Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh flagged off ‘SANJAY – The Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS)’ from the South Block, New Delhi. This indigenously developed system marks a major milestone in India’s defense technology, strengthening the surveillance capabilities of the Indian Army. SANJAY is designed to enhance battlefield transparency, improve situational awareness, and optimize intelligence collection, thus transforming the battlefield in the era of modern warfare.
What is SANJAY – The Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS)?
SANJAY is an automated system developed to integrate inputs from various ground and aerial battlefield sensors. It processes the data collected from these sensors, confirms its veracity, prevents duplication, and fuses the information to create a Common Surveillance Picture (CSP). This unified view of the battlefield will be transmitted over a secured Army Data Network and Satellite Communication Network. SANJAY will play a pivotal role in enhancing battlefield transparency, allowing the army to have a clear and real-time picture of the situation on the ground.
How Does SANJAY Work?
The primary function of SANJAY is to collect, validate, and fuse battlefield data into a centralized system. Using cutting-edge sensors and advanced analytics, the system will continuously monitor the vast land borders of India, detect any potential intrusions, and provide a clear assessment of the situation with unparalleled accuracy.
The system has been designed to operate in both conventional and sub-conventional military operations. Its integration into the Network Centric Environment will enable commanders to have a seamless view of the battlefield, ensuring that decisions can be made with real-time data. The system will significantly enhance the Indian Army’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, making it a force multiplier for operational efficiency.
Centralized Web Application and Decision Support System
One of the most significant features of SANJAY is its Centralized Web Application. This application will provide critical inputs to Command and Army Headquarters and will integrate with the Indian Army Decision Support System. This integration is crucial as it will allow senior military officials to access and analyze battlefield data for strategic decision-making, thus improving the army’s operational effectiveness and preparedness.
Indigenous Development for Aatmanirbharta
The SANJAY BSS has been developed indigenously through a joint effort between the Indian Army and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). This partnership represents a major leap toward achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (Self-Reliance) in defense technology. The system is part of the Indian Army’s continued focus on technological innovation and absorption, aligning with the ‘Year of Technology Absorption’ initiative.
The system’s indigenous development also promotes the ‘Make in India’ vision, showcasing the nation’s ability to design and produce state-of-the-art defense equipment. With an investment of Rs 2,402 crore, the SANJAY BSS is set to become an integral part of the Indian Army’s modern defense infrastructure.
Induction and Rollout Plan
The induction of SANJAY BSS will take place in three phases, with the deployment set to begin in March 2025 and conclude by October 2025. The system will be implemented across all operational Brigades, Divisions, and Corps of the Indian Army, significantly enhancing its battlefield surveillance and intelligence capabilities. The timeline for the deployment aligns with the ‘Year of Reforms’ declared by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), emphasizing the modernization and transformation of the Indian Army through technological advancements.
Key Stakeholders in the Flagging-Off Ceremony
The flagging-off ceremony was attended by key officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Army, including Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar, and Chairman & Managing Director of BEL Shri Manoj Jain. These officials, along with other senior leaders from the MoD and BEL, played a crucial role in the development and successful roll-out of this highly anticipated system.
Summary of the News
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Why in News? | Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh flagged off SANJAY – The Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS) on January 24, 2025, marking a major milestone in India’s defense technology. |
What is SANJAY? | An automated system designed to integrate inputs from ground and aerial sensors, creating a Common Surveillance Picture (CSP) for battlefield transparency. |
Key Features | – Collects and validates battlefield data- Prevents duplication- Provides real-time data through Army Data Network and Satellite Communication Network. |
How It Works | – Uses cutting-edge sensors and analytics to monitor India’s land borders.- Operates in conventional and sub-conventional operations.- Provides a seamless view of the battlefield to commanders. |
Centralized Web Application | Provides critical inputs to Command and Army Headquarters and integrates with the Indian Army Decision Support System to aid strategic decision-making. |
Indigenous Development | Developed jointly by Indian Army and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), promoting ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (Self-Reliance) and aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative. |
Investment | Rs 2,402 crore for the development of SANJAY BSS, making it an integral part of the Indian Army’s defense infrastructure. |
Induction and Rollout Plan | Induction will occur in three phases from March to October 2025, covering all Brigades, Divisions, and Corps of the Indian Army. |
Key Stakeholders | – Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth– Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan– Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi– Chairman of BEL Shri Manoj Jain. |
Purpose | To enhance Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, creating a force multiplier for operational efficiency. |