$3.2B Satellite Project Indian Defence

In a major strategic development, the Government of India is rapidly strengthening its Indian defence space programme to enhance real-time surveillance and military readiness.

This move was prompted by intelligence reports revealing that China supported Pakistan with live satellite inputs during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. In response, India is boosting its capabilities through both domestic and international collaborations, including talks with Maxar Technologies for real-time satellite imagery.

The Indian defence space programme is central to this transformation, aiming to ensure India’s preparedness in fast-evolving battlefield scenarios and regional conflicts.

Background of Indian Defence Satellites

India currently depends on indigenous satellites such as the Cartosat satellite system and RISAT for defence, developed by ISRO defence units. These satellites are crucial for satellite surveillance, disaster response, and border monitoring. However, their moderate resolution and limited imaging frequency highlight the need for a more advanced and responsive Indian defence space programme.

With growing threats along the borders, particularly from China and Pakistan, India must shift from periodic imaging to real-time military space monitoring.

What is the SBS-III Satellite Programme?

At the core of the Indian defence space programme is the Space-Based Surveillance (SBS)-III initiative, a massive satellite deployment plan approved by the Union Cabinet in 2024.

Key Features of the SBS-III Programme:

• 52 defence satellites will be launched by 2029.

• The first 21 satellites will be developed and launched by ISRO.

• The remaining 31 satellites will be built by private Indian firms in defence satellite manufacturing.

• The entire fleet will be operated by the Defence Space Agency India (DSA).

• The programme has received an investment of $3.2 billion.

The SBS-III initiative represents a major step in advancing space-based surveillance in India under the broader Indian defence space programme.

Why the Indian Defence Space Programme is Crucial

The Indian defence space programme plays a key role in enhancing national security. In high-stakes, real-time combat, the ability to monitor troop movements, track enemy locations, and assess strike results instantly can decide the outcome of a mission.

Key Benefits:

• How India uses satellites for defence surveillance has evolved with the growing needs for instant data.

• Enables precise targeting and quick response during attacks.

• Strengthens India’s military space assets to match global standards.

• Extends the Indian satellite programme into the strategic military domain.

• Empowers the Defence Space Agency India to lead integrated surveillance operations.

This marks a decisive shift in the role of ISRO in the Indian military space programme, as it now works closely with defence forces and private partners.

Collaborating with Global Partners

To address current limitations, India is collaborating with global satellite imagery providers like Maxar Technologies. This partnership will help bridge critical gaps in the Indian defence space programme, especially in high-resolution, live imaging during conflicts.

Why this matters:

• Fills operational voids left by older Indian systems.

• Provides all-weather, day-night capabilities.

• Supports India’s space defence with accurate and timely intelligence.

However, reliance on foreign players also brings concerns over data confidentiality, an important issue in India’s space-based surveillance strategy.

Challenges in Modernising India’s Defence Space Programme

Despite its strengths, the Indian defence space programme faces some pressing challenges:

• Technical limitations in cloud-penetration and revisit times.

• Maintaining data security when working with foreign commercial firms.

• Need for faster production by private Indian firms in defence satellite manufacturing.

• Addressing issues in comparison of Indian and Chinese military satellites, where China currently has an edge in real-time reconnaissance.

These factors must be addressed to fully modernise India's defence technology and secure national interests.

Strategic Use of Cartosat and RISAT

The continued use of the Cartosat satellite system and RISAT for defence remains vital. However, the strategic use of Cartosat and RISAT satellites in border monitoring will be significantly enhanced by new SBS-III satellites and commercial partnerships.

These assets, under the broader umbrella of the Indian defence space programme, ensure round-the-clock, high-accuracy surveillance of hostile zones.

Final Thoughts

The Indian defence space programme represents a transformational leap in India’s approach to national security and technological self-reliance. With rising regional tensions and the increasing use of satellite surveillance in warfare, strengthening space-based defence systems has become a strategic necessity.

Through initiatives like SBS-III, collaborations with Maxar Technologies, and the involvement of private Indian firms, India is building a future-ready military space infrastructure. The integration of real-time satellite imagery will drastically improve decision-making and combat effectiveness.

For SSC aspirants, this topic combines elements of science, defence, and international relations—making it highly relevant for exams. Understanding how India is aligning its space technology with military preparedness is essential for cracking current affairs questions in upcoming SSC papers.