India is taking a decisive leap in military space capabilities by launching an ambitious satellite program under the third phase of its Space-Based Surveillance (SBS-III) project. Announced during the recently held Indian DefSpace Symposium by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, the program involves the deployment of 52 military satellites, marking the most significant expansion of IndiaтАЩs space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to date. The fabrication of these satellites is in full swing, and they will be deployed by 2027тАУ28.
This strategic push comes amid growing global concerns over the rapid militarisation of space, particularly by China, which continues to launch satellites at an unprecedented pace. In response, Gen Chauhan announced that India is expanding its space assets and working on a dedicated military space doctrine, which is expected to be out in the next three months. This doctrine will lay out IndiaтАЩs approach to defending its assets in space, deterring adversaries, and preparing for the next frontier of warfare.
Space Spy Network
The Rs 27,000 crore SBS-III project, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in October 2024, will significantly boost India’s surveillance capabilities across terrestrial and maritime domains. The constellation will operate across Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) to provide layered and resilient coverage of India’s strategic interests.
The new satellites will be equipped with artificial intelligence (AI)тАФdriven analytics, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), high-resolution electro-optical sensors, and all-weather imaging systems capable of monitoring adversarial troop movements, missile deployments, and mobile launchers in real-time. This will make it increasingly difficult for rival nations to conceal critical military assets.
Crucially, these satellites will strengthen India’s deterrence posture by providing persistent situational awareness along its borders with China, Pakistan, and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)тАФa vital trade and security corridor. In addition to ISR, the constellation will support secure communications, real-time command and control, and enhanced navigation for precision strike capabilities.
Private Sector Enters Strategic Space
In a first for IndiaтАЩs defence space efforts, the SBS-III project will be jointly executed by ISRO and the private sector. ISRO will manufacture and launch the first batch of 21 satellites, while three private firms based in South India have been selected to develop the remaining 31. One company will build 15 satellites, with the other two sharing the balance. Due to the classified nature of the program, their identities remain undisclosed.
This public-private partnership signals a paradigm shift in IndiaтАЩs approach to space. It aligns with the 2020 space sector reforms aimed at unlocking private innovation and reducing dependence on state-run entities. Early production is already underway, with initial launches slated for 2027тАУ28.
France is also expected to collaborate with ISRO on specific aspects of this project, adding an international dimension to India’s military space ambitions.
Enhancing Defence Readiness
According to senior defence officials, the satellite constellation will play a pivotal role in real-time intelligence gathering and threat detection. These capabilities are essential in countering advanced threats such as hypersonic missiles, stealth aircraft, drones, and electronic warfare systems. By monitoring troop concentrations and supply chains along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan, the satellites will offer critical insights for pre-emptive military planning and crisis response.
In the maritime domain, they will track naval movements, suspicious vessels, piracy, and illegal fishing activities across the IOR, reinforcing India’s maritime domain awareness and regional leadership.
Additionally, the satellites will support secure and redundant communication networks, even in contested or remote theatres of operation. These networks are vital for coordinating joint operations between the Army, Navy, and Air Force, particularly during conflict or humanitarian emergencies.
Building Resilience in Space
The 52-satellite constellation is designed with redundancy and survivability in mind. By distributing assets across multiple orbits, India ensures operational continuity even in the event of cyber-attacks, jamming, or anti-satellite (ASAT) strikesтАФa lesson underscored by IndiaтАЩs own successful ASAT test, Mission Shakti, in 2019. This layered approach strengthens IndiaтАЩs posture in the increasingly contested domain of outer space.
The new military space doctrine, currently in the final stages of drafting, will institutionalize the use of space for national defence. It is expected to cover space situational awareness, asset protection, and counter-space operations, positioning India as a credible space power alongside the US, China, and Russia.
A Strategic Leap Forward
India’s military satellite program under SBS-III marks a transformational moment in national security. It reflects a maturing defence posture that recognizes space as a core domain of warfare. The program not only counters growing threats from adversaries like China but also signals India’s intent to be a space power with strategic autonomy.
With 52 satellites, an evolving doctrine, and private sector participation, India is not just catching up but positioning itself to lead in the new era of military space operations.
Huma Siddiqui
