2026, marking one of the largest collaborations between the Indian government and a private space startup. This network of inter-communicating satellites will relay data to ground stations, significantly enhancing India's space situational awareness. All hardware and systems, from manufacturing to data relays, will be built domestically.

To ensure the rapid deployment of these satellites, India has sought support from Elon Musk's SpaceX, which will provide launch services alongside ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Depending on mission requirements, satellite launches will use both ISRO's LVM3 heavy rocket and SpaceX's launch vehicles.