India to Launch 52 Advanced Surveillance Satellites to Monitor Enemy Movements

New Delhi: Strengthening its defense and surveillance capabilities, India has announced plans to launch 52 advanced surveillance satellites over the next three years as part of the Space-Based Surveillance Phase-III program. The initiative aims to monitor enemy activity from space and provide real-time intelligence across borders.

Project Details and Cost:
The project, valued at approximately ₹26,000 crore, is India’s largest military space endeavor to date. The first satellite is expected to be launched by April 2026. These satellites will be equipped with infrared sensors, capable of capturing high-resolution images at night, through clouds, and during adverse weather conditions. This will allow 24/7 intelligence collection along India’s land borders and coastline.

ISRO and Private Sector Collaboration:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will manufacture 21 satellites, while 31 satellites will be built by private companies—the first time the Indian private sector is contributing on such a large scale to a military space program. Once operational, these satellites will be managed by the Defence Space Agency and placed in various orbits, ranging from low-Earth to geostationary positions, to ensure comprehensive coverage of strategic areas.

Advanced Technology and AI Integration:
The satellites’ infrared and mixed sensor suite will enhance surveillance, reducing the need for repeated physical reconnaissance. Artificial intelligence (AI) will automatically identify potential threats and prioritize imagery. Onboard data processing will also reduce dependence on ground stations, enabling real-time threat detection.

Strategic Importance:
The program gained momentum following Operation Sindoor, where Indian armed forces successfully neutralized hostile threats despite support from foreign suppliers. The new satellites will provide timely intelligence on enemy movements, infrastructure developments, and naval activities, ensuring India remains strategically prepared and virtually “unseen from the sky” by adversaries.