India Approves Space-Based Surveillance Mission for Enhanced Security
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has greenlit Phase III of India’s Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) mission. This initiative aims to improve land and maritime surveillance for both civilian and military purposes in India. The mission, managed by the National Security Council Secretariat alongside the Defence Space Agency, will significantly enhance India’s domain awareness capabilities.
Massive Satellite Deployment Planned
The newly approved SBS Phase III mission will involve the launch of 52 satellites over the next decade. These satellites will be placed in both low Earth orbit and geostationary orbit, providing advanced surveillance capabilities. The mission will cost ₹26,968 crore, with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) tasked with building and launching 21 satellites, while private companies will handle the remaining 31.
This ambitious expansion follows earlier phases. SBS Phase I, initiated in 2001 under Prime Minister Vajpayee’s government, saw the deployment of four satellites: Cartosat 2A, Cartosat 2B, Eros B, and Risat 2. Phase II, launched in 2013, included six more satellites such as Cartosat 2C, Cartosat 2D, and Microsat 1. Now, SBS Phase III will provide dedicated satellites for India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force, enhancing surveillance for land, sea, and air operations.
Strengthening Maritime and Border Security
India’s SBS Phase III aligns with the nation’s growing emphasis on security in the Indo-Pacific region. The country has already signed an agreement with France to jointly build military satellites, further strengthening its surveillance and defence capabilities. These satellites will help monitor enemy submarines in the Indo-Pacific and track infrastructure developments along India’s land and sea borders.
In addition to satellite surveillance, India is acquiring 31 Predator drones from US-based General Atomics. These drones have superior surveillance capabilities and are equipped with a powerful weapons package, providing India with robust tools for monitoring and defence.
India has also demonstrated its growing space defence capabilities. On March 29, 2019, the country successfully tested its anti-satellite missile, destroying a live satellite in orbit. The SBS Phase III mission will further bolster India’s strategic surveillance and defence readiness.