New Delhi, October 11 (IANS). In a good sign for India’s security capabilities, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the third phase of the Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) mission. Sources gave this information. This decision will pave the way for the launch of 52 surveillance satellites in low earth and geostationary orbits.
This step of the Modi government is going to give sleepless nights to adversaries like China and Pakistan because after the satellite constellation is fully activated, both the neighbors will be continuously monitored.
Sources familiar with the matter said that with this enhanced capability, India will be able to detect enemy submarines operating in the Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, any illegal infrastructure development by China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) will be closely monitored.
The government’s decision to significantly enhance India’s space-based surveillance capabilities comes at a critical time, given rising tensions and rapidly changing geopolitical circumstances in the Indo-Pacific region. As China remains highly vocal in its pursuit of expansion in the region, the decision to strengthen India’s security measures such as deploying surveillance satellites to effectively monitor and respond to Beijing’s actions is a timely one. There is action.
In response to China’s aggression in the region, the Modi government is implementing effective measures to safeguard the country’s maritime and other security regional interests. India will also ensure that potential threats from enemy submarines are promptly detected and dealt with. Beyond maritime security, experts indicate that these satellites will also monitor infrastructure development by adversaries on India’s land borders.
The move includes surveillance along the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, where construction of new roads, airstrips and military posts has raised major concerns over the past several years. Additionally, increased surveillance along the Pakistan border will enable India to keep an eye on new defence-related infrastructure projects that may pose a risk to national security.
Sources say that India will also be able to share the information and key inputs gathered from these satellites about China’s illegal and expansionist activities with other countries.
The surveillance satellite project is being managed by the National Security Council Secretariat in collaboration with the Defense Space Agency under the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence, with the aim of improving awareness over land and maritime areas for both civil and military purposes. The project, with a total estimated budget of Rs 26,968 crore, involves the construction and launch of 21 satellites by ISRO, while the remaining 31 satellites will be developed by private companies.
–IANS
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