Defence Minister Rajnath Singh officially launched ‘Sanjay – the Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS)’ in New Delhi on January 24. This advanced, automated system integrates inputs from both ground and aerial battlefield sensors, processes them to verify accuracy, eliminates duplication, and creates a unified ‘common surveillance picture’ of the battlefield, read the Defence Ministry statement.
The system operates seamlessly over the Army Data Network and Satellite Communication Network to ensure secure information dissemination. In its statement, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) described Sanjay as a transformative tool for modern warfare:
“The system enhances battlefield transparency and will revolutionise operations through a centralized web application, offering real-time inputs to Command Headquarters, Army Headquarters, and the Indian Army Decision Support System.”
Equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and cutting-edge analytics, Sanjay is designed to monitor vast land borders, detect and prevent intrusions, and provide unparalleled situational awareness. The system acts as a force multiplier for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations, enabling commanders to operate effectively in both conventional and sub-conventional scenarios within a network-centric environment. It marks a significant leap forward for the Indian Army in adopting data and network-centric warfare.
The Sanjay system has been indigenously developed through a joint collaboration between the Indian Army and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). This aligns with India’s commitment to achieving self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which follows the Indian Army’s ‘Year of Technology Absorption.’
The induction of Sanjay will occur in three phases, from March to October 2025, which the MoD declared the ‘Year of Reforms’. The system, developed under the Buy (Indian) category, has a project cost of Rs 2,402 crore. It will be deployed across all operational brigades, divisions, and corps of the Indian Army.
The flagging-off ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, and BEL Chairman and Managing Director Manoj Jain, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and BEL.
Team BharatShakti
