India Taps Global Satellite Firms to Boost Military Surveillance

In a strategic move to strengthen real-time surveillance and military preparedness, the Indian government has initiated talks with global commercial satellite imagery providers. This follows intelligence reports that China supported Pakistan with live satellite inputs during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. The aim is to enhance India’s existing capabilities by integrating high-resolution, real-time imagery into defence operations.

Background

India’s defence forces currently rely on indigenous satellites like Cartosat and RISAT for imaging and surveillance. While effective in tracking enemy movements and confirming strike outcomes, these satellites have limitations such as lower imaging frequency and moderate resolution. The recent geopolitical developments, particularly China’s role in supplying satellite data to Pakistan, have highlighted the urgency of upgrading India’s satellite-based surveillance systems.

Significance

The ability to obtain real-time, high-resolution satellite imagery is crucial during fast-paced battlefield situations. Enhanced visibility allows for quicker decision-making, better targeting accuracy, and improved troop movement tracking. Leveraging international players like Maxar Technologies can bridge capability gaps in India’s current system, giving the country a strategic edge in potential conflicts.

Objectives

The primary goals of this initiative are,

• To extend surveillance coverage beyond current capabilities.
• To ensure timely access to actionable intelligence during conflict situations.
• To complement domestic satellite programs with commercial, real-time imagery solutions.

Key Features of the SBS-III Programme

Under the Space Based Surveillance (SBS)-III programme,

• A total of 52 surveillance 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.
• The Defence Space Agency (DSA) will operate and monitor these assets.
• The programme received a $3.2 billion investment approved by the Union Cabinet in 2024.

Challenges

Despite the advancements, there are challenges,

• Dependency on foreign commercial entities poses strategic risks.
• Maintaining data security and confidentiality is crucial when partnering with global firms.
• Technical constraints such as all-weather operability and area revisit time still need addressing in domestic systems.