Overview

• The Phase-3 Space-Based Surveillance programme, approved at Rs 26,968 crore last October, will deploy 21 ISRO-built and 31 privately developed satellites by the end of 2029.
• The first satellite is slated for an April 2026 launch after government orders to shorten manufacturing and launch schedules.
• India’s forthcoming military space doctrine will coordinate the new constellation with high-altitude pseudo-satellites and existing ISR assets to extend coverage deep into adversary territory.
• The Defence Space Agency under the Integrated Defence Staff will oversee integration of orbital and stratospheric platforms to shorten India’s observe-orient-decide-act loop.
• Private partners will receive SSLV technology transfers to support rapid emergency launches and reinforce resilience against anti-satellite threats.