Media reports India to speed up launch of military satellites
(MENAFN) India is expediting the deployment of 52 surveillance satellites to strengthen its space-based military capabilities, according to media reports on Monday. The first satellite is set to launch in April 2026, with the full constellation expected to be operational by the end of 2029, India Today reported. The $3.57 billion initiative aims to provide real-time intelligence, improve border monitoring, and enhance the country’s overall defense preparedness.
The satellite network will deliver high-resolution imagery and shortened revisit intervals, allowing the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to closely monitor activity in regions considered hostile, including areas along the borders with China and Pakistan. Indian space officials have said the system is designed to detect troop movements and track large swaths of terrain using satellites positioned in various orbits.
During a recent military confrontation with Pakistan, India reportedly relied on its own and commercial satellite assets to identify and target suspected terrorist sites. The new constellation is intended to expand such capabilities, serving as a strategic counter to China’s growing expertise in anti-satellite technology and electronic warfare.
Oversight of the satellite program is being managed by the Integrated Defense Staff. The satellites will operate in both low Earth and geostationary orbits, enhancing detection of potential threats even deep within enemy territory. According to Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, chief of the Integrated Defense Staff, the goal is to identify risks in their earliest stages—such as launches, airfield activity, or base operations.
A key feature of the project is the active involvement of private industry. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) plans to transfer its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology to private companies, enabling faster satellite deployment during emergencies.
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