India Fast-Tracks ₹22,500-Crore Spy Satellite Constellation to Strengthen Border Security and Disaster Management

India has launched an ambitious and accelerated initiative to enhance its satellite-based surveillance capabilities, marking a significant shift in its approach to national security and intelligence gathering. This ₹22,500-crore ($3 billion) project, known as the Space Based Surveillance (SBS-3) program, was green-lit by the Cabinet Committee on Security in October 2024, following heightened tensions with Pakistan and the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.

The Space Based Surveillance (SBS-3) program involves the production of 52 spy satellites, with 31 assigned to three private companies and the remaining 21 to be developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This rapid development initiative reflects a growing sense of urgency among India’s defense and intelligence agencies, who recognized the need for enhanced surveillance capabilities in light of recent cross-border hostilities.

Originally planned for completion in four years, the government has now compressed the timeline to just 12-18 months, aiming for operational readiness by the end of 2026 or even earlier. This drastic reduction in development time demonstrates India's determination to bolster its real-time intelligence capabilities, particularly along sensitive border regions with Pakistan and China.

Equipped with advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and high-resolution radar imaging, these satellites will provide round-the-clock surveillance of India’s borders. They will monitor cross-border movements, detect military installations, and even track mobile assets like warships and missile launchers. The enhanced surveillance capabilities are expected to significantly improve India’s geo-intelligence and strengthen its deterrence against potential threats.

Beyond defense, these satellites will also support disaster management, providing critical data during natural calamities such as floods and earthquakes. The SBS-3 constellation will assist relief operations by delivering real-time information to decision-makers, enabling faster and more effective responses.

A standout feature of the SBS-3 satellites is their integration of AI, which allows them to communicate and collaborate while in orbit. This enables more effective intelligence gathering, with higher-orbit satellites directing lower-orbit ones to focus on points of interest and transmit crucial data to ground stations. Such a networked approach is expected to provide India with unmatched precision in surveillance and intelligence collection.

The SBS-3 project also represents a significant public-private partnership, with 31 of the satellites being developed by three private companies—Anant Technologies, Centum Electronics, and Alpha Design Technologies—all of which have previously contributed to major ISRO missions. This collaboration underscores the Indian government’s strategy of leveraging domestic industry expertise to accelerate technological advancement.

To ensure the rapid deployment of these satellites, India has sought support from Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which will provide launch services alongside ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Depending on mission requirements, satellite launches will use both ISRO’s LVM3 heavy rocket and SpaceX’s launch vehicles. Strict deadlines have been set, with each satellite launch requiring approval from the Ministry of Defence, highlighting the project's critical importance to national security.

However, the compressed timeline of 12-18 months presents significant challenges. Building and deploying 52 satellites within such a short period is a monumental task, potentially straining resources and raising concerns about quality control. Nevertheless, the Indian government and its private partners are confident in their ability to meet the ambitious deadline.

While the program's primary focus is on enhancing surveillance capabilities along India’s borders, it also has broader implications. The SBS-3 system will transform critical infrastructure management in India, providing valuable data for agriculture, forestry, coastal surveillance, and environmental monitoring. Such applications are expected to boost the country’s resilience and support sustainable development.

Moreover, the SBS-3 initiative highlights India's emergence as a major player in the global space sector. By relying on a mix of domestic capabilities and international partnerships, India is reducing its dependence on foreign technology while asserting greater autonomy in space operations. The government’s emphasis on local manufacturing and stringent security protocols ensures that the benefits of this program extend beyond defense, fostering innovation, job creation, and technological self-reliance.

In essence, India’s accelerated SBS-3 spy satellite program is a transformative move, enhancing national security, bolstering disaster management capabilities, and strengthening the country’s position as a rising power in the space and security domains.