After realizing the need for more accurate surveillance by the defense forces during Operation Sindoor, the central government has ordered to expedite the launch of 52 dedicated surveillance satellites. This will promote round-the-clock surveillance on coastal and land borders. The launch of these satellites will start from next year (2026) and full deployment will be completed by 2029.

When was the project approved

According to a TOI report, in October last year, the Cabinet Committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved an amount of $ 3.2 billion for the SBS-III (Space-based surveillance) program for the development of next generation satellites in the next decade.

Who will build the satellites

Under this program, ISRO will build and launch the first 21 satellites, while private companies will operate the remaining 31 satellites. The Defense Space Agency (DSA) will oversee the operation of the newly launched satellite system.

What will the satellites be used for?

These satellites will assist the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force and help keep track of enemy activities.

Order to speed up construction

Work is underway to reduce the timelines for faster launch of satellites into low Earth orbit and geostationary orbit, TOI quoted a source as saying. The three private companies that have received contracts have been asked to speed up the construction of the satellites.

Indian Ocean will also be monitored

SBS-3 aims to cover the Indian Ocean region as well as large areas of China and Pakistan, and will have shorter reconnaissance times and better resolution.

Response to regional threats
The urgency of deploying the satellites is partly due to China's growing military space capabilities. According to the Times of India, its satellite fleet is expected to grow from 36 in 2020 to over 1,000 by 2024, with 360 satellites focused solely on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).