$3 billion push: India ramps up efforts to enhance satellite-based surveillance tech after Operation Sindoor

Army and security personnel during Operation Sindoor, which India launched on May 7 targetting terror pads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir. (Courtesy: PTI)

India is advancing its efforts to significantly enhance its satellite-based surveillance capabilities after heightened tensions with Pakistan in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people.

The government has already directed three private firms - Ananth Technologies, Centum Electronics, and Alpha Design Technologies - to move up their satellite development schedule from four years to 12-18 months, Mint said quoting people with knowledge on the matter.

The spy satellites are likely to be ready on or before 2026 instead of the earlier deadline set for 2028-end, the report said quoting individuals, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.

One such satellite, which is in the advanced stage of development, is expected to be ready this year itself. Produced by Ananth Technologies, the satellite will either be launched aboard ISRO's Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3) or SpaceX depending on mission schedules.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD), as per the report, issued the directives to fast-track the development of next-generation spy satellites shortly before India launched Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. The May 7 operation targeted nine terror hubs spread across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The initiative is part of the $3-billion Space-Based Surveillance-3 (SBS-3) mission, which was approved by PM Modi-led Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in October 2024. Under the programme, 52 surveillance satellites are being built to monitor India's borders. In addition, these spy satellites will provide crucial assistance during natural disasters such as earthquakes or floods.

"It is a necessary move in light of such sensitive geopolitical interactions. The SBS-3 constellation will work as a crucial piece of infrastructure for India's national security, and is a prime example of the kind of large contracts that the Centre can offer private space firms," Mint said citing one of the people cited above.

Know the manufacturers of spy satellites

Hyderabad-based Ananth Technologies, Bengaluru-based Centum Electronics and Alpha Design Technologies - who are working to deliver the surveillance-based satellites - have been suppliers and vendors of Isro. All three private firms have played significant roles in previous surveillance satellites and landmark space missions including Chandrayaan-3.

Led by former Isro veteran Subba Rao Pavuluri, Ananth Technologies was a key supplier of components to the Chandrayaan-3 mission.

Alpha Design has been one of ISRO's key partners in building and deploying the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), which seeks to replace the global positioning system (GPS) in India with NavIC, an indigenous navigation standard. It was acquired by Adani Defence and Aerospace, which is a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises, in April 2019.