Latest news with #SBS-III


The Hindu
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
India to fast-track 52 military satellites for better surveillance at borders
After defence forces realised the need for more precision surveillance during Operation Sindoor, the Union government has ordered the fast-tracking of the launch of 52 dedicated surveillance satellites, enhancing round-the-clock monitoring of coastline and land borders. In October last year, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Cabinet Committee approved $3.2 billion for the SBS-III programme to develop next-generation satellites over the next decade. Under the programme, ISRO will manufacture and launch the first 21 satellites, while private companies will handle the remaining 31. The Defence Space Agency (DSA) will oversee the operation of the newly launched satellite system. 'We have asked the private companies and ISRO for early launch of satellites. These new satellites will add a next-generation radar imaging capability that will help in all-weather and day-night surveillance. We are expecting first set of satellites to be launched by 2026,' said a senior official. The official added that the new satellites will be using artificial intelligence (AI) to make smarter decisions and improve overall performance and efficiency in space. During Operation Sindoor, satellite-based surveillance helped Indian defence forces to act swiftly by offering accurate intelligence, including the trajectory and movement of drones and missiles. After the successful implementation of SBS-III, India will become more self-reliant and reduce its dependence on other countries. It will help focus more clearly and accurately on the Pakistan and China border and the Indian Ocean Region. During the Operation Sindoor, it was claimed that China provided satellite support to Pakistan. India's satellites, like the Cartosat and RISAT, helped defence forces to track enemy mobilisation, confirm strike impact, and maintain real-time situational awareness, which prevented any major damage to the country's military assets.


Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Space-tech companies get an opening as India seeks more eyes in the sky
After Operation Sindoor , there is a growing push to enhance India's satellite-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Lt Gen AK Bhatt (Retd), Director General of the Indian Space Association (ISpA), told ET that while India currently operates around 10–11 defence satellites , mostly from the Cartosat and RISAT series which are one of the bests—"revisit times are long," and there is an urgent need for more satellites to ensure persistent coverage. "The Space Based Surveillance (SBS-III) program is critical, but with a 4–5 year timeline, there's pressure to fast-track it and reduce dependence on foreign or commercial satellite data after the escalations between the two countries," Bhatt said who was also former director general of military operation (DGMO), who oversaw the Doklam crisis. He added that the upcoming 52 satellites under SBS-III will be owned and operated by India, offering real-time access to imagery from both low Earth and geostationary orbits. The private sector will play a big role in the surveillance program as 31 satellites will be made by three firms. The remaining 21 will come from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Experts said accurate satellite imagery plays a critical role in identifying enemy locations, planning operations, and confirming if the target has hit the intended spot. It serves as a reliable layer of intelligence even during active conflicts, complementing drones and ground-based radars, they explained.


Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Space-tech companies get an opening as India seeks more eyes in the sky
After Operation Sindoor , there is a growing push to enhance India's satellite-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Lt Gen AK Bhatt (Retd), Director General of the Indian Space Association (ISpA), told ET that while India currently operates around 10–11 defence satellites , mostly from the Cartosat and RISAT series which are one of the bests—"revisit times are long," and there is an urgent need for more satellites to ensure persistent coverage. "The Space Based Surveillance (SBS-III) program is critical, but with a 4–5 year timeline, there's pressure to fast-track it and reduce dependence on foreign or commercial satellite data after the escalations between the two countries," Bhatt said who was also former director general of military operation (DGMO), who oversaw the Doklam crisis. He added that the upcoming 52 satellites under SBS-III will be owned and operated by India, offering real-time access to imagery from both low Earth and geostationary orbits. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Air conditioners without external unit. (click to see prices) Air Condition | Search Ads Search Now Undo ETtech The private sector will play a big role in the surveillance program as 31 satellites will be made by three firms. The remaining 21 will come from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Live Events Experts said accurate satellite imagery plays a critical role in identifying enemy locations, planning operations, and confirming if the target has hit the intended spot. It serves as a reliable layer of intelligence even during active conflicts, complementing drones and ground-based radars, they explained. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories