Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) gave its approval to the highly anticipated Phase 3 of the Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) mission. This development marks a major milestone in India’s ambition to strengthen its surveillance capabilities, particularly in terms of land and maritime domain awareness, with applications spanning both civilian and military purposes. The SBS mission is a comprehensive initiative that aims to boost the nation’s space-based intelligence infrastructure through the launch of a significant number of satellites, providing critical data for a wide range of operations.
At its core, the SBS mission will see the deployment of 52 satellites into low earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO), offering far-reaching and precise surveillance coverage. Out of these, 21 satellites will be developed and launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which has been India’s cornerstone for space exploration and technology. The remaining 31 satellites will be constructed by private companies, showcasing a major step forward in public-private partnerships within India’s defense and space sectors. This collaboration is a clear sign of the growing role of India’s private sector in contributing to strategic defense objectives.
The primary goal of this initiative is to enhance surveillance and domain awareness for both land-based and maritime operations, with direct implications for the safety and security of India’s borders. With India’s strategic location in South Asia and its proximity to contested regions like the Indo-Pacific, the SBS mission is vital for monitoring military activity by adversaries and maintaining national security. This includes the detection of enemy submarines and the ability to track infrastructure developments by other nations along India’s land and sea borders.
Key Players in the SBS Mission
The National Security Council Secretariat and the Defence Space Agency, under the auspices of the Ministry of Defence, are the two primary bodies responsible for managing and overseeing the SBS mission. These agencies play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth execution of the project, with a particular focus on maximizing its utility for India’s three armed forces—the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Each branch will benefit from dedicated satellite support tailored to their unique operational needs, whether they involve land-based, naval, or aerial missions. This integration of space-based surveillance into military strategy represents a significant leap in India’s defense modernization.
Notably, the SBS mission is not a standalone project. It is part of a broader framework of defense upgrades, supported by international collaborations and cutting-edge technologies. For instance, India’s acquisition of 31 Predator drones from the United States will complement the satellite-based surveillance capabilities. These high-altitude, long-endurance drones are equipped with sophisticated sensors, allowing them to carry out reconnaissance and target acquisition missions in conjunction with the SBS satellites. This drone-satellite synergy offers India a formidable intelligence-gathering network, increasing situational awareness in real-time.
In addition to these efforts, India is also engaged in the joint construction of military satellites with France, further enhancing its defense capabilities. France, a long-time strategic partner of India, is known for its expertise in space technology, and this collaboration is expected to yield cutting-edge advancements in space-based military systems. Another notable achievement is India’s growing anti-satellite missile capabilities, which provide a deterrent against potential threats to its space infrastructure. With the increasing militarization of space by global powers, having the means to neutralize hostile satellites has become a critical aspect of national defense strategies.
Evolution of the SBS Mission
The Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) mission is not a new endeavor for India. It traces its roots back to 2001, with the launch of the first phase of SBS, which focused on enhancing India’s surveillance abilities. SBS 1 marked the beginning of India’s journey toward advanced space-based intelligence gathering. It saw the deployment of four satellites, including the notable RISAT-2 (Radar Imaging Satellite), which provided all-weather surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, making it a vital tool for national security operations.
In 2013, the SBS 2 mission was launched, expanding the country’s surveillance network with the deployment of six additional satellites, including RISAT-2A. These satellites continued to bolster India’s ability to monitor its borders and coastal areas, especially during periods of heightened tension. The RISAT series played a crucial role in keeping a close watch on activities along the Indo-Pak border and provided real-time intelligence for military operations, including counter-terrorism efforts.
Now, with SBS 3, the mission has entered a critical phase of expansion. The 52 planned satellites, along with the accompanying Predator drones and international collaborations, represent a marked increase in India’s ability to monitor vast areas of interest, both on land and at sea. Geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific, border issues with neighboring countries, and increasing concerns about the security of India’s coastal regions have driven the need for such robust surveillance infrastructure.
Strategic Objectives of SBS 3
The SBS 3 mission is directly aligned with India’s broader strategic objectives, particularly in the context of geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. With China’s growing influence in the region and its increasing naval activity, India has a pressing need to enhance its ability to detect and track foreign military vessels, especially submarines, which are a critical component of naval warfare. The SBS satellites will provide continuous surveillance over vast stretches of ocean, allowing India to maintain a closer watch over its territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs).
Furthermore, the ability to monitor infrastructure development along contested land borders is another key objective. For instance, China has been actively building military and civil infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and India’s capability to monitor these activities in real-time will provide a tactical advantage. This will also aid in disaster management, climate monitoring, and resource management, as surveillance data can be used for a variety of non-military applications as well.
The Road Ahead for India’s Space Strategy
As India continues to assert itself as a global space power, the SBS mission reflects the country’s determination to secure its interests in a highly contested global landscape. The integration of space-based assets with military operations will not only strengthen India’s defense capabilities but also enhance its strategic deterrence. With the successful deployment of the satellites under SBS 3, India will be able to build a comprehensive surveillance network that covers both land and sea, offering unparalleled situational awareness.
As space becomes the next frontier for geopolitical competition, India’s commitment to enhancing its space-based defense capabilities is crucial for maintaining a strategic edge. With the advancement of the SBS mission, India is positioning itself as a key player in the global race for space-based surveillance and defense technology, ensuring its security and stability in an increasingly volatile world.