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{{Short description|Multi-phased Indian programme to launch spy satellites}}
{{pp-extended|small=yes}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2026}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2026}}

The '''Space Based Surveillance project''' is a series of programmes undertaken by the [[Government of India]] to launch a [[Satellite constellation|constellation of satellites]] for [[Earth observation satellite|earth observation]] roles. The satellites are primarily meant to serve the [[Indian Armed Forces]] through the [[Defence Space Agency]].<ref name=":8" /> India plans to deploye about 150 [[Military satellite|satellites for military roles]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Mishra |first=Mihir |last2=Sen |first2=Sudhi Ranjan |date=2026-01-21 |title=India beefing up space-based surveillance after border conflict |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-surveillance-satellites-india-eyes-spies-in-the-skies-after-sindoor-revealed-many-blind-spots/articleshow/126939124.cms |access-date=2026-01-21 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>

== SBS Phase-I ==
{{Expand section|date=December 2025}}
The Phase-I project was approved by the [[Third Vajpayee ministry|PM Atal Bihari Vajpeyee]] in 2001. The ISRO satellites [[Cartosat-2A]], [[Cartosat-2B]], [[RISAT-1]] and [[RISAT-2]] — were funded launched from India.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2024-10-11 |title=Exclusive: CCS clears launch of 52 surveillance satellites |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/exclusive-ccs-clears-launch-of-52-surveillance-satellites-101728615288379.html |access-date=2024-10-22 |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=India's New Space-Based Spy Network |url=https://thediplomat.com/2025/01/indias-new-space-based-spy-network/ |access-date=2025-12-31 |website=thediplomat.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

== SBS Phase-II ==
{{Expand section|date=December 2025}}
The Phase-II project was approved by the government on 2013 as a part of which 6 satellites — [[Cartosat-2C]], [[Cartosat-2D]], [[Cartosat-3A]], [[Cartosat-3B]], [[Microsat-TD]], [[Microsat-R]] and [[RISAT-2A]] — were approved for development and launch.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":0" /> Microsat-R was the [[Target practice|target satellite]] for India's [[Anti-satellite weapon|ASAT]] Test in 2019 — [[Mission Shakti]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pubby |first=Manu |date=2019-03-28 |title=India tests first anti-satellite missile system, codenamed Mission Shakti |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/pm-modis-big-announcement-india-successfully-tests-anti-satellite-weapon/articleshow/68592702.cms |access-date=2025-12-31 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>

== SBS Phase-III ==
On 12 October 2024, India's [[Cabinet Committee on Security]] approved a proposal for the development, construction and launch of a [[Satellite constellation|constellation]] of 52 [[Reconnaissance satellite|spy satellites]] as a part of the Space Based Surveillance Phase-III project. The project is worth {{INRConvert|26968|c|lk=on|year=2024}} and meant to strengthen the nation’s surveillance capabilities across both terrestrial and maritime domains. This will be supervised by the [[National Security Council (India)|National Security Council Secretariat]] along with the [[Defence Space Agency]], under the [[Integrated Defence Staff]]. The constellation will also enhance the [[Military satellite#Military communication satellites|SATCOM]] capabilities of long range [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAV]] fleet of the Armed Forces including the [[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper|MQ-9B Predator]] drones then expected to enter service in 2028. All the satellites is to be launched within 5 years at [[Geosynchronous equatorial orbit|Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit]] and [[Low Earth orbit|Low Earth Orbit]]. The satellites will be equipped with [[artificial intelligence]] for inter-satellite communications.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Surendra |date=2024-10-12 |title=CCS 'approves launch of 52 spy satellites for Rs 27,000 crore to boost space surveillance |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ccs-approves-launch-of-52-spy-satellites-for-rs-27000-crore-to-boost-space-surveillance/articleshow/114158442.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250823163409/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ccs-approves-launch-of-52-spy-satellites-for-rs-27000-crore-to-boost-space-surveillance/articleshow/114158442.cms |archive-date=2025-08-23 |access-date=2024-10-20 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-10-12 |title=Space spy squad: India greenlights 52 satellites for Rs 27,000 crore sky-high surveillance |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/space-spy-squad-india-greenlights-52-satellites-for-rs-27000-crore-sky-high-surveillance/articleshow/114162342.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-10-20 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-10-12 |title=Modi government approves Rs 27,000 crore worth spy satellites for space surveillance: Report |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/modi-government-approves-rs-27000-crore-worth-spy-satellites-for-space-surveillance-report-3229787 |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref>

As part of the project, 21 satellites will be co-developed by [[ISRO]] and [[France]] (under an [[Letter of intent|LOI]] agreement for “defence space cooperation”) while the rest of 31 satellites are to be developed by three [[private sector]] companies. The role of these satellites would be [[Spy satellite|surveillance]], [[Reconnaissance satellite|reconnaissance]], [[Communications satellite|communication]] and other strategic purposes. The CCS has also, reportedly, approved two agencies to develop multiple types of defensive and offensive capabilities from space. Under the same project, few experiments would be conducted for an integrated [[Low Earth orbit|LEO]] and [[Medium Earth orbit|MEO]] satellite-based communication system which is a requirement for the [[Indian Air Force]] and the [[Indian Navy]]. The first batch of satellites will be launched in 2027–28.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Ray |first=Kalyan |date=2025-02-12 |title=Aero Show 2025: First batch of satellites under new space surveillance programme to be launched by 2027-28 |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/aero-show-2025-first-batch-of-satellites-under-new-space-surveillance-programme-to-be-launched-by-2027-28-3402717 |access-date=2025-02-12 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite news |date=2024-12-17 |title=Preparing for future warfare, Indian defence forces looking to expand space assets, manpower |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/preparing-for-future-warfare-indian-defence-forces-looking-to-expand-space-assets-manpower/articleshow/116406579.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-12-26 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>

Following the [[2025 India–Pakistan conflict]], the project was expedited, according to reports dated 30 June 2025. The first batch of satellites is now anticipated to launch in April 2026, with the full fleet of satellites to be deployed by the end of 2029. While private companies have been instructed to increase the pace of satellite production, additional efforts are apparently being made "to launch the satellites faster" into space. India intends to shrink its [[OODA loop]] as well.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pandit |first=Rajat |date=2025-06-30 |title=Post Op Sindoor, India to fast-track launch of 52 defence surveillance satellites |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/post-op-sindoor-india-to-fast-track-launch-of-52-defence-surveillance-satellites/articleshow/122149971.cms |access-date=2025-06-30 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Shivani |last2=Negi |first2=Manjeet |last3=Parashar |first3=Shipra |date=2025-06-30 |title=India fast-tracks launch of 52 military satellites after Operation Sindoor |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-fast-tracks-launch-of-52-military-satellites-after-operation-sindoor-2748170-2025-06-30 |access-date=2025-06-30 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2025-06-30 |title=India to fast-track 52 military satellites for better surveillance at borders |url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/india-to-fast-track-new-military-satellites-for-better-surveillance-at-borders/article69755996.ece |access-date=2025-06-30 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In order to scan and monitor hostile aircraft, drones, or missiles, as well as to cue weapon systems for interception, SBS Phase-III will be connected to air defense assets and radars under [[Mission Sudarshan Chakra]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dutta |first=Amrita Nayak |date=2025-10-06 |title=Exclusive: Over-the-horizon radars, energy weapons, satellites to be integrated into 'Sudarshan Chakra' air defence shield |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/energy-weapons-satellites-radar-network-key-to-sudarshan-chakra-10289885/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251006101705/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/energy-weapons-satellites-radar-network-key-to-sudarshan-chakra-10289885/ |archive-date=2025-10-06 |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

In order to scan and monitor hostile aircraft, drones, or missiles, as well as to cue weapon systems for interception, SBS Phase-III will be connected to air defense assets and radars under [[Mission Sudarshan Chakra]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dutta |first=Amrita Nayak |date=2025-10-06 |title=Exclusive: Over-the-horizon radars, energy weapons, satellites to be integrated into ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ air defence shield |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/energy-weapons-satellites-radar-network-key-to-sudarshan-chakra-10289885/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251006101705/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/energy-weapons-satellites-radar-network-key-to-sudarshan-chakra-10289885/ |archive-date=2025-10-06 |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

As part of the plan, the project will add night-image capability and will also establish overseas [[ground stations]] with local government approval. The night vision capacity will be added by deploying satellites equipped with [[synthetic-aperture radar]]. Development of [[Satellite-Protection Project|bodyguard satellites]] is also being undertaken to deter any threat to the [[surveillance satellites]]. Technology for inter-satellite data transfer is also being developed.Private players have also been invited to build Technology demonstrators. <ref><nowiki>https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-05/india-taps-space-startups-for-launching-bodyguard-satellites</nowiki></ref>Further, the first batch of satellite might be launched by April 2026.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=MSN |url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/techandscience/india-plans-to-launch-over-50-spy-satellites-following-operation-sindoor/ar-AA1UESdG?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=a3e8a041123848cf8901f19468c6d479&ei=63 |access-date=2026-01-22 |website=www.msn.com}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[TSAT-1A]]
* [[Mission Shakti]]
* [[Defence Space Agency]]
* [[Defense Support Program|Defence Support Program]]
* [[Satellite-Protection Project]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Satellites]]
[[Category:Military of India]]

Space Based Surveillance project (India) - Revision history

Brigette59K: New post