India Set to Clear ₹10,000 Crore I-STAR Spy Plane Project for Airborne Surveillance Edge

India is preparing to take a major leap in airborne intelligence and surveillance capability with the upcoming clearance of a ₹10,000 crore project for 3 I-STAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) aircraft. These high-tech, indigenous spy planes will give the Indian Air Force (IAF) a powerful edge in future conflicts by allowing real-time tracking and precision strikes on critical enemy positions — all from a safe distance.

What is I-STAR?

I-STAR is an advanced airborne surveillance system, designed to detect, monitor, and coordinate attacks on enemy assets deep inside hostile territory without entering their airspace. It provides a live, comprehensive picture of the battlefield and helps the armed forces respond faster, smarter, and more accurately during high-stakes situations.

The system is a combination of:

• Airborne surveillance aircraft equipped with advanced sensors

• Ground-based command and control systems
  Together, they allow forces to track enemy movement, identify strategic targets like radar stations, missile launchers, air defence systems, and command posts, and guide precision strikes to destroy them.

Indigenous Technology at Its Core

While the aircraft platforms for I-STAR are expected to be sourced from international aerospace leaders such as Boeing or Bombardier, the true strength of the program lies in its indigenous systems. The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) has already developed and tested sophisticated multi-sensor surveillance and targeting technologies for this purpose.

These systems include:

• Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for all-weather, day-night ground imaging

• Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors for visual surveillance and target identification

• Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) and Communication Intelligence (COMINT) suites to intercept and analyse enemy radar and communications signals

• Automatic Target Recognition and Tracking systems for real-time monitoring

With these systems in place, the aircraft will be capable of conducting multi-spectral surveillance operations, covering vast areas with high accuracy — even in complex terrains like mountains or deserts, under any weather conditions.

Precision Strikes Without Entering Enemy Airspace

One of the biggest advantages of the I-STAR system is its ability to operate from stand-off ranges — meaning the aircraft can remain deep within Indian airspace or international airspace while monitoring enemy movements far beyond the border. The information gathered is instantly relayed to ground-based command centres, which can then plan and execute precision strikes using long-range missiles, artillery, or drones.

This capability reduces the risk to pilots and aircraft while ensuring that India can swiftly retaliate against threats or preemptively neutralise enemy positions in times of rising tensions.

How It Strengthens India’s Defence

Once operational, India will join an exclusive group of nations — including the United States, United Kingdom, and Israel — that possess such advanced airborne surveillance and targeting coordination platforms.

The I-STAR project not only boosts India’s surveillance capabilities but also:

• Enhances deterrence against hostile neighbours

• Enables real-time battlefield awareness during conflicts

• Supports surgical strikes and special operations

• Improves coordination between air and ground forces

• Strengthens border security and counter-terrorism operations

Moreover, as the system is powered by indigenous technology, it reduces dependence on foreign suppliers for critical defence needs and marks another important milestone in India’s self-reliance drive under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Final Word

With modern warfare increasingly relying on speed, information dominance, and precision, the I-STAR aircraft will serve as India’s vital “eyes in the sky.” It will reshape the Indian Air Force’s ability to safeguard national security interests, respond swiftly to threats, and project power effectively across volatile regions — ensuring India remains prepared for tomorrow’s battles.