Indian Navy Pushes For Indigenous Space-Based ELINT Satellite To Track Oceanic Emitters

The Indian Navy has formally identified the need for an indigenous space-based Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) satellite capable of detecting, classifying and mapping radar and radio-frequency emitters across vast maritime regions.

The requirement reflects a growing emphasis on persistent surveillance over the Indian Ocean and other strategically important sea lanes.

A key aspect of the Navy's requirement is its acknowledgement that a single satellite cannot provide uninterrupted coverage. Any proposed system must therefore clearly specify both revisit rates and processing delays, ensuring users understand how frequently an area can be observed and how quickly intelligence can be delivered to operational commanders.

The planned capability would focus on locating and characterising electromagnetic emissions from naval radars, coastal surveillance systems, communication transmitters and other radio-frequency sources. Such intelligence can help establish patterns of activity, identify previously unknown emitters and improve maritime domain awareness without relying solely on optical imagery.

The requirement aligns with broader Indian efforts to strengthen space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. India already operates EMISAT, an ELINT satellite developed by ISRO for DRDO, which demonstrated the value of detecting and analysing electromagnetic emissions from space. However, maritime surveillance demands wider coverage and more persistent monitoring than a single spacecraft can provide.

Space-based ELINT systems offer a significant advantage because they can detect emissions even when targets are obscured by darkness, cloud cover or poor weather. Unlike conventional imaging satellites, they focus on the electromagnetic signatures generated by radars and transmitters, often revealing operational activity that may not be visible through imagery alone.

Modern ELINT architectures increasingly rely on multiple satellites operating in coordinated formations. Such constellations can use techniques such as Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) and Frequency Difference of Arrival (FDOA) to geolocate emitters with greater precision. By comparing how the same signal is received by multiple spacecraft, analysts can determine the likely location of the source.

The Navy's explicit insistence on declaring revisit time highlights an operational reality often overlooked in satellite surveillance. A spacecraft may successfully detect an emitter during one pass, yet be unable to observe the same area again for hours unless additional satellites are available. Consequently, constellation size becomes a critical factor in delivering near-persistent coverage.

Processing delay is equally important. Detecting an emitter is only the first step; the collected data must be transmitted, processed, correlated with existing databases and converted into actionable intelligence. 

The value of ELINT information can diminish rapidly if significant delays occur before dissemination.

The requirement also reflects growing concern over the increasing density of military and commercial activity across the Indo-Pacific. Monitoring the electromagnetic environment enables forces to identify operating warships, surveillance assets and coastal systems, creating a more comprehensive picture of regional activity.

India's defence research community has already shown interest in technologies related to space-based radio-frequency geolocation, including formation-flying satellites, software-defined radio payloads, advanced antenna systems and artificial intelligence-assisted data fusion. These technologies could eventually support a larger indigenous space-surveillance network.

By openly stating that continuous monitoring cannot be achieved with a lone satellite, the Navy has effectively underlined the need for a future constellation-based approach. The emphasis on transparent performance metrics, particularly revisit frequency and intelligence delivery timelines, suggests a focus on operational effectiveness rather than headline technical specifications alone.

The initiative forms part of India's broader effort to enhance sovereign intelligence-gathering capabilities, reduce dependence on external sources and provide persistent awareness across strategically important maritime regions. As naval activity in the Indo-Pacific continues to grow, space-based ELINT is increasingly viewed as a critical element of modern maritime surveillance and decision-making.

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Iran Involved? Fire At Critical U.S. Nuclear Site Sparks Emergency Response In South Carolina, One Worker Injured

A fire at the Savannah River National Laboratory in South Carolina triggered an emergency response at the Savannah River Site, one of the United States’ most significant nuclear facilities. The incident prompted officials to declare a Site Area Emergency and impose precautionary restrictions across the surrounding area, TOI reported.

The blaze broke out on 28 October and was reported inside the laboratory complex near Aiken, South Carolina. Emergency crews responded swiftly and managed to extinguish the fire within hours.

Following the incident, site authorities temporarily closed barricaded entrances to incoming traffic and restricted rail, river and air traffic in the vicinity of the facility. Employees not directly involved in emergency response or shutdown operations were instructed to shelter in place as a precaution.

Officials later confirmed that the emergency declaration had been terminated and all protective measures had been lifted. Barricades were reopened, and workers were instructed to report for duty as scheduled.

One employee sustained minor injuries during the incident and was taken to hospital for treatment. No fatalities were reported.

Crucially, extensive radiological monitoring found no evidence of radioactive contamination outside the affected facility. Authorities stated that “Radiological surveys indicated no detectable levels of contamination”, helping to ease concerns about any wider public health risk.

An earlier update had also stressed that “No contamination has been reported outside the affected facility”, despite the heightened emergency response and operational restrictions implemented during the event.

The Savannah River Site, established during the Cold War, played a major role in producing nuclear materials for the United States' defence programme. Today, it is primarily focused on environmental clean-up operations, radioactive waste management, nuclear materials research and national security-related missions.

The incident briefly raised concerns because of the site's strategic importance and its work involving nuclear materials. However, officials repeatedly emphasised that there was no indication of consequences beyond the Savannah River Site boundaries.

State and local government agencies were notified throughout the response, while authorities continued monitoring conditions after the fire was brought under control. With no detectable radiological impact recorded, normal operations were gradually restored following the conclusion of the emergency response.

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Bihar Duo Held As Andhra Police Expand Pakistan-Linked Espionage Probe

Andhra Pradesh Police have arrested two more individuals in connection with an alleged espionage network linked to Pakistani intelligence operatives, marking a further development in the ongoing investigation into activities targeting Indian naval and defence establishments.

The arrests were carried out in Bihar during Phase II of Operation Firewall-2026, which was launched on 25 October. According to an official statement issued on Wednesday, the Andhra Pradesh Counter Intelligence Cell (AP CI Cell) apprehended the suspects for their alleged involvement in facilitating the activation of WhatsApp accounts through OTPs connected to Indian SIM cards.

The accused have been identified as Raja Kumar, a point-of-sale (POS) agent, and Aditya Kumar, also known as Aditya Kumar Pandey. Both are residents of Raxaul in Bihar.

The two men were produced before the jurisdictional court in Vijayawada on Wednesday and were remanded to judicial custody until 10 November.

Investigators allege that Raja Kumar played a key role in enabling WhatsApp accounts linked to multiple Indian mobile numbers by sharing OTPs with Pakistani intelligence operatives through handlers based in Nepal.

Police further alleged that he arranged a mobile payments bank account in another person’s name to receive payments in exchange for SIM-card OTPs. A substantial amount was reportedly deposited into that account.

The investigation also uncovered the alleged involvement of a Pakistani intelligence operative using the name “Soni” or “Soni Queen”. Authorities claim this operative contacted Annam Sai Vara Prasad, a civilian contract driver engaged by naval officials in Visakhapatnam, and obtained classified information concerning warships and submarines attached to the Eastern Naval Command.

Another alleged operative, identified as “Joshita Pall”, is accused of attempting to acquire classified information from personnel in Visakhapatnam by transferring money in an effort to induce them.

According to the police, Aditya Kumar worked alongside Raja Kumar, other individuals in Raxaul, and Pakistani agents identified as Wasim, Sultan and Nayeem. He allegedly assisted in activating WhatsApp accounts using OTPs from Indian SIM cards and communicated with Pakistani operatives through encrypted platforms.

The AP CI Cell registered the case on 2 September under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Official Secrets Act, 1923, following intelligence regarding suspected espionage activities targeting naval and defence infrastructure.

As part of the wider investigation, police arrested Annam Sai Vara Prasad in Visakhapatnam on 1 October. Two days later, on 3 October, Pradip Mukharjee, a naval employee posted at the Visakhapatnam Naval Base, was arrested in Coimbatore.

Both men are currently lodged in Vijayawada District Jail as the investigation into the alleged espionage network continues.

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US Military Bars BYD Vehicles From Key Okinawa Air Base Over Security Concerns

The United States military has announced a ban on vehicles manufactured by Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD from entering Kadena Air Base in Japan, citing security concerns linked to the presence of the vehicles at the strategically important installation.

The restriction will come into force on Monday at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, according to earlier reports by South Korea's Yonhap news agency. The facility is one of the most important US air power hubs in the Indo-Pacific and is situated along Japan's south-western island chain near the East China Sea.

Explaining the decision, base spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Alli Stormer said: “These vehicles present an unacceptable and unmitigable risk to our personnel and our mission.”

However, she did not disclose the specific issue that prompted the installation's commander to impose the ban on the Chinese-made electric vehicles.

BYD had not responded to requests for comment at the time the decision was announced.

The move comes amid growing scrutiny in Washington of Chinese technology and connected vehicles. Modern electric vehicles are equipped with an array of cameras, sensors and communications systems, which have increasingly become the focus of security debates in several countries.

BYD has emerged as one of the world's most prominent electric vehicle manufacturers and surpassed Tesla in 2025 to become the largest seller of battery-electric vehicles globally.

The company has also been accelerating its international expansion strategy, with Japan becoming one of its key overseas targets.

In July, BYD launched its Racco electric minicar in Japan as part of efforts to gain market share in a country traditionally dominated by domestic automotive brands.

The latest restriction also follows a decision by the Pentagon in June to designate BYD, alongside Alibaba, Baidu and NIO, as companies it believes support China's military-industrial ecosystem.

BYD strongly rejected that designation, arguing that there was no justification for its inclusion and stating that it would pursue administrative and legal measures to defend its interests.

The designation does not amount to sanctions, but it reflects growing US concerns regarding links between certain Chinese commercial enterprises and Beijing's broader national security objectives.

The decision at Kadena Air Base highlights the increasing overlap between technology, transport infrastructure and security policy as geopolitical competition between Washington and Beijing continues to intensify.

China has previously adopted comparable measures involving foreign vehicle manufacturers.

In 2021, Chinese authorities barred Tesla vehicles from entering some government compounds because of concerns surrounding the cameras installed on the cars and the potential collection of sensitive information.

Beijing later removed those restrictions in 2024 after Tesla received support from China's leading automotive industry association.

The ban at Kadena Air Base therefore represents the latest example of governments and military organisations taking a more cautious approach towards connected vehicle technologies, particularly when they are deployed near sensitive military facilities or strategic defence infrastructure.

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Jet-Powered UCAV_IN_X-2 Signals IndoWings’ Push Into High-Speed ISR Drone Development

India’s unmanned aviation sector is steadily moving beyond conventional electric multi-copters, with New Delhi-based IndoWings unveiling the UCAV_IN_X-2 concept, a jet-powered unmanned aircraft intended for high-speed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, Economic Times reported.

The project represents an effort to develop a purpose-built military-style ISR platform rather than adapting an existing commercial drone design.

The concept is centred on a 6.5 kgf-class micro-turbine engine, marking a significant departure from the battery-powered systems that dominate the small drone market. According to IndoWings, the aircraft is being engineered to achieve speeds between 350 km/h and 380 km/h, while offering a range of approximately 100 km and endurance of up to 30 minutes. These performance objectives position the UCAV_IN_X-2 in a niche focused on rapid-response surveillance rather than long-duration loitering operations.

Speaking about the design philosophy, Chief Technology Officer Neeraj Pradhan said the micro-turbine engine is intended to push the aircraft well beyond the performance envelope of conventional drones. Higher speed could provide operational advantages in contested environments, enabling quicker penetration, surveillance and withdrawal while reducing exposure to hostile threats and improving responsiveness against time-sensitive targets.

The aircraft is also being designed with modern electronic warfare challenges in mind. IndoWings aims for the platform to operate effectively in environments where Global Navigation Satellite System signals may be degraded, spoofed or jammed.

Autonomous waypoint navigation forms part of this approach, allowing the aircraft to continue missions with reduced reliance on constant operator control.

To support efficient high-speed flight, the concept incorporates retractable landing gear. While a relatively small feature, the retractable undercarriage is intended to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve overall efficiency, an important consideration for a compact aircraft operating at significantly higher speeds than typical tactical drones.

The proposed mission package currently focuses on stabilised electro-optical and infrared sensors. Such EO/IR payloads would enable both daytime and night-time observation, supporting missions including border surveillance, convoy protection, target detection and general ISR operations. Although the designation includes the term UCAV, IndoWings has not announced any plans for weapon integration or an armed variant at this stage.

Instead, the emphasis remains on modularity. The company intends the aircraft to accommodate interchangeable payloads, allowing a single airframe to be adapted for surveillance, electronic warfare support or other specialist missions. This flexible approach could broaden operational utility while reducing the need for multiple dedicated platforms.

Importantly, the UCAV_IN_X-2 remains a technology demonstrator rather than an operationally proven system. The stated speed, range and endurance figures are development objectives that will require extensive flight testing and validation. Actual performance will ultimately depend on factors such as payload weight, environmental conditions, aerodynamic efficiency and system reliability.

The program reflects broader trends within India’s defence drone industry, where manufacturers are increasingly seeking to develop specialised military platforms instead of focusing solely on commercial surveillance products. Founded in 2020 by Chief Executive Officer Paras Jain, IndoWings has previously established capabilities in counter-drone technologies, including anti-drone defence shields, radar systems and radio-frequency spoofing solutions developed under the Make in India initiative.

The UCAV_IN_X-2 therefore represents an expansion of the company’s portfolio from counter-UAS technologies into advanced airborne platforms. More broadly, it highlights an emerging focus within the Indian drone ecosystem on speed, autonomy and resilience in contested environments.

While the aircraft remains at the concept stage, it points towards growing domestic interest in fast, electronically resilient ISR systems capable of supporting short-duration, high-priority surveillance missions. The programme has established an ambitious benchmark; however, its ultimate success will depend on whether the compact turbine-powered aircraft can translate its projected specifications into dependable real-world performance.

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Pakistani Intelligence Network Facing Setbacks As Indian Counter-Intelligence Tightens Grip

Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is reportedly finding it increasingly difficult to generate actionable intelligence from India as Indian counter-intelligence agencies continue to strengthen surveillance, monitoring and infiltration-detection capabilities.

According to reports and assessments emerging from recent espionage investigations, Indian security agencies have significantly improved their ability to identify, track and dismantle intelligence-gathering networks operating on behalf of Pakistan.

Officials familiar with counter-intelligence efforts believe that a combination of enhanced technical monitoring, aggressive surveillance of suspected recruitment channels and the presence of sources within hostile intelligence ecosystems has complicated Pakistani attempts to build long-term espionage networks inside India.

One of the most notable trends identified by security agencies is the rapid exposure of social media-based honeytrap operations.

These operations typically involve the use of fake online identities, often posing as women, professionals, researchers or private-sector employees, to establish contact with serving personnel, former military members, government employees and individuals connected to strategic sectors.

The objective is generally to cultivate relationships over an extended period before attempting to obtain sensitive information, photographs, documents or operational details.

However, intelligence assessments suggest that many of these efforts are now being detected far earlier than in previous years.

Sources indicate that even low-level intelligence collection attempts initiated through social media platforms are frequently being identified and neutralised within weeks, limiting their usefulness to hostile handlers.

Indian agencies have become increasingly alert to suspicious digital behaviour, unusual foreign-linked communications and patterns commonly associated with recruitment or espionage attempts.

This heightened awareness has reportedly reduced the operational lifespan of many ISI-linked networks.

A major challenge for Pakistani operatives appears to be the growing scrutiny of social media interactions involving defence personnel and individuals working in sensitive sectors. Counter-intelligence officials have repeatedly warned that hostile actors continue to exploit social networking platforms as a recruitment and targeting tool.

At the same time, Indian agencies have expanded monitoring mechanisms and awareness programmes designed to identify such activities at an early stage.

Recent investigations have shown that Pakistani intelligence operatives continue to rely heavily on digital honeytraps, financial inducements and false online identities in an effort to collect information related to military installations, defence procurement activities, naval movements, strategic infrastructure and security deployments.

Several espionage cases uncovered over the past year involved alleged attempts to extract information through online relationships established across social media and messaging platforms.

In multiple instances, investigators claimed that suspected operatives attempted to shift conversations from public platforms to encrypted communications before seeking sensitive information.

Security officials say these methods are well understood by Indian agencies and increasingly vulnerable to detection. Another factor contributing to Pakistan’s intelligence difficulties is the apparent disruption of support networks used to facilitate espionage activities.

Counter-intelligence operations have targeted intermediaries, recruiters and local facilitators suspected of assisting foreign intelligence operatives. This has reportedly increased the risks associated with maintaining active intelligence networks within India.

Officials also believe that penetration of hostile intelligence structures through informants and other counter-intelligence assets has enhanced India's ability to anticipate, identify and disrupt espionage attempts before they mature into larger operations.

While specific details remain classified, such capabilities are considered central to modern intelligence and counter-intelligence competition.

The continued exposure of espionage plots has reinforced the perception within security circles that hostile intelligence agencies are facing greater operational challenges than before.

Although recruitment efforts remain ongoing, the ability to sustain covert networks for extended periods appears to have become increasingly difficult.

At the same time, security agencies remain cautious and acknowledge that Pakistani intelligence services continue to devote substantial resources to intelligence gathering against India. As a result, counter-intelligence operations remain active across multiple domains, including cyber monitoring, social media surveillance, human intelligence and technical intelligence collection.

The evolving contest highlights how espionage has increasingly shifted towards digital platforms, where social engineering, online manipulation and honeytrap tactics are often employed in place of traditional spycraft.

Yet recent investigations suggest that many such attempts are being identified and disrupted more rapidly than in the past.

According to assessments within the security establishment, the growing effectiveness of Indian counter-intelligence measures, coupled with the exposure of recruitment networks and the reported presence of valuable sources monitoring hostile activities, has significantly complicated Pakistan’s efforts to collect intelligence inside India.

As a result, even relatively modest intelligence-gathering operations that begin on social media are increasingly vulnerable to detection, leaving hostile networks under constant pressure and reducing their ability to generate sustained intelligence from within India.

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Army's Dedicated GSAT-7B Satellite Set To Strengthen Military Communications By Mid-2028

The Indian Army is expected to receive its first dedicated communications satellite, GSAT-7B, around mid-2028, marking a major enhancement in the force's communication infrastructure and operational capabilities, Hindustan Times reported.

The satellite will be launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and is intended to provide secure, round-the-clock connectivity across remote border regions and difficult terrain.

GSAT-7B will support day-to-day military operations, battlefield command and control, and beyond-line-of-sight communications for deployed troops, military formations, weapon systems, airborne platforms and other mission-critical assets. Its dedicated capacity is expected to significantly strengthen network-centric warfare capabilities across the Army.

The project addresses a long-standing capability gap. Unlike the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy, the Army does not currently possess a dedicated communications satellite and relies on the Indian Air Force's GSAT-7A to meet its communication requirements. To bridge this gap, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth about ₹3,000 crore with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO's commercial arm, in March 2023 for the development of GSAT-7B.

Originally targeted for launch in November 2027, the mission has slipped by approximately six months because of technical reasons. Once launched, the 5-ton geostationary satellite will become India's heaviest communications satellite and will provide resilient communications even when conventional ground-based networks are disrupted, damaged or denied during military operations.

The growing importance of protected space-based communications comes amid increasing militarisation of space. China continues to expand its space capabilities and possesses technologies capable of disrupting satellite communications, including jamming and anti-satellite systems, highlighting the need for more robust and resilient military space infrastructure.

The development follows the Ministry of Defence's recent ₹2,563-crore contract with NSIL for GSAT-7C, a dedicated communications satellite for the Indian Air Force. The indigenous satellite is designed to improve secure, resilient and seamless communications across Air Force assets and enhance operational effectiveness.

The Indian Navy has already strengthened its space-based communications network through GSAT-7R, launched last November as the successor to the Rukmini satellite. The system enables secure communications among warships, submarines, aircraft and maritime operations centres across the Indian Ocean region.

India's military space ambitions are expanding rapidly. The armed forces released the Joint Military Space Doctrine in September 2025, formally recognising space as a critical domain of warfare and national security. Work is also underway on a National Military Space Policy aimed at protecting space assets and enhancing defence preparedness.

In a broader push to strengthen surveillance and communications from space, India plans to deploy 52 dedicated military satellites under Phase-III of the Space Based Surveillance mission.

Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security in October 2024 at a cost of ₹26,968 crore, the project will see ISRO build and launch 21 satellites while private industry develops the remaining 31, significantly expanding the country's military space architecture over the coming years.

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India Accelerates Military Space Expansion With Dedicated Army, Air Force And Surveillance Satellites

India is steadily expanding its military space architecture through a combination of dedicated communications satellites and a large-scale surveillance constellation designed to strengthen secure connectivity, intelligence gathering and network-centric warfare capabilities across all three services.

A major milestone in this effort will be the deployment of the Indian Army's first dedicated communications satellite, GSAT-7B, which is now expected to be launched by mid-2028. The launch schedule has slipped by approximately six months from earlier projections because of technical considerations.

The project is backed by a contract worth around ₹3,000 crore, with the Ministry of Defence having signed a ₹2,963-crore agreement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) for the indigenous design, development and manufacture of the satellite.

GSAT-7B will be a five-ton geostationary satellite, making it one of India's largest military communications platforms. It is being developed to provide round-the-clock, secure and resilient communications across sensitive border regions and difficult terrain.

The satellite will deliver mission-critical beyond-line-of-sight connectivity for troops, formations, weapon systems and airborne platforms. It is also expected to support secure tactical data exchanges, strengthen battlefield command-and-control functions and significantly enhance the operational reach of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

The capability will address a longstanding requirement of the Army, which currently relies on the Indian Air Force's GSAT-7A satellite for a portion of its communication needs.

The Indian Air Force is also set to receive a dedicated communications platform under the GSAT-7C project. The satellite is expected to become operational around 2030 and is supported by a ₹2,563-crore contract signed with NSIL.

GSAT-7C is intended to provide secure and seamless connectivity between airborne and ground-based assets. It will support software-defined radios, enable real-time communications across a wide operational area and facilitate communications beyond conventional line-of-sight limitations.

The satellite is expected to improve coordination between fighter aircraft, airborne early warning platforms, unmanned systems and command centres, further strengthening the Air Force's networked warfare capabilities.

The Indian Navy has already advanced its space-based communications network through the deployment of GSAT-7R, also known as CMS-03, which is replacing the ageing GSAT-7 'Rukmini' satellite.

The naval communications system links warships, submarines, maritime aircraft and command establishments, providing secure communications across vast areas of the Indian Ocean and other operational theatres.

Alongside communications satellites, India is pursuing an ambitious surveillance expansion under Space-Based Surveillance Phase 3.

The program, overseen by the Defence Space Agency, has received approval for completion by 2029 and carries a budget of ₹26,968 crore, making it one of the country's most significant defence-space initiatives.

The project envisages a constellation of 52 military satellites designed to improve persistent monitoring of land borders, maritime regions and strategic areas of interest.

Under the approved framework, ISRO will manufacture 21 satellites, while 31 satellites will be developed by private industry partners, reflecting the growing role of the domestic private sector in national-security space programs.

The surveillance network is expected to include a mix of electro-optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar satellites, enabling day-and-night, all-weather observation capabilities. Once operational, the constellation will significantly enhance India's ability to monitor military movements, maritime activity and other strategic developments while providing faster intelligence updates to military commanders.

Together, GSAT-7B, GSAT-7C, GSAT-7R and the Space-Based Surveillance Phase 3 constellation represent a major step in India's effort to build an integrated military space ecosystem capable of supporting secure communications, persistent surveillance and joint operations across the Army, Navy and Air Force.

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India Puts Security First As National Cyber Security And Intelligence Bureau Rejects Need For Starlink

The National Cyber Security and Intelligence Bureau (NCIB) has asserted that India does not require Starlink’s services, stressing that national security, data privacy and digital sovereignty must take precedence over access to foreign-operated high-speed internet networks.

According to the organisation, India already possesses a strong and expanding telecommunications ecosystem and has no reason to compromise on critical national interests merely to obtain connectivity from an overseas provider.

NCIB maintained that the country is adequately served by its existing telecom infrastructure and domestic network capabilities. It argued that any communications platform operating in India must align fully with the nation’s security requirements and regulatory framework.

The organisation emphasised that issues relating to data security, lawful oversight and sovereign control over communications networks cannot be overlooked in favour of faster internet access. It warned that technological convenience should never outweigh concerns connected to national interests.

The remarks come amid continuing debate over Starlink’s proposed expansion in India. The satellite internet service, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has sought to enter the Indian market to provide broadband connectivity through a constellation of low-Earth-orbit satellites.

Supporters of satellite broadband argue that such services can extend internet access to remote and underserved regions where traditional terrestrial infrastructure remains limited. However, concerns have been raised by policymakers, security experts and industry stakeholders regarding data governance, regulatory compliance and the strategic implications of relying on foreign-controlled communication networks.

India has simultaneously been advancing its own digital connectivity ambitions through extensive mobile and broadband expansion, with domestic telecom operators continuing to enhance coverage across urban, rural and remote areas. Policymakers have repeatedly underlined that foreign technology providers must operate within India’s security and regulatory requirements.

Reiterating its position, NCIB said India does not need to sacrifice security, privacy or sovereignty for foreign satellite internet services, insisting that the nation’s existing telecom ecosystem remains fully capable of supporting its connectivity objectives while safeguarding national interests.

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DRDO's IRDE Advances Indigenous Ultra-Wide Field Telescope Array For Space Surveillance

DRDO's Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE) is developing an advanced ultra-wide field telescope array intended to track objects in Earth orbit, marking a significant step in India's expanding space surveillance capabilities.

The project involves an industry partner manufacturing the optical systems under IRDE's design review and technical oversight. Each telescope system combines four 250 mm off-axis reflective telescopes operating at f/1.64, providing a field of view of at least 12 degrees.

The optical architecture incorporates a dichroic beam splitter that separates visible-near infrared (Visible-NIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) wavelengths, enabling simultaneous multi-band observations and improving target detection and tracking performance across varying lighting conditions.

In addition to the primary telescopes, each system includes two 50 mm refractive telescopes offering a field of view of 48 degrees or greater. These wide-angle sensors are expected to support broad-area sky monitoring and rapid detection of orbital objects.

The programme calls for the delivery of one prototype system within 18 months of contract award, followed by a fully functional operational unit at the 24-month mark.

Achieving a 250 mm aperture at f/1.64 while maintaining a flat field across 12 degrees represents a highly demanding optical engineering challenge. Such specifications are typically associated with advanced wide-area surveillance systems designed to detect, acquire and track space objects over large regions of the sky.

The effort reflects a broader push to strengthen India's indigenous Space Situational Awareness capabilities. IRDE has also been involved in collaborations aimed at enhancing ground-based space surveillance infrastructure, indicating a growing focus on domestic electro-optical systems for monitoring satellites, debris and other orbital targets.

The telescope array points towards the development of an indigenous wide-area search layer that could support persistent monitoring of increasingly congested orbital environments while reducing reliance on external tracking networks.

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Made In India WALL-RP1 Unmanned Radar Picket Helicopter Enhances Airborne Surveillance Capabilities

BSS Materiel Limited is introducing the WALL-RP1, a Made in India unmanned radar picket helicopter developed to support advanced airborne surveillance and battlefield monitoring missions for defence forces.

The platform is designed to function as an aerial surveillance asset capable of extending situational awareness beyond the horizon, helping military units detect and monitor potential threats over large areas.

A key feature of the WALL-RP1 is its Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which has a stated detection range of up to 60 km. The radar is intended to provide continuous aerial monitoring and early warning capabilities against a variety of airborne and surface threats.

The unmanned helicopter is reported to offer a flight range exceeding 450 km, allowing it to conduct long-distance surveillance missions while remaining away from frontline operating locations.

The system is also designed with a payload capacity of up to 550 kg, enabling it to carry mission equipment, sensors and other operational payloads according to mission requirements.

To improve operational effectiveness in contested environments, the WALL-RP1 is equipped with anti-jamming communications technology designed to enhance the resilience of data and communication links against electronic warfare threats.

Navigation is supported by a Fibre Optic Gyroscope (FOG)-based Inertial Navigation System (INS), providing precise positioning and guidance while reducing dependence on external navigation signals.

The helicopter also incorporates Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna (CRPA) technology, which is designed to improve resistance to certain forms of satellite-navigation interference and signal disruption.

The combination of AESA radar, anti-jamming communications, FOG-based INS and CRPA technology is intended to strengthen the platform's ability to operate in electronically contested battlespaces.

Available information on the WALL-RP1 concept indicates that such radar picket helicopters are intended to act as forward-deployed airborne sensor platforms, extending radar coverage for military formations while reducing risks associated with crewed surveillance aircraft.

The aircraft's unmanned design allows it to undertake high-risk surveillance missions without placing pilots in danger, while maintaining persistent aerial observation over operational areas.

Information associated with the broader WALL-RP1 design concept also points to capabilities such as real-time detection and tracking of aircraft, helicopters, drones and cruise missiles, alongside data transmission to connected command and air-defence networks.

The platform is intended to support modern network-centric operations, where airborne sensors share real-time information with defence assets to improve decision-making and response times.

Its extended range, substantial payload capacity and advanced navigation architecture position the WALL-RP1 as a potentially valuable force multiplier for land, air and maritime surveillance missions.

The development aligns with India's broader push towards indigenous defence technologies under the Make in India initiative, with increasing emphasis on locally developed autonomous systems, surveillance platforms and electronic warfare-resilient capabilities.

By combining long-range endurance, advanced radar technology and resilient communications systems within an unmanned helicopter platform, the WALL-RP1 is designed to provide next-generation airborne surveillance support for future defence operations.

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India’s AVATAAR Amphibious Drone Opens New Frontiers In Air And Underwater Surveillance

India’s drone sector is advancing into multi-domain operations with the development of AVATAAR, an innovative amphibious drone created by Bangalore-based Start-Up AquaAirX Autonomous Systems.

AVATAAR, which stands for Amphibious Vehicle for Autonomous Tactical Aerial & Aquatic Reconnaissance, is engineered to function in both the air and underwater, giving a single platform the ability to conduct missions across two distinct operational environments.

Designed primarily for surveillance, reconnaissance and maritime applications, the drone can transition between aerial flight and underwater navigation, expanding the range of tasks that can be performed without deploying separate systems.

The platform incorporates a corrosion-resistant carbon-fibre structure, an important feature for sustained operations in challenging marine environments where exposure to saltwater can rapidly degrade conventional equipment.

For underwater communications, AVATAAR is equipped with acoustic communication technology, enabling the transmission of data when conventional radio-frequency links are ineffective beneath the surface.

Navigation underwater is supported by an Ultra-Short Baseline (USBL) positioning system, allowing the drone to maintain accurate location awareness while operating below the waterline.

The vehicle also features a multi-beam imaging sonar system capable of producing detailed seabed imagery and underwater mapping data, enhancing its usefulness for reconnaissance, inspection and survey missions.

Integrated LED lighting improves visibility in low-light and murky underwater conditions, ensuring sensors and operators can continue gathering information even in demanding environments.

By combining aerial mobility with underwater capability in a single autonomous platform, AVATAAR represents a significant step forward for India’s indigenous drone ecosystem and highlights the growing focus on advanced technologies for maritime security, coastal monitoring and multi-domain intelligence gathering.

One platform, two operational domains and a broad range of potential applications place AVATAAR among the most distinctive emerging innovations in India’s unmanned systems sector.

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Pakistan's ISI Raises India Espionage Budget To ₹1,300 Crore, Intensifies HUMINT Push Into Navy And IAF

Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has reportedly increased its annual espionage budget directed against India to nearly ₹1,300 crore following Operation Sindoor, reflecting what intelligence officials describe as a more aggressive effort to infiltrate the country's military establishment, IANS reported.

The enhanced allocation is primarily focused on building an extensive Human Intelligence (HUMINT) network within the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force (IAF).

According to Intelligence Bureau officials, the ISI's annual spending on espionage activities targeting India previously stood between ₹800 crore and ₹900 crore. Following Operation Sindoor, however, Pakistan is said to have substantially expanded these allocations in an attempt to recruit high-value assets within India's defence services.

Officials indicate that the Navy and Air Force have become the primary focus of Pakistani intelligence operations. Efforts are reportedly centred on personnel with access to sensitive information, with recruitment attempts often involving honey traps, social engineering methods and the exploitation of security vulnerabilities within establishments handling classified material.

The financial incentives being offered to potential targets have also risen sharply. Intelligence sources claim that individuals identified as high-value targets are now being offered between ₹15 lakh and ₹25 lakh, compared with approximately ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh before Operation Sindoor. The increase reflects the growing costs associated with establishing and maintaining covert intelligence networks.

Officials note that the ISI has sought for years to expand its HUMINT presence inside India's armed forces. However, they believe the current level of effort exceeds that seen during earlier espionage investigations involving naval personnel in 2015, 2019 and 2021. Intelligence agencies reportedly view recent cases uncovered in October 2026 as particularly serious because they suggest a sustained and organised attempt to penetrate critical defence structures.

A major breakthrough came through a coordinated operation involving Andhra Pradesh Police in Visakhapatnam, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and intelligence agencies. The operation resulted in the arrest of 18 individuals accused of sharing sensitive information linked to the Visakhapatnam Naval Dockyard with Pakistani Intelligence Operatives.

Security officials are particularly concerned that 13 of the 18 accused are serving Indian Navy personnel. Investigators believe the scale of the case demonstrates Pakistan's determination to establish long-term access to information relating to India's naval capabilities and operational activities.

The latest case follows a series of earlier espionage investigations. In 2001, four naval personnel were arrested for allegedly passing sensitive information. A significant honey-trap investigation was also conducted in 2016.

Later, in December 2019, security agencies launched Operation Dolphin Nose to dismantle a Pakistan-linked espionage network that allegedly operated across the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam, the Western Naval Command in Mumbai and facilities at Karwar.

Officials believe Islamabad's current intelligence drive is linked to lessons drawn from Operation Sindoor and reflects a desire to obtain a continuous flow of military information rather than isolated intelligence inputs. Investigators say Pakistan appears to be pursuing a long-term strategy in which recruited personnel provide information on a regular basis in exchange for ongoing financial rewards.

Intelligence assessments indicate that, beyond recruitment payments, the expanded espionage budget also covers logistics networks, SIM card infrastructure, surveillance systems, digital operations and media influence activities. The operational cost of building and sustaining such networks reportedly reaches up to ₹40,000 per individual, depending on the nature of the mission.

Security agencies further assess that the Indian Navy remains Pakistan's highest-priority target, followed by the IAF. The objective is believed to be the monitoring of capabilities, deployments, operational patterns and broader preparedness levels within both services.

Officials have also expressed concern regarding the wider financial mechanisms supporting these activities. According to intelligence assessments, Pakistan has allocated approximately PKR 3 trillion towards defence spending, a figure that has attracted domestic scrutiny.

As a result, some intelligence officials believe alternative funding channels, including narcotics trafficking, arms smuggling, ammunition smuggling and counterfeiting operations, may increasingly be leveraged to support espionage activities targeting India.

Recent intelligence reports and earlier investigations have highlighted the continued use of social media platforms, encrypted communication applications, monetary inducements and honey-trap operations by Pakistani handlers seeking access to sensitive military information. The latest arrests suggest that such methods remain central to espionage efforts directed at India's defence establishment.

Officials warn that the emerging HUMINT architecture poses a significant security challenge because it appears designed for long-term penetration rather than a single intelligence objective.

By cultivating sustained relationships with serving personnel, Pakistan could potentially obtain a continuous stream of operational and strategic information, providing a persistent intelligence advantage across both naval and air domains.

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India's GSAT-7C Military Communications Satellite Set To Transform Indian Air Force Battlefield Connectivity

GSAT-7C is an indigenously designed military communications satellite being acquired by the Ministry of Defence under a contract worth ₹2,563 crore signed with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) on 15 October 2026.

The project forms part of a wider ₹4,106-crore defence procurement package that also includes Varunastra heavy-weight torpedoes for the Indian Navy.

Designed exclusively for the Indian Air Force (IAF), GSAT-7C will provide secure, real-time and resilient communications across operational theatres. Its primary role is to deliver Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) connectivity, enabling uninterrupted communications between dispersed air and ground assets.

The satellite will support the IAF's Software Defined Radios (SDRs), allowing secure transmission of data over very long distances. Unlike conventional line-of-sight radio systems, which are constrained by terrain, operational range and the Earth's curvature, GSAT-7C will maintain reliable links without the limitations typically associated with terrestrial communications networks.

A key advantage of the platform is its ability to integrate multiple military assets into a single communications architecture.

Fighter aircraft, Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) platforms, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and command centres will be able to exchange information seamlessly in real time.

The satellite will strengthen the IAF's network-centric warfare capabilities by accelerating sensor-to-shooter data sharing and enhancing decision-making speed during complex, multi-domain operations. This will improve battlefield awareness and enable faster mission execution.

GSAT-7C will also enhance India's strategic autonomy by reducing dependence on commercial satellite services and foreign communication bandwidth during periods of heightened military activity.

This dedicated space-based capability will provide greater operational security and assured access to critical communications.

The system is being developed with robust anti-jamming and electronic protection features, helping communications remain functional even in heavily contested electromagnetic environments where adversaries attempt to disrupt networks.

Modern air operations increasingly depend on continuous situational awareness and reliable command-and-control links. Aircraft operating deep inside contested airspace or at extended ranges often face communications challenges when ground-based relay networks become ineffective. GSAT-7C is intended to bridge these gaps and maintain uninterrupted connectivity during demanding missions.

The project traces its origins to 23 November 2021, when the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) under the Make in India initiative. Initially estimated at ₹2,236 crore, the programme's final value increased to ₹2,563 crore following technical refinements and upgrades to indigenous subsystems.

Developed entirely in India, GSAT-7C represents a significant advance in the country's military space infrastructure and reinforces ongoing efforts to achieve greater self-reliance in secure defence communications and space-based command-and-control capabilities.

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₹2,563 Crores Defence Boost: IAF Set For Dedicated Military Satellite

The Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹2,563 crore contract with New Space India Ltd for the acquisition of a dedicated and secure satellite communication capability for the Indian Air Force (IAF) through the GSAT-7C satellite.

The satellite will be designed, developed and manufactured by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is intended to enhance the IAF's secure, resilient and seamless communications network, thereby improving overall operational effectiveness.

GSAT-7C will provide end-to-end encrypted voice, data and video communications for the IAF. The satellite will also support software-defined radios (SDRs), which are being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and are nearing the production stage.

The capability will enable seamless connectivity between airbases, radar stations, ground facilities and airborne platforms, creating an integrated communications framework across the force.

The satellite is expected to significantly strengthen the IAF's network-centric warfare capabilities by enabling real-time sharing of operational data across multiple platforms. This will improve situational awareness, accelerate decision-making and enhance command-and-control effectiveness during military operations.

The contract was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition), Department of Defence, A. Anbarasu.

The project marks a significant step towards expanding indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and strengthening self-reliance in critical strategic technologies under the Government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India initiatives.

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