Reliance Jio’s 1,600-LEO Satellite Program Secures IN-SPACe Approval For India’s First Homegrown Constellation

Reliance Jio’s ambitious plan to deploy a constellation of about 1,600 low earth orbit satellites has received a significant boost with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre declaring the proposal technically sound, The Economic Times reported.

The evaluation was carried out jointly by IN-SPACe, the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Wireless Planning and Coordination wing of the Department of Telecommunications.

This approval places Jio’s program on par with global systems such as Starlink and clears the way for the government to extend regulatory support at the international level. The company had sought assistance for International Telecommunications Union filings and orbital rights, which require coordination with other operators to avoid interference.

Neither IN-SPACe nor Reliance Jio responded to queries on the matter. However, officials confirmed that the move paves the way for India’s first homegrown LEO constellation, a development with major implications for national security and strategic defence. The LEO segment is currently dominated by Starlink, which has more than 10,000 satellites in orbit, but geopolitical tensions are driving nations to reduce reliance on foreign operators.

The capacity proposed by Jio is unprecedented in India. The company has outlined plans to deliver between 4.5 and 5 terabit per second throughput across the country. This figure far exceeds Starlink’s approved 600 gigabit per second and Amazon Leo’s planned 3 terabit per second capacity, though Amazon has yet to secure authorisation from IN-SPACe.

The orbital parameters and technical architecture of Jio’s constellation have been designed to allow coexistence with another Indian constellation in the future. This ensures flexibility for the country’s satellite communications sector as more domestic players enter the field.

Jio intends to provide fixed satellite services including broadband and cellular backhaul, as well as mobile satellite services such as direct-to-device connectivity. To support these operations, the company plans to establish 20 to 22 ground stations across India.

The regulator has highlighted the merits of the proposal, noting that it meets strategic defence requirements and reduces dependence on overseas companies. It has recommended that regulatory and policy support be extended to Jio so that India can establish its first non-geostationary constellation.

In addition to the technical evaluation, discussions have already taken place at senior levels of government regarding the possibility of hosting defence payloads on some of the satellites. This would further enhance the strategic value of the constellation and integrate it into India’s broader defence infrastructure.

The approval marks a decisive step forward for Reliance Jio’s satellite program, positioning India to join the select group of nations with indigenous LEO systems. It also underscores the government’s determination to strengthen national security and technological self-reliance in the face of growing global competition.

Agencies

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Sanyark Space: India’s Leap Toward Integrated Navigation And Communication Constellations

Sanyark Space has emerged as one of the most ambitious ventures in India’s private space sector, founded by former ISRO scientists Raghava Kundrapu and Akhileshwar Reddy Peseke.

Their vision is to build a resilient Low Earth Orbit constellation that integrates centimetre-level positioning, secure IoT connectivity, and software-defined satellite technology. The company is not merely focused on launching satellites but on creating the operating system for an autonomous world, where navigation, communication, and resilience converge seamlessly, according to a report by New Indian Express.

Raghava’s eight years at ISRO, where he contributed to over forty missions including launch vehicle and human spaceflight programs, gave him a strong systems-level understanding of space technologies. 

His subsequent role at Deloitte as a space technology consultant exposed him to national and state-level projects, where he identified critical gaps in positioning, navigation, and timing infrastructure.

The limitations of existing GNSS systems, particularly their metre-level accuracy, became evident during studies on satellite-based tolling. This challenge, combined with Akhileshwar’s experience on the GNSS tolling pilot project, led to the conception of Sanyark’s NAVCOM vision — a fusion of navigation and communication capabilities.

India’s dependence on foreign satellite infrastructure for navigation and timing services remains a strategic vulnerability. While NAVIC is a step toward sovereignty, it does not yet deliver the centimetre-level precision required for future mobility applications. From aviation and maritime operations to logistics and defence, critical infrastructure depends on positioning and timing data.

Sanyark Space aims to fill this gap by building sovereign infrastructure that ensures both accuracy and resilience against jamming and spoofing, threats that have already disrupted aviation and transportation globally.

The founders describe their mission as building a “space backbone.” This means creating a LEO-based infrastructure layer that supports not only consumer navigation but also telecommunications, financial systems, energy grids, drones, and defence networks.

Timing signals from satellites synchronise 5G networks, power grids, and even financial transactions, making them indispensable to modern economies. As autonomous systems proliferate, resilience will become as important as precision, and Sanyark intends to deliver both.

Unlike many companies focused on launch vehicles or Earth observation, Sanyark differentiates itself by integrating navigation and communication into a single satellite architecture. This convergence reflects the evolution of telecommunications standards toward 6G, where navigation and communication are increasingly inseparable. Globally, only a handful of companies are pursuing this integrated approach, and Sanyark aims to position India at the forefront of this emerging category.

The fusion of PNT and communications is driven by both technological advances and market demand. Autonomous vehicles, drones, logistics networks, and industrial systems require simultaneous navigation and communication capabilities.

Advances in electronics now allow both functions to be integrated into compact systems-on-chip, enabling seamless platforms that combine positioning, timing, and connectivity. Sanyark’s integrated NAVCOM satellites are designed to meet this demand.

India’s role in the global space race is shifting as private industry takes centre stage. Since the sector opened to private participation, startups have made progress in launch vehicles, satellite platforms, and Earth observation.

Navigation and communication represent the next frontier, and Sanyark sees an opportunity for India to leapfrog rather than catch up. By delivering sovereign NAVCOM infrastructure, the company aims to reduce dependence on foreign systems and establish India as a leader in next-generation space technologies.

The roadmap ahead is ambitious. Within the next twelve months, Sanyark plans to launch its first technology demonstration satellite, with high-altitude platform systems testing navigation technologies by year-end.

A second demonstration mission in 2027 will showcase the integrated NAVCOM architecture. Commercial deployment will follow, beginning with a constellation of 30 to 40 satellites covering India, the Middle East, and South Asia. The long-term vision is a global constellation of 200 to 240 satellites, with operational deployment targeted around 2029–30.

On the funding and validation front, Sanyark is participating in national initiatives focused on strategic space technologies and has been selected for investment and support programmes.

Over the past six months, the company has concentrated on developing proprietary signal waveforms and advancing the technology readiness of its PNT payloads. The next phase will integrate advanced communication capabilities, realising the vision of a fully integrated NAVCOM platform.

Sanyark Space represents a bold step in India’s private space journey. By addressing critical gaps in navigation and communication infrastructure, it is positioning itself as a cornerstone of the autonomous future, where precision, resilience, and connectivity will define the next era of technological progress.

Agencies

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Exicom Successfully Demonstrates IP Mesh Networking With Indian Army

Mumbai-based Exicom has successfully demonstrated its advanced IP Mesh Networking system with the Indian Army, achieving reliable communication over distances of 5 to 15 kilometres in varied terrains. This marks a significant step in India’s defence modernisation drive, enhancing secure battlefield connectivity and situational awareness.

Exicom’s trials with the Indian Army validated the robustness of its IP Mesh radios, which maintained seamless communication across diverse environments including dense forests, hilly regions, and open fields. The system proved effective in both line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight conditions, ensuring uninterrupted voice, video, and data transmission.

The IP Mesh technology is designed to be infrastructure-less and host-less, making it suitable for deployment across land, air, and sea platforms. During the trials, soldiers equipped with Exicom radios were able to share critical information in real time, coordinate operations, and maintain situational awareness even while on the move.

The network’s self-healing and adaptive capabilities ensured that connectivity was sustained despite dynamic battlefield conditions.

Exicom’s solution integrates seamlessly with existing Indian Army networks such as the Army Data Network (ADN) and AWAN, providing interoperability with both legacy and modern systems. The radios are secured with AES 256-bit encryption, offering protection against interception and ensuring confidentiality of communications. Features such as Low Probability of Intercept (LPI), Low Probability of Detection (LPD), and Low Probability of Exploitation (LPE) further enhance operational security.

The trials also highlighted the system’s scalability, enabling convoy commanders and tactical units to maintain fluid communication along extended routes. This capability is vital for modern battlefield operations where mobility and rapid response are critical. The technology supports integration with unmanned systems, drones, and autonomous vehicles, thereby extending its utility beyond conventional troop communication.

Exicom has been actively contributing to India’s defence modernisation under the Make in India initiative. Its collaboration with Domo Tactical Communications (DTC) has enabled the development of indigenous IP Mesh radios tailored to the needs of Indian forces.

These radios are versatile, available in handheld, body-worn, vehicle-mounted, and drone-based repeater configurations, ensuring adaptability across tactical levels.

The successful trials underscore the importance of advanced communication systems in digitising the battlefield. Reliable mesh networking enhances command and control, logistics, intelligence preparation, and medical support within tactical battle areas. By ensuring secure and scalable connectivity, Exicom’s technology strengthens India’s defensive posture and supports the operational effectiveness of its armed forces.

The achievement also reflects India’s growing emphasis on indigenous defence technologies that reduce reliance on foreign systems. Exicom’s IP Mesh Networking solution represents a critical step towards building a self-reliant and technologically advanced military communication infrastructure.

Agencies

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Reliance Jio Plans 1,650‑Satellite Constellation To Challenge Starlink

Reliance Jio is preparing to enter the satellite communications sector in a major way by planning its own low Earth orbit constellation of between 1,600 and 1,650 satellites, according to a report by ET Infra.

These satellites are expected to be deployed at an altitude of around 650 kilometres within the next two to three years. The aim is to provide broadband and direct‑to‑device connectivity services across India and potentially beyond.

The Mukesh Ambani‑led company has already submitted a proposal to the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre, which is currently evaluating the technical architecture and configuration of the constellation.

This marks the first time an Indian entity has sought to establish such a large‑scale LEO network, a segment currently dominated by Elon Musk’s Starlink, which has around 10,000 satellites in orbit.

The government is expected to support Jio by assisting with International Telecommunication Union filings to secure orbital slots. Officials have indicated that this support will extend to other Indian companies that wish to enter the strategic satellite sector. This move is significant as countries worldwide are attempting to reduce reliance on foreign satellite operators due to heightened national security concerns.

Experts estimate that building and deploying such a constellation will require investment in the range of $10‑15 billion, equivalent to roughly ₹95,000‑141,500 crore. Depending on the satellite design, the system could generate several terabits of capacity, making it a powerful broadband backbone. The SATCOM unit will be housed under Jio Platforms, alongside the company’s other digital assets.

Jio Platforms is also preparing for an initial public offering in the near future, which could provide additional capital for the ambitious satellite project. The company’s entry into the space sector was first reported last month, signalling a strategic expansion beyond terrestrial telecom services.

Globally, other major players are also building LEO constellations. Jeff Bezos’ Amazon is in the process of deploying about 3,200 satellites, with more than 300 already in orbit.

Eutelsat OneWeb, backed by Sunil Mittal’s Bharti Group and the French government, has around 654 satellites operational.

Reliance Jio already has a joint venture with Luxembourg‑based SES, which operates satellites in geostationary and medium Earth orbit, but not in LEO.

The decision to press ahead with its own constellation comes amid growing scrutiny of foreign satellite operators such as Starlink, which have faced questions over national security implications. India’s move to support Jio reflects a broader push for technological self‑reliance, particularly in strategic sectors like space and communications.

Reliance Jio’s planned constellation represents a bold attempt to create an Indian alternative to Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper, ensuring that India has sovereign control over critical satellite infrastructure.

If successful, the project will not only transform connectivity across the country but also position India as a serious player in the global satellite communications market.

Agencies

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India Orders ISRO To Launch 200 Satellites Amid Transponder Crisis

India faces a critical satellite shortage, with the Centre directing ISRO to launch at least 200 satellites in the next three years to address a severe transponder deficit and safeguard national digital infrastructure. 

The agency, currently operating only 56 satellites, must scale up operations dramatically while balancing flagship missions and overcoming recent launch failures.

India’s satellite fleet stands at just 56, far below the requirements of its expanding domestic, commercial, and strategic sectors.

The Central Government has issued a strict directive to ISRO to launch at least 200 satellites within three years.

This unprecedented demand comes against the backdrop of ISRO’s modest record of six launches last year and five the year before, highlighting the scale of the challenge.

The directive coincides with ISRO’s already congested schedule. The agency is simultaneously advancing the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, preparing for future Chandrayaan lunar explorations, and developing an indigenous space station.

These flagship programs demand significant resources and attention, leaving ISRO stretched thin. The situation has been further complicated by the failure of two Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle missions, which disrupted the reliability of its launch calendar.

International demand for India’s commercial launch services continues to rise, adding to the operational bottleneck. To manage this crisis, ISRO is increasingly turning to commercial partnerships.

The agency is outsourcing rocket and satellite manufacturing to private industry, leveraging the capabilities of around 400 domestic start-ups and aerospace firms. Bulk deployments are being planned, with more than 10 satellites targeted per launch. The newly developed Small Satellite Launch Vehicle is expected to play a pivotal role, enabling high-frequency, low-cost launches.

The government’s urgency stems from India’s acute shortage of satellite transponders. At present, the country has access to only 196 transponders. Of these, 126 are leased to government and private entities, 33 are dedicated to public services, and 37 are reserved for military and strategic defence.

This capacity is far below the national requirement of at least 500 transponders. To bridge the gap, India has been forced to lease bandwidth from foreign satellites, incurring significant financial costs and exposing vulnerabilities in strategic autonomy.

The Centre has directed ISRO to deploy at least 300 new transponders as part of the upcoming satellite push. Transponders are vital electronic devices that receive signals from Earth, amplify them, and retransmit them at different frequencies to targeted destinations. Without a substantial increase in transponder capacity, India’s digital infrastructure remains at risk.

Transponder bandwidth underpins everyday systems. It powers television broadcasting, maritime and aviation navigation, air traffic control communications, and national highway toll collection through FASTags. It also supports advanced medical equipment and banking infrastructure, including credit and debit card processing and digital payment gateways. The shortage therefore threatens both civilian convenience and national security.

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan has emphasised that the agency cannot achieve this target alone. He has called for deeper participation from private industry, start-ups, and academia, positioning ISRO as an enabler of the broader ecosystem rather than working in isolation.

India’s space start-up ecosystem has expanded significantly following sectoral reforms, with more than 400 firms now active. Coordinated efforts across ISRO, industry, and research institutions will be essential to meet the government’s directive.

India’s long-term ambitions include building its own 52-ton indigenous space station by 2035. The country has already achieved major milestones such as the Mars Orbiter Mission, Chandrayaan lunar missions, and the Aditya-L1 solar mission.

Commercially, India has transitioned into a global launch hub, including missions carrying large foreign payloads such as a 6,000 kg satellite for an American company using an Indian rocket. These achievements underscore India’s growing role in global space operations, but the immediate challenge of scaling up satellite launches remains formidable.

Agencies

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Army And Airtel Partner To Boost Mobile Connectivity In Arunachal’s West Kameng

The Indian Army and Bharti Airtel have entered into a formal partnership to expand mobile network infrastructure in the remote West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.

This initiative is being positioned as a landmark effort to bridge the digital divide in a frontier region that has remained disconnected for more than a decade.

Defence Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mahendra Rawat emphasised in an official communique that the project represents a significant stride in nation-building through military-civil integration.

The collaboration is expected to deliver tangible benefits to local residents by facilitating access to essential services. Improved connectivity will enable smoother implementation of government schemes, enhance opportunities for digital education, and strengthen healthcare delivery systems.

It will also promote financial inclusion by allowing residents to engage with banking and digital payment platforms more effectively. These developments are particularly crucial in high-altitude and difficult-to-reach areas where physical access to services has traditionally been limited.

Beyond civilian benefits, the upgraded network infrastructure carries strategic importance. Seamless communication capabilities will directly support the operational effectiveness of Indian Army troops deployed in forward areas.

Enhanced connectivity will improve logistical coordination, situational awareness, and rapid response mechanisms, thereby strengthening India’s defensive posture in a sensitive border region. The integration of modern communication systems into military operations underscores the dual-use nature of such infrastructure, serving both national security and community development.

The initiative is also expected to stimulate local tourism by making the region more accessible to visitors. Improved mobile coverage will allow tourists to navigate, communicate, and share experiences more easily, thereby boosting the district’s socio-economic prospects.

In turn, this could generate new livelihood opportunities for local communities, ranging from hospitality and transport services to small-scale enterprises catering to visitors.

From a broader perspective, the partnership reflects India’s growing emphasis on leveraging public-private collaboration to address developmental challenges in frontier regions.

It demonstrates how military and corporate entities can work together to deliver infrastructure that is both strategically vital and socially transformative.

The project is therefore not only about connectivity but also about reinforcing the idea of inclusive growth in areas that have long been on the margins of mainstream development.

PTI

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ISRO’s Commercial Arm Resets Satellite Bandwidth Pricing With First Hike In A Decade

NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation, has announced a significant revision in satellite bandwidth pricing.

Effective from 1 April, the rates have been increased by 20%, marking the first adjustment in a decade. The decision reflects a broader reset in how orbital capacity is valued, as demand patterns undergo a notable shift.

The change was formally communicated to customers in a letter dated 18 September, reviewed by Mint. It will directly impact broadcasters, direct-to-home (DTH) platforms, and companies that lease capacity for television distribution.

Other affected sectors include connectivity providers for ATMs and remote areas, maritime operators, defence projects, and enterprise communication networks. These industries rely heavily on satellite bandwidth to maintain operations across dispersed and often inaccessible regions.

The revision comes at a time when traditional DTH usage is weakening, reducing its dominance in the satellite bandwidth market. In contrast, new sectors such as aviation, maritime, and defence are increasingly competing for capacity, driving demand in directions that were less prominent a decade ago.

This shift has prompted NSIL to undertake a long-delayed correction in pricing, aligning costs with the realities of a more diversified and competitive market.

The move signals a strategic recalibration in India’s satellite services sector, acknowledging that orbital capacity is a scarce resource. By raising prices, NSIL aims to balance declining demand in legacy applications with rising requirements in emerging fields, ensuring that bandwidth allocation reflects both market value and operational necessity.

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Inbound Aerospace And IDDK Forge Partnership To Deliver Microgravity Experiments And In-Space Manufacturing

Chennai-based Inbound Aerospace has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Japan’s IDDK Co., Ltd. to advance microgravity experiments and in-space manufacturing.

The collaboration is centred on utilising Inbound Aerospace’s autonomous, reusable spacecraft to host IDDK’s Micro Bio Space LAB, a palm-sized automated research module, for efficient and long-duration studies in Low Earth Orbit.

The partnership is designed to provide “microgravity as a service” for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and advanced material research. By deploying unmanned, recoverable spacecraft, the two companies aim to create a reliable platform for experiments that require extended exposure to microgravity conditions.

This approach is intended to reduce costs and increase accessibility compared to traditional space-based research.

At the core of the collaboration is IDDK’s compact MBS-LAB, which will be integrated with Inbound Aerospace’s autonomous re-entry platforms. This integration is expected to enable streamlined operations, from launch to recovery, while maintaining the integrity of sensitive scientific experiments. 

The agreement also encompasses the development of dedicated spacecraft, mission operations, and ground support infrastructure to ensure seamless execution.

A key objective of the partnership is to provide a cost-effective alternative to the International Space Station, which has long been the primary venue for microgravity research but is approaching retirement. By offering a new platform for experimentation, Inbound Aerospace and IDDK seek to fill the impending gap and sustain global research momentum in space-based sciences.

Inbound Aerospace, an IIT-Madras-incubated start-up, has already demonstrated its ambition by securing $1 million in funding in 2025. The company is targeting its first re-entry mission by late 2027 or early 2028, according to its official communications.

This timeline underscores its commitment to developing indigenous capabilities that can support both domestic and international research initiatives.

The collaboration between Inbound Aerospace and IDDK represents a significant step towards democratising access to microgravity environments.

By combining advanced Japanese laboratory technology with Indian spacecraft innovation, the partnership aims to accelerate breakthroughs in drug development, biotechnology, and materials science.

Ultimately, this agreement highlights the growing role of private aerospace ventures in shaping the future of space research. With the ISS nearing the end of its operational life, initiatives such as this are poised to redefine how humanity conducts experiments in orbit, ensuring continuity and expanding opportunities for scientific discovery.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)

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Sovereignty At Risk: Why India’s Floundering NavIC Constellation Leaves the Military Vulnerable To GPS Blackouts

The strategic autonomy of India’s military operations is currently tethered to a foreign utility that could, in a moment of geopolitical friction, be throttled or severed.

While the Global Positioning System (GPS) serves as the invisible backbone of modern logistics and precision warfare, its ownership by the United States government remains a dormant vulnerability for New Delhi.

History and recent diplomatic shifts suggest that reliance on a third-party constellation is not merely a technical choice but a significant national security risk.

Modern combat is defined by Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT). From the mid-course corrections of a long-range cruise missile to the tactical coordination of infantry units and the flight paths of loitering munitions, precision is the primary force multiplier.

If the US were to degrade GPS signal quality—a process known as Selective Availability—or deny it entirely over a specific theatre of war, the circular error probable of Indian munitions would expand drastically. Guided bombs would become "dumb" iron bombs, and the strategic edge provided by high-tech assets would evaporate.

The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, commercially known as NavIC, was conceived specifically to mitigate this "Kargil-moment" risk, referencing the 1999 conflict where GPS data was reportedly restricted. Designed to provide accurate positioning over India and a 1,500 km radius around its borders, NavIC was meant to be the shield of sovereignty.

However, the current state of the constellation is precarious. With reports indicating a critical failure rate in the rubidium atomic clocks and a dwindling number of active satellites, the system’s redundancy is effectively non-existent.

A navigation constellation requires a minimum of four satellites to provide a three-dimensional position and time fix. If the network drops below this threshold, it ceases to be a functional utility. The current reported status—where only a fraction of the original seven-satellite constellation is operational—places India in a position where its indigenous alternative is more a proof-of-concept than a reliable military tool.

This stagnation is particularly alarming when contrasted with the rapid expansion of China’s BeiDou and Russia’s GLONASS.

The urgency is further underscored by the shifting dynamics of regional intelligence sharing. Evidence from recent border tensions suggests that adversaries are already leveraging high-quality real-time satellite data provided by their allies to monitor Indian troop and naval movements. In a high-intensity conflict, the side with the most reliable "eye in the sky" holds the initiative. If India cannot guarantee the integrity of its own positioning data, it remains reactive rather than proactive.

To bridge this gap, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) must transition from a slow-drip replenishment cycle to a robust, high-cadence launch schedule.

The "NVS" or "NavIC-Sub-System" series of next-generation satellites, which include L1 band signals for civilian use and enhanced secure clocks for the military, must be deployed without further administrative or technical delays. Reliability is built through redundancy; a seven-satellite system is the bare minimum, whereas a truly resilient architecture requires on-orbit spares.

Furthermore, the government must enforce a top-down mandate for the integration of NavIC-compatible hardware across all indigenous military platforms.

It is not enough to have satellites in orbit if the receivers on a TEJAS fighter or a BrahMos missile are still defaulting to GPS. Strategic autonomy is an expensive and difficult pursuit, but as the geopolitical landscape becomes increasingly unpredictable, the cost of being "blinded" during a conflict is far higher than the cost of a few dozen satellite launches.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)

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Indian Army Intensifies Drills To Master Networked Air Defence And Drone Combat Amid Tactics Regional Threats

The Indian Army is ramping up its operational readiness through a series of intensive exercises across multiple commands, focusing on air defence and drone warfare.

These drills come against the backdrop of lessons from the West Asia conflict, where drones and hybrid aerial threats have redefined battlefields. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged the forces to absorb these hard-earned insights swiftly.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi personally oversaw the annual Integrated Air Defence Firepower exercise at the Army Air Defence College in Gopalpur on Saturday. The event highlighted the seamless integration of diverse air defence systems in a networked setup. It rigorously tested the full detection-to-engagement cycle against emerging hybrid threats, including low-flying drones and missiles.

Visuals from Gopalpur featured the Indo-Israeli Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system, a joint venture between India’s DRDO and Israel’s Rafael, capable of engaging targets at ranges up to 70 km across varied altitudes. DRDO’s D4 counter-unmanned aerial system (counter-UAS) was also prominent, designed to neutralise small drones using a mix of electronic warfare, kinetic interceptors, and directed energy.

Legacy systems shone too: the Soviet-era Zu-23 twin-barrelled 23mm autocannon and L-70 40mm guns provided short-range punch against low-level threats. The radar-guided ZSU-23-4 Schilka, a self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicle, demonstrated rapid tracking and fire against fast-movers. Decoys simulated enemy targets, stressing the systems under realistic, cluttered conditions.

A key emphasis lay not on standalone platforms but on their networked operation. Sensors fed data into a central command grid for quicker target acquisition across short, medium, and long ranges. This validates India’s push towards a layered, sensor-fused air defence architecture, crucial along volatile borders with Pakistan and China.

In Udhampur, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma reinforced the primacy of ground dominance while acknowledging technological shifts. He noted that warfare now integrates society, industry, and technology with diplomacy, deterrence, and force. Drones, decision-support weapons, electronic warfare, and counter-systems are accelerating combat tempos.

Western Command, guarding the Pakistan frontier, conducted a 72-hour reconnaissance exercise with elements of its II Strike Corps on Sunday. Mechanised recce troops, armed with UAVs and advanced surveillance gear, practised the pre-assault phase. They mapped enemy positions ahead of armoured advances, exploiting gaps to shape the battlespace.

Southern Command’s fortnight-long ‘Amogh Jwala’ exercise earlier this month fielded the Army’s first dedicated ‘Shaurya’ squadron. These units embed UAV-led surveillance and precision strikes into armoured operations. Plans call for one such squadron per operational command initially, scaling to all 63 armoured regiments.

Unmanned systems are permeating all combat arms. Infantry ‘Ashni’ platoons, raised last year, wield surveillance UAVs and loitering munitions for tactical intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and strikes. Artillery’s ‘Divyastra’ batteries fuse UAV targeting with guns to slash engagement times under a cost-effective ‘save and raise’ model.

Artillery has also stood up ‘Shaktibaan’ regiments for long-range precision via swarm drones, remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), and loitering munitions. This institutionalisation reflects the Army’s doctrinal pivot, spurred by conflicts like Nagorno-Karabakh and Ukraine, where cheap drones overwhelmed traditional defences.

These exercises underscore India’s drive for indigenous capability amid border tensions. With China deploying advanced UAVs along the LAC and Pakistan honing drone swarms, layered air defence and counter-UAS form non-negotiable pillars. Gen Dwivedi’s presence signals high command priority on rapid integration.

Procurement accelerates too: MRSAM deliveries continue, while DRDO fast-tracks D4 and next-gen systems like the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS). Private sector involvement, bolsters production. The Army aims for full-spectrum dominance in drone-infested skies.

Agencies

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Panel Urges Swift Rollout of SBS-III to Bolster India's IOR Vigilance Amid Sino-Pak Naval Threat

A Parliamentary committee has called for the prompt implementation of the Space Based Surveillance-III (SBS-III) program in a time-bound manner to enhance India's Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

This recommendation forms part of a broader report by the Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, which evaluates the government's response to prior observations on India's Indian Ocean Strategy.

The committee underscores the pivotal strategic, economic, and environmental role of the IOR for India. Spanning over 70 million square kilometres, the region connects more than 35 littoral states and supports one-third of the global population. India's own stakes are substantial, with a coastline exceeding 11,098 kilometres and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.4 million square kilometres.

The IOR handles 90 per cent of India's trade volume, alongside half of the world's container shipments, a third of bulk cargo, and two-thirds of oil shipments. The committee stresses that this maritime lifeline is integral to India's geopolitical, economic, and cultural interests, necessitating a comprehensive strategy to ensure regional security, stability, and prosperity.

While acknowledging recent government initiatives, the committee insists on intensified bilateral and multilateral defence partnerships. It notes India's commitments through military asset provision, joint exercises, high-level visits, and capacity-building support. Yet, it urges the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to elevate these efforts, positioning India as a leading security provider in the IOR.

A key concern is the deepening China-Pakistan naval nexus, which poses a combined threat to regional balance. The committee recommends proactive countermeasures, including bolstered deterrence capabilities and joint exercises with partners. The Indian Navy remains vigilant, closely monitoring deployments by both nations.

Recent naval enhancements include the commissioning of INS Vikrant, submarine fleet modernisation with nuclear-powered vessels, induction of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) corvettes, P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft, and MH-60R helicopters.

Despite these strides, the committee expresses alarm over expanding Chinese deployments in the IOR and potential Sino-Pak naval collaboration.

To counter these risks, the MEA should support the Indian Navy's strategic partnerships via increased deployments, exercises, and collaborations with like-minded navies. Strengthening MDA is paramount, with SBS-III positioned as a cornerstone for real-time intelligence, surveillance, and situational awareness.

The committee also highlights the escalating narcotics trafficking in the IOR, urging comprehensive upgrades to coastal surveillance infrastructure. Measures already in place include the National Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence Network (NC3I), Sagar Prahari Bal, over 80 fast interceptor craft, 23 immediate support vessels, coastal security exercises, and Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders on fishing vessels.

The Indian Coast Guard has similarly acted against trafficking. However, the committee emphasises that these threats extend beyond coasts, impacting national security, economic stability, and social order. It calls for a National Maritime Domain Awareness Project to integrate all surveillance centres and databases under one umbrella, expedited in a time-bound fashion.

State-of-the-art coastal surveillance is essential for monitoring India's vast EEZ against piracy, trafficking, illegal fishing, maritime terrorism, and natural calamities. As of September 2025, the Indian Navy operates 140 ships and submarines alongside 264 aircraft, with 55 more ships under construction for induction over the next six years and approval for 74 additional vessels.

India must amplify its naval presence to provide credible deterrence and safeguard national interests. The committee reiterates the need for sustained investment in modernising both the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, enabling India to fulfil its role as a net security provider in the IOR.

ANI

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PM Modi Engages With Qualcomm CEO On AI And 6G Horizons At India AI Impact Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a significant bilateral meeting with Cristiano Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm, on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026.

The encounter took place at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Friday, 20 February 2026, underscoring India's deepening ties with global technology leaders.

This discussion followed Amon's keynote address at the summit, where he elaborated on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in reshaping mobile devices. He emphasised that AI would fundamentally alter perceptions of smartphones, positioning them as indispensable tools in an evolving technological landscape.

Amon highlighted Qualcomm's pioneering efforts in developing hardware and software tailored for AI integration across diverse devices. From low-power chips consuming under 2 milliwatts for smart earbuds to high-capacity 2000-watt processors for data centres, the company spans the spectrum of AI-enabled innovation.

He foresaw a revolution in industrial robotics, which would redefine the role of mobile devices in everyday life. Smartphones, already viewed as inseparable companions, would evolve further amid these advancements, he noted.

Turning to India specifically, Amon praised the nation as an emerging global manufacturing hub with immense opportunities. This aligns with India's push towards self-reliance in technology production, particularly in semiconductors and AI hardware.

On telecommunications, Amon described the sector as on the cusp of its next major transformation with the advent of 6G networks. These would transcend mere connectivity enhancements, incorporating AI-native architectures and large-scale sensing capabilities, with AI at their core.

The meeting with Modi builds on earlier high-level interactions at the summit. On Wednesday, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan hosted Amon and Qualcomm's senior management team at Uprashtrapati Bhavan.

Discussions during the Vice President's meeting focused on breakthroughs in AI and semiconductors, and their burgeoning importance to India's digital ecosystem. This reflects a coordinated governmental approach to leveraging such technologies for national growth.

The India AI Impact Summit 2026, hosted from 16 to 20 February, convenes global leaders and institutions. It embodies India's commitment to multilateral collaboration, harnessing AI to tackle worldwide challenges while fostering shared prosperity.

Anchored in three foundational principles—People, Planet, and Progress—the summit promotes ethical AI deployment for societal benefit, environmental sustainability, and economic advancement. Such engagements signal India's ambition to lead in the global AI race.

These interactions with Qualcomm's leadership could pave the way for expanded investments in India, bolstering domestic chip manufacturing and AI infrastructure. As 6G and AI converge, partnerships like these will be pivotal for India's technological sovereignty.

ANI

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PM Modi Convenes With OpenAI's Sam Altman And Tech Titans At AI Summit, Spotlighting India's Sovereign Tech Surge

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a key bilateral meeting with Sam Altman, Chief Executive Officer of OpenAI, on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi.

The encounter took place at Hyderabad House, a venue steeped in diplomatic tradition, underscoring the growing synergy between India's leadership and global technology pioneers.

This discussion followed Modi's earlier meeting with Cristiano Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm, highlighting a packed schedule of high-level tech engagements. Such interactions reflect India's strategic push to position itself as a frontrunner in artificial intelligence amid rapid global advancements.

The summit itself, hosted at Bharat Mandapam, has emerged as a pivotal platform for fostering international collaboration on AI. Altman, in his keynote address delivered on Thursday, praised the event as essential for cross-border cooperation, lauding India's swift embrace of AI technologies.

"It's really a treat to be here in India," Altman remarked, expressing admiration for the nation's leadership in advanced AI. He noted his return after just over a year, during which AI capabilities have surged—from systems grappling with basic high school mathematics to those now tackling research-level problems and generating novel results in theoretical physics.

Altman highlighted India's impressive strides in deploying AI to benefit a broader populace. He commended the country's focus on sovereign AI infrastructure, including small language models (SLMs) and robust foundational systems, which have positioned India uniquely on the world stage.

More than 100 million Indians now use ChatGPT weekly, with over a third being students—a statistic Altman cited to illustrate widespread adoption. India has also become the fastest-growing market for Codex, OpenAI's coding agent, which accelerates software development for users across the nation.

The summit's symbolic high point came on Thursday with a traditional 'family photo' at Bharat Mandapam. Prime Minister Modi stood alongside global tech luminaries, including Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet; Sam Altman of OpenAI; Alexandr Wang, Chief AI Officer of Meta; and Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic.

This gathering of heads of state, world leaders, and industry titans marked a defining moment, symbolising unified efforts to harness AI's potential responsibly. It signals deepening Indo-US tech partnerships, especially as India accelerates its indigenous AI ambitions under initiatives like the India AI Mission.

These meetings occur against a backdrop of India's aggressive AI roadmap, backed by investments exceeding ₹10,000 crore. The nation aims to build data centres, GPU clusters, and sovereign AI models, reducing reliance on foreign tech while addressing local challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and education.

Altman's optimism aligns with recent milestones, such as India's launch of homegrown AI models like BharatGen and Krutrim, developed by firms like Sarvam AI and Ola's Bhavish Aggarwal. Over 150 million weekly ChatGPT users in India underscore the democratisation of AI tools.

Qualcomm's involvement, via Amon's meeting, points to hardware synergies. The US chipmaker has expanded in India with 5G and AI-enabled devices, supporting Modi's vision for 'Make in India' in semiconductors and edge computing.

Broader implications extend to geopolitics. As tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific, AI leadership bolsters India's strategic autonomy, from defence applications to space tech via ISRO. Collaborations with OpenAI could fast-track multimodal AI for sectors like multilingual processing, vital for India's diverse 1.4 billion population.

PM Modi's engagements signal a proactive stance, potentially yielding investments, joint R&D, and policy alignments. With Altman returning amid OpenAI's frontier models like o1, these talks may catalyse tailored AI solutions for India's unique needs.

As the India AI Impact Summit 2026 progresses, it cements New Delhi's status as a global AI hub, blending tradition with innovation in pursuit of inclusive technological progress.

ANI

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DAC Approves HAPS For IAF, Bridging Drone-Satellite Surveillance Void

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the Acceptance of Necessity for procuring Airships-Based High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (AS-HAPS) tailored for the Indian Air Force.

This decision forms part of a colossal ₹3.60 lakh crore capital acquisition plan. The broader package encompasses Rafale fighter jets alongside various missiles.

AS-HAPS platforms promise persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. They will also handle Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), telecommunications, and remote sensing for defence needs. The projected expenditure stands at around ₹15,000 crore. This move signals a major enhancement to the IAF's surveillance framework.

High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites, or HAPS, represent solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles engineered for stratospheric operations. These craft loiter at heights of 18 to 20 kilometres—roughly twice the cruising level of passenger airliners. Their design enables prolonged endurance in the upper atmosphere.

Conventional satellites orbit at minimum altitudes of 200 kilometres above Earth. Launching them demands costly rocket deployments and intricate orbital mechanics. In contrast, HAPS evade such expenses by stationing themselves in the stratosphere, mimicking satellite functions at far lower costs—thus earning the "pseudo-satellite" moniker.

HAPS draw power from solar panels during daylight hours. At night, they rely on advanced high-density batteries to sustain flight. This hybrid energy system allows them to remain aloft for months or even years. Such persistence outstrips traditional aircraft and drones.

The urgency for HAPS in India traces back to the 2017 Doklam standoff with China. That episode laid bare vulnerabilities in monitoring India's expansive and rugged borders. Continuous, real-time oversight emerged as a pressing requirement amid escalating tensions.

Standard UAVs endure only brief flight durations and scan limited zones. Low-Earth orbit satellites follow fixed trajectories, precluding stationary vigilance over hotspots. HAPS rectify this shortfall by maintaining a stationary hover over chosen areas, delivering uninterrupted feeds.

These platforms excel in detecting subtle border shifts or troop movements instantly. Equipped with high-definition optical and infrared sensors, they function as elevated watchtowers. Their repositioning flexibility surpasses rigid satellite paths.

India's indigenous HAPS efforts centre on the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in Bangalore. In February 2024, NAL trialled a 23-kg prototype at the Challakere Aeronautical Test Range in Karnataka's Chitradurga district. Sporting a 12-metre wingspan, it logged eight and a half hours aloft at 3 kilometres.

The prototype surpassed all benchmarks. Subsequent pre-monsoon campaigns demonstrated flight through cloud layers. It reached 24,000 feet reliably. NAL now targets a full-scale version by 2027.

This larger variant will boast a 30-metre wingspan—comparable to a Boeing 737. It aims for 23-kilometre altitudes with 90-hour endurance. Solar propulsion and lightweight composites underpin its design.

Private sector innovation bolsters these advances. Bengaluru's NewSpace Research and Technologies has tested a solar UAV under the Defence Ministry's iDEX scheme. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) partners with a startup on a "futuristic" HAPS platform.

Beyond defence, HAPS hold vast civilian promise. They can relay disaster management communications in remote crises. Extending 5G coverage to underserved regions becomes feasible. Precision agriculture benefits from aerial crop monitoring.

Environmental surveillance gains too, tracking deforestation or pollution dynamically. As "towers in the sky," HAPS offer superior targeting over satellites. Their lower orbits enhance image resolution for specialised tasks.

The DAC nod propels the project forward. Next steps involve cost negotiations with vendors. The dossier will then reach the Cabinet Committee on Security for ultimate sanction. Timely clearance could accelerate fielding.

India now aligns with pioneers like the United States, China, the United Kingdom, and South Korea in HAPS adoption. This technology spans the chasm between short-range drones and orbital assets. It fortifies strategic deterrence.

For the IAF, AS-HAPS integration promises transformed border awareness. Persistent ISR will deter incursions and sharpen response times. Amidst regional rivalries, this edge proves invaluable.

Indigenous development underscores India's self-reliance push under Atmanirbhar Bharat. NAL's progress, fused with private expertise, minimises foreign dependence. Cost savings amplify long-term viability.

This procurement elevates the ₹3.60 lakh crore package's scope. Rafales and missiles gain a surveillance backbone. Together, they modernise IAF posture against multifaceted threats.

Agencies

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Bluebird Block-2 Satellite Expected To Commence Operations In Coming Weeks: AST SpaceMobile

AST SpaceMobile's Bluebird Block-2 satellite, designated Bluebird-6, achieved a successful deployment into low Earth orbit on 24 December 2025 aboard ISRO's LVM-3-M6 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

This marked the first launch of a Block-2 satellite from Indian soil, validating a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), ISRO's commercial arm, and the US-based firm. The mission unfolded flawlessly after a 15-minute flight, with the spacecraft separating precisely into its intended orbit.

Bluebird-6 stands as the largest commercial communications array ever placed in low Earth orbit, boasting a phased array antenna spanning nearly 2,400 square feet—three times the size of the earlier Bluebird 1-5 satellites launched in September 2024.

Approximately 3.5 times larger overall, it delivers tenfold the data capacity of its predecessors, supporting peak rates up to 120 Mbps for voice, video, 4G, and 5G applications directly to unmodified smartphones. Engineered for both commercial and government use, the satellite enables seamless connectivity without specialised hardware, leveraging AST SpaceMobile's portfolio of over 3,800 patents.

The launch coincided with ISRO's sixth operational flight of the LVM-3, dubbed the "Bahubali" rocket for its reliability, having previously carried missions like Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and OneWeb constellations.

LVM-3-M6, with a lift-off mass of 640 tons and height of 43.5 metres, accommodated Bluebird-6 as its heaviest payload to date from India, underscoring the rocket's prowess in handling 4,200 kg to geosynchronous transfer orbit. This collaboration highlights India's growing role in global commercial space launches.

AST SpaceMobile's Chief Operating Officer, Shanti B Gupta, confirmed at a post-launch press conference that Bluebird-6 will commence operations in the coming weeks, aligning with expectations for rapid activation. Gupta, promoted to COO in June 2024 after serving as Chief Accounting Officer, oversees operations, supply chain, and cost efficiencies critical to the firm's scaling phase. Her statement emphasised the satellite's readiness to deliver space-based cellular broadband globally.

Chairman and CEO Abel Avellan hailed the deployment as a "breakthrough moment," crediting years of US innovation and manufacturing at facilities in Midland, Texas. He noted that with Bluebird-6 in orbit, the company transitions to scaled deployment, on track to provide cellular broadband directly to smartphones worldwide. Avellan affirmed the firm's momentum toward launching 45 to 60 Block-2 satellites by the end of 2026, with missions slated every one to two months.

This aggressive cadence includes slots on Indian rockets as early as January 2026, alongside partnerships with launch providers like Blue Origin's New Glenn. AST SpaceMobile has secured ties with over 50 mobile network operators serving nearly three billion subscribers, including AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, and Vodafone Idea, blending licensed and partner spectrum for flexible coverage. The constellation aims for 90 satellites to enable true global service, with 243 planned by 2028.

Bluebird Block-2 represents a leap in direct-to-device technology, promising ubiquitous connectivity for texts, streaming, and data in remote or underserved areas.

Unlike ground-based networks, these satellites operate in low Earth orbit to minimise latency while supporting standard devices. The partnership with ISRO not only boosts AST's timeline but also positions India as a key hub for next-generation satellite deployments.

As operations begin, Bluebird-6 will contribute to initial coverage across the United States and select markets, paving the way for continuous broadband from space. This milestone reinforces AST SpaceMobile's vision of eliminating connectivity gaps, with future launches accelerating the build-out of a transformative network. The successful Indo-US collaboration signals a new era in commercial space endeavours.

Agencies

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