India is embarking on a major expansion of its military satellite capabilities, aiming to grow its constellation from 12 platforms to 78 by the year 2031. This ambitious initiative is driven by lessons learned from Operation Sindoor and is expected to enhance the country’s intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), communications, navigation, and electronic intelligence capabilities.
Valued at $3.2 billion, the project falls under the Satellite-Based Surveillance (SBS-III) program. This comprehensive initiative will be a collaborative effort involving the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Defence Space Agency (DSA), and various private space enterprises, including Pixel Space India, operating through a public-private partnership.
Phased Deployment
ISRO will spearhead the project by designing and launching the initial 21 next-generation satellites, which will feature cutting-edge synthetic aperture radars, optical imaging systems, and secure communication payloads. Following this, private sector companies will be responsible for the development and deployment of an additional 31 satellites, which will allow for faster rollouts and the integration of innovative commercial techniques.
The deployment timeline sets the first satellite launch for April 2026, with a target to complete the core constellation by 2029 and expand it further by 2031.
Strategic Gains Across Four Domains
The initiative aims to provide strategic advantages in four key areas:
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ISR: The new satellites will enable real-time tracking of enemy movements and continuous monitoring of strategic regions, such as the Indian Ocean.
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Communications: The program intends to establish secure, jam-resistant communication networks that will connect naval ships, submarines, aircraft, and troops stationed in forward positions.
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Navigation: A new dedicated Naval Constellation will enhance the existing NavIC system, reducing reliance on foreign navigation systems like GPS and GLONASS during high-intensity conflicts.
- Electronic Intelligence (ELINT): Advanced satellites will be developed to intercept enemy communications and radar emissions, greatly improving India’s insight into adversary movements and deployments.
Lessons from Operation Sindoor
The impetus for the SBS-III program stems from challenges encountered during the May 2025 conflict with Pakistan, where limited satellite capabilities resulted in critical intelligence gaps. This new initiative aims to address such vulnerabilities, thereby ensuring data sovereignty and reducing reliance on foreign entities for intelligence-gathering.
Civil-Military Convergence
The collaboration between ISRO, DSA, and private firms is expected to leverage technical expertise and operational alignment to foster innovation in AI-driven analytics, rapid prototyping, and modular satellite design. Officials anticipate that this synergy will streamline costs and timelines, facilitating a more agile deployment process.
Toward Regional Space Dominance
By 2031, the expanded 78-satellite constellation is projected to provide India with unprecedented regional dominance. This capability is expected to shorten sensor-to-shooter timelines, fortify battlefield communications, and bolster deterrence capabilities in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region.
Defence analysts view the SBS-III program as a pivotal transformation in India’s strategic outlook, signifying a shift in perspective where space operations are seen not just as a supportive function but as an essential element of modern warfare.
