India has taken a big step toward this future, as Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan announced plans to launch several satellites for intelligence and surveillance during the Indian DefSpace Symposium in Delhi. These satellites will be built by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and will boost the military’s ability to watch and listen from space.
A military space doctrine will also be ready in three months, guiding how these tools will be used. With India’s long borders and strategic needs, this move shows how seriously the nation is taking space as a new frontier for defence.
In the backdrop of this development and with India planning to launch dedicated satellites for intelligence and surveillance their significance is of utmost importance. These satellites play two key roles watching over vast areas (surveillance) and gathering secret information (intelligence). Together, they give the military a powerful advantage in today’s fast-moving world.
Military satellites are also important because they provide information that ground-based systems cannot match. Positioned high above the Earth, they can see and listen across huge distances, beyond borders, and in places where it’s hard or dangerous to send people. Unlike planes or drones, satellites do not need to refuel or land and they keep working around the clock. This constant presence makes them essential for staying ahead of threats.
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Experts point out that surveillance is all about watching and monitoring. “Military satellites designed for this job carry advanced cameras and sensors that can take detailed pictures of the ground, even from hundreds of kilometres away. They can see through clouds, work at night, and zoom in on tiny details like a vehicle’s license plate or a ship’s markings. This makes them perfect for keeping an eye on borders, coastlines, or disputed areas.
For instance, if an enemy is moving troops or building something suspicious, a surveillance satellite can spot it early. This early warning gives the military time to plan and respond,” explained space expert Girish Linganna.
Military satellites can also track weather patterns or disasters, like floods, which might affect security. With their wide reach, a single satellite can cover thousands of kilometres, ensuring nothing slips through unnoticed.
On the other hand, they help in intelligence, which is about finding out what others don’t want you to know. Satellites built for this purpose do not just look they listen. They pick up radio signals, phone calls, or electronic messages from the ground, air, or sea. This “signal intelligence” helps the military understand what an enemy is planning or where they’re moving.
For instance, if a rival nation is testing a new weapon, an intelligence satellite might catch those signals, stopping a threat before it starts. These satellites can also track ships or missile launches by detecting radar or heat signatures. By combining this with surveillance data, the military gets a fuller picture, making it sharper and faster in response.
“Military satellites are a force multiplier. They make a country’s defences stronger without needing more soldiers or bases. For surveillance, they provide unmatched coverage and speed. For intelligence, they offer insights that can prevent or win wars,” added Linganna.
In India’s context, with its unique geography and security challenges, these satellites can protect against threats on land, at sea, or even in space. They turn the vastness of space into an advantage, ensuring no move goes unseen and no plan stays hidden. Investing in these orbiting guardians is a smart step toward a safer, stronger future.
The project also reflects the growing synergy between India’s public and private sectors in space technology. ISRO will launch a portion of the satellites while leading private firms such as Larsen & Toubro and Tata Advanced Systems will manufacture the rest.
This collaboration is part of the government’s broader push to liberalize the space sector and tap into the dynamism of India’s booming private space-tech ecosystem. Indian startups like Pixxel have already demonstrated remarkable capability, providing hyperspectral imagery to defence agencies. Indian industry has also delivered advanced technologies such as jammers, tracking radars, and secure communication systems. As noted by Indian Space Association Chairman Jayant Patil, this public-private collaboration is key to scaling innovation and accelerating deployment timelines.
“Many of the satellites will be equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR), enabling them to penetrate cloud cover and darkness, making them capable of detecting underground bunkers, hidden artillery positions, and even adversarial submarines beneath the ocean surface.
With persistent surveillance along contested frontiers and in maritime choke points, India’s forces will gain unprecedented situational awareness across diverse terrains and operational theatres,” remarked Srimathy Kesan, founder and CEO of Space Kidz India.
