India aims to considerably improve its space-based defence infrastructure by launching 52 surveillance satellites over the next five years. Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), verified the development during the Global Space Exploration Conference-2025. The ambitious program intends to improve real-time monitoring and surveillance capabilities for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Goenka stated that, while the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has historically overseen such initiatives, private-sector involvement will now play an important role. Almost half of the 52 planned satellites will be built by private enterprises, signalling a significant shift towards public-private collaboration in important space endeavours.
These satellites will be used to monitor borders, detect enemy movements, and ensure smooth coordination during military operations. Goenka emphasised the importance of continuing to expand surveillance technologies and stated that the Union Home Ministry and defence forces will make all choices regarding new enhancements.
In parallel, ISRO is passing its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology to private companies. The SSLV, which can quickly deploy small satellites into low Earth orbit, is ideal for time-sensitive defence applications. The SSLV’s technology transfer is planned to take two weeks and is designed to be efficient, cost-effective, and rapid.
