India DRDL Developing SAMOOHA Constellation Based on ELINT System

The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), a crucial arm of India's defence technology ecosystem, is advancing its expertise with the development of the SAMOOHA constellation, a state-of-the-art electronic intelligence (ELINT) system. Building on the foundation laid by earlier initiatives like the EMISAT satellite under Project Kautilya, SAMOOHA represents a shift toward multi-satellite systems designed for space-based electronic surveillance.

This ambitious project aligns with India's strategic vision to bolster its situational awareness and counter emerging threats in an increasingly contested global landscape.

Technological Leap: Formation Flying and Advanced Signal Analysis

The SAMOOHA constellation distinguishes itself by adopting formation flying techniques, wherein satellites operate in coordinated orbits to enhance their collective data-gathering capabilities. This approach mirrors practices used by other global powers, such as China's Yaogan satellite clusters, which are known for their ELINT functionalities. Formation flying allows satellites to triangulate signals, improving the accuracy of source detection and geolocation. Such a design could provide India with near-real-time monitoring of radar and communication emissions, a critical asset for modern electronic warfare.

The satellites will likely carry payloads optimized for detecting electromagnetic signals, analyzing frequency spectra, and characterizing radar emissions. These payloads will build on the legacy of EMISAT, which currently serves as a standalone platform for pinpointing radar systems by detecting their electromagnetic emissions.

Integration into India’s Defence Ecosystem

SAMOOHA is expected to complement India's existing assets, such as ground-based ELINT systems and dual-use satellites like GSAT-7 for naval operations and RISAT for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging. The constellation's space-based perspective will fill gaps in ground coverage, providing a holistic surveillance capability that is indispensable for monitoring large swaths of territory, including India's maritime zones and border regions.

This system will also contribute to India's military strategy by enabling early threat detection, secure communication, and efficient target acquisition. As seen with China's BeiDou and the United States' GPS and SIGINT satellite constellations, these capabilities are pivotal for national security and force modernization.

A Strategic Imperative

Globally, nations are increasingly investing in satellite constellations for ELINT, and SAMOOHA positions India to maintain parity in this strategic domain. For example, China's rapid deployment of its Yaogan series demonstrates the utility of such systems for monitoring adversary activities. SAMOOHA, when operational, will act as a counterbalance, ensuring India's capability to track, locate, and analyze potential threats effectively.

While EMISAT marked India’s entry into the space-based ELINT domain, SAMOOHA signifies a maturing of this capability into a robust, scalable constellation system. It is anticipated to reduce India's reliance on single-satellite solutions, offering the redundancy and global coverage essential for uninterrupted surveillance.

SAMOOHA’s development reflects DRDL’s ambition to deliver cutting-edge solutions for national security. By leveraging advanced technologies like formation flying and integrating them into India’s broader defence strategy, the project underscores the country’s commitment to indigenous innovation in space-based intelligence systems. As geopolitical tensions evolve, such capabilities will be vital for ensuring India’s operational readiness and safeguarding its interests.

This constellation, once operational, will mark a significant milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a space power capable of countering regional and global challenges effectively.