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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VEDA Aeronautics Advances ‘SAVITR’ Airship-Based HAPS Platform For Superior Stratospheric Reconnaissance

VEDA Aeronautics is actively preparing a technical bid for the development of an airship-based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) platform known as ‘SAVITR’, a project intended to enhance the reconnaissance and persistent surveillance capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces, announced VEDA Aeronautics on its X handle.

The company stated that its team is currently engaged in developing the advanced concept and design for the platform, with the objective of delivering “superior” reconnaissance capabilities at stratospheric altitudes.

According to VEDA Aeronautics, SAVITR is being conceived as an airship-based HAPS system capable of operating in the stratosphere, where such platforms can remain on station for extended periods while providing continuous intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance coverage over large geographical areas.

The company highlighted that the program reflects the dedication and technical efforts of its engineering team as it seeks to position itself within India’s rapidly emerging high-altitude platform ecosystem.

“VEDA Aeronautics team is actively working on the technical bid for the development of Air-Ship Based HAPS (High Altitude Pseudo Satellite) platform - we are calling ‘SAVITR’,” the company stated.

It further noted that, “The advanced design and concept would give the Indian Armed Forces ‘superior’ reconnaissance capabilities at stratosphere level!”

The development comes at a time when India is placing increasing emphasis on High Altitude Pseudo Satellite technologies as a means of bridging the gap between conventional unmanned aerial systems and satellites.

Unlike traditional drones, HAPS platforms operate in the lower stratosphere, generally between 18 and 25 kilometres above the Earth. From these altitudes, they can provide persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance coverage while remaining above commercial air traffic and most weather disturbances.

Airship-based HAPS systems are expected to support a broad spectrum of military missions, including border monitoring, maritime domain awareness, communications relay, electronic intelligence, disaster-response support and long-duration surveillance operations.

One of the key advantages of such platforms is their ability to remain stationed over a specific area for prolonged periods, delivering uninterrupted situational awareness and real-time data to military commanders. This capability can offer significant operational advantages compared with satellites, which are constrained by orbital paths and observation windows.

The SAVITR initiative also aligns with the broader momentum gathering within India’s indigenous HAPS sector, where government agencies, research organisations and private industry are exploring both airship-based and fixed-wing solutions to meet future defence requirements.

VEDA Aeronautics has already demonstrated interest in advanced HAPS development through previous collaborations and technology initiatives. The company has been involved in efforts aimed at creating indigenous high-altitude platforms capable of supporting long-endurance surveillance missions and persistent monitoring requirements.

As India explores next-generation airborne surveillance networks, projects such as SAVITR are expected to contribute towards strengthening indigenous aerospace capabilities while supporting the Armed Forces’ requirement for continuous monitoring across vast and strategically important regions.

The company expressed pride in the efforts and dedication of its team as work progresses on the technical bid, underscoring its commitment to advancing high-altitude aerospace technologies for national defence applications.

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NavIC's Critical Lifeline: ISRO's NVS-03 Advanced Satellite Launch Set For Oct 30th; To Restore India's Independent Navigation Capability

India is preparing for a crucial space mission as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) gears up to launch the NVS-03 navigation satellite aboard the GSLV-F18 rocket from Sriharikota on 30 October 2026, India Today reported.

The mission is expected to play a key role in restoring the full capabilities of NavIC, India's indigenous satellite navigation system, at a time when the constellation is operating below its minimum requirement for standalone positioning services.

NVS-03 will be the third satellite in the second-generation NavIC constellation and forms part of ISRO's broader effort to modernise and strengthen India's regional navigation infrastructure. Often compared with the United States' GPS network, NavIC provides positioning, navigation and timing services across India and approximately 1,500 kilometres beyond the country's borders, supporting applications ranging from road transport and logistics to maritime operations, disaster response and strategic requirements.

The importance of the upcoming launch stems from a significant operational gap within the current NavIC constellation. In a statement provided to Parliament earlier this year, the government confirmed that only three satellites are presently capable of delivering positioning, navigation and timing services. Those satellites are IRNSS-1B, IRNSS-1I and NVS-01.

For any satellite navigation system to independently determine a user's position, signals from at least four operational satellites are required. With only three functioning satellites currently available, NavIC is unable to provide standalone positioning services. However, its timing service remains fully operational.

A navigation receiver calculates its location by measuring the time taken for signals to travel from multiple satellites. Since receivers do not carry highly precise atomic clocks like those installed on navigation satellites, a minimum of four satellite signals is necessary to accurately determine latitude, longitude, altitude and correct clock errors simultaneously.

As a result, while NavIC continues to operate, it cannot presently determine positions independently using only its own constellation. The successful deployment and commissioning of NVS-03 would restore the minimum four-satellite threshold needed for standalone positioning capability.

Despite this shortfall, the government has emphasised that there are no security or operational vulnerabilities for users. This is because NavIC is widely used in a multi-constellation environment alongside other Global Navigation Satellite Systems such as GPS, Galileo and GLONASS. Modern smartphones, vehicles and specialised navigation equipment routinely combine signals from multiple satellite networks to improve accuracy and reliability.

The mission also carries strategic significance. NavIC was developed to ensure that India has sovereign access to navigation services without depending entirely on foreign-operated systems. The importance of such independence has been recognised since the Kargil conflict, when access to critical navigation data became a national concern. Today, NavIC supports civilian users while also serving important national requirements.

NVS-03 is expected to further improve the resilience of the constellation through upgraded technology. The satellite carries navigation payloads operating in the L1, L5 and S frequency bands, expanding compatibility with a wider range of commercial devices.

It is also equipped with an indigenous Rubidium atomic clock, developed after failures involving imported atomic clocks affected several first-generation NavIC satellites. The successful development of a domestically produced atomic clock marks a significant technological milestone for India's space program.

The satellite has been designed with an operational life of around 12 years and will strengthen both service continuity and system reliability. It will also feature improved encrypted services for authorised users and incorporate advanced ranging capabilities that help maintain the precision required for navigation operations.

The urgency surrounding the mission has increased following difficulties encountered by NVS-02, which was launched in January 2025. Due to a propulsion-related anomaly, the satellite was unable to reach its intended operational orbit and therefore could not join the active navigation constellation. That setback left the system dependent on a limited number of operational spacecraft.

ISRO is therefore viewing NVS-03 as a critical replacement mission that can plug the existing gap and help return NavIC to independent positioning operations. The launch will also be closely watched as another important flight for the GSLV program, which continues to serve as a key vehicle for placing heavy satellites into geosynchronous and geostationary orbits.

The restoration effort does not end with NVS-03. The government has confirmed that NVS-04 and NVS-05 are already in advanced stages of development. These satellites will provide additional redundancy and strengthen the overall health of the constellation, reducing the risk of future service interruptions caused by ageing spacecraft or technical failures.

If NVS-03 performs as planned and successfully enters its designated orbit, India will take a major step towards restoring NavIC's independent positioning capability, reinforcing a strategic national asset that underpins navigation, timing services and technological self-reliance for both civilian and national applications.

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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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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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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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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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Advanced Electro-Optic Systems Transforming Modern Military Operations

Defence manufacturers construct armoured ground vehicles, military aircraft, seafaring vessels, artillery systems, and mounted guns to ensure national security measures.

With growing requirements and increasing demands for armoured vehicles, the government of India considers this a core area across the defence sector to bring swift enhancements and promote self-reliance.

Electro-optic systems assist defence manufacturers by providing independent surveillance and telemetric guidance to monitor threats, track enemy contacts, and protect critical assets. These independent surveillance systems function by being mounted directly onto defence vehicles, while electro-optic guidance systems can be built directly into these platforms.

Equipped defence vehicles maintain visibility through clouds and thick fog, operating effectively via guidance systems or external mounting configurations.

A primary challenge faced by defence manufacturers is the scarcity of security surveillance product vendors who adhere to Make in India principles while comprehensively customising products under one roof.

Such products and solutions must be explicitly integrated with existing legacy systems of defence manufacturers and remain fully compliant to meet precise applications.

Crafting these advanced solutions requires state-of-the-art infrastructure supported by robust internal resources and indigenous technology.

Optimized Electrotech delivers vital surveillance products and solutions comprising independent surveillance systems and electro-optic guidance systems tailored for defence vehicle manufacturers.

Targeted identification and tracking systems utilise electro-optic sights to guide artillery systems and avenger missile systems, enabling precise target designation, identification, and tracking via long-range optical systems.

These long-range optical networks provide superior target acquisition capabilities and friend-or-foe identification to facilitate effective offensive and defensive manoeuvres.

Artificial intelligence combined with edge analytics empowers these systems to make smarter, rapid, and informed decisions on a real-time basis.

Specialised gun sights direct mounted armaments to facilitate accurate target tracking driven by advanced long-range optics.

Gun sights are specifically designed to amplify the aiming capabilities of weapons, enhancing overall performance under harsh conditions such as low-light environments and nocturnal operations.

Independent surveillance solutions offer vehicle-mounted platforms that augment the operational efficiencies of military transport.

Long-range surveillance platforms mounted precisely on defence vehicles improve situational visibility and streamline threat analysis.

Defence aircraft and missiles deploy electro-optic systems to maintain clear visibility during heavy fog, cloudy weather, and low-light or zero-light scenarios.

Aircraft integrated with customized surveillance systems achieve heightened situational awareness, optimising existing flight operations and mission parameters.

Telemetric guidance monitoring ensures superior performance and operational efficiency while reducing potential threats with high levels of accuracy.

Artificial intelligence integrated with edge analytics allows systems to execute intelligent decisions in real time, making the operator's role significantly more viable and manageable.

The company's surveillance platforms integrate seamlessly with virtually any military system using multiple communication protocols.

Key product series include Mist Vision, Clear Vision, Infi Vision, and Noct Vision, alongside multi-spectral offerings like Rel Eye and Cat Eye, as well as weapon sights such as Wolf Sight.

Comprehensive custom solutions are engineered precisely around customer specifications to deliver cost-effective military hardware.

These products guarantee high mobility and clear visibility for defence vehicles during adverse weather, enhancing operational safety in the field.

Acting as a strategic partner to defence vehicle manufacturers, the firm delivers quality security products and solutions on schedule.

Customized products address critical infrastructure threat mitigations and regulatory necessities, keeping military personnel and civilians safeguarded through explicit communications.

High-end electro-optic surveillance systems are researched and rigorously tested by demanding clients for land and aerospace applications across the nation.

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Optimized Electro Tech Develops Multi-Spectral Surveillance System For Long-Range Monitoring In All Weather And Light Conditions

Optimized Electro Tech has developed a ruggedized Multi-Spectral Ultra Long-Range Surveillance System designed to deliver reliable long-range surveillance capabilities across all weather conditions and lighting environments.

The system generates high-contrast imagery for post-processing and detailed evaluation, enabling uninterrupted operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Its thermal imaging capability allows it to capture clear images even in zero-light conditions, ensuring continuous monitoring regardless of visibility.

By integrating Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) and Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) detectors alongside visible and near-infrared imaging, the platform offers a comprehensive solution for long-range imaging applications. The system automatically regulates image processing and selects VIS-NIR, thermal, SWIR or MWIR imagery according to prevailing weather and illumination conditions.

The solution is well suited for highly restricted facilities, including correctional institutions and industrial plants, where continuous perimeter surveillance is essential throughout the year.

Its advanced sensor suite enables operators to maintain situational awareness in challenging environmental conditions.

High-sensitivity detectors allow the system to identify even the smallest faults, disturbances or intrusions across protected boundaries.

This capability provides authorities with an opportunity to undertake pre-emptive action before potential security incidents escalate.

The platform's long-range identification capability and narrow field of view make it particularly effective for monitoring cross-border activity and safeguarding critical infrastructure. By combining multiple imaging technologies into a single surveillance solution, the system enhances target detection, recognition and identification performance across a broad range of operational scenarios.

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Autonomous Miniature Visual Guidance System Brings Precision Strike Capability To Airborne Guided Projectiles

Next-generation guided weapons require autonomous precision to remain effective against both moving and stationary targets at standoff ranges. Without onboard visual intelligence, airborne guided projectiles typically depend on external guidance, which can limit mission effectiveness in dynamic operational environments.

To address this challenge, Optimized Electrotech has developed a Miniature Visual Guidance System (MVIGS), an advanced visual intelligence solution designed for airborne guided projectiles launched from aerial platforms such as UAVs. The system enables autonomous target acquisition, tracking and engagement of land-based targets within line-of-sight ranges.

Developed under the iDEX framework, MVIGS combines electro-optical imaging, onboard analysis and edge intelligence to provide autonomous target-tracking capabilities for next-generation weapon systems manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited. The system can automatically identify intended targets using cues provided by the launch platform while operating at suitable standoff distances.

Built around embedded electronics and electro-optical technologies, MVIGS can detect and recognise targets based on launch-platform inputs. It also classifies targets through edge analytics, allowing onboard decision support without dependence on external processing systems.

The system continuously tracks designated targets throughout the projectile’s flight and supports flight-path error correction through communication with the launch platform. This helps maintain engagement accuracy under changing battlefield conditions.

MVIGS further enables communication with telemetry systems and autopilot systems, ensuring seamless integration with the projectile’s guidance and control architecture. The platform is also compliant with JSS 55555 requirements.

The solution integrates electro-optical design, mechanical and opto-mechanical engineering, image acquisition, image interpretation and analysis, embedded electronics, and communications technologies into a compact package. Together, these capabilities provide a fully autonomous visual guidance solution for airborne guided projectiles.

As militaries increasingly seek precision-engagement systems capable of operating in contested and communications-denied environments, onboard visual guidance technologies such as MVIGS are expected to play an important role in enhancing target engagement accuracy, reducing dependence on continuous external control, and improving operational flexibility for future guided munition programs.

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DRDO's Indigenous HAPS Breakthrough Strengthens India's Stratospheric Surveillance And Security Capabilities

India has achieved a significant milestone in indigenous aerospace technology after the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested its High-Altitude Platform System (HAPS), a long-endurance stratospheric platform designed for surveillance, communications and observation.

The experimental platform climbed to an altitude of 21 km above mean sea level and maintained an operating altitude of around 20 km for more than 30 minutes before being instructed to descend. The system was recovered successfully, and flight performance data was subsequently analysed.

HAPS, or High-Altitude Platform Station, refers to an unmanned aircraft, airship or balloon capable of operating in the stratosphere, typically between 20 km and 50 km above the Earth's surface. Positioned between conventional drones and satellites, it combines the flexibility of aircraft with some of the persistent coverage advantages associated with space-based systems.

Because it operates much closer to Earth than a satellite, a HAPS platform can deliver detailed, continuous monitoring of a specific region. Its applications include surveillance, intelligence gathering, communications support, Earth observation, environmental monitoring and disaster response. Unlike satellites, it can also be recovered for maintenance, upgrades and repairs, reducing operational costs and improving adaptability.

During the trial, the platform continuously transmitted real-time video and flight parameters to a Ground Control Station, demonstrating its intended operational performance. The successful data transmission validated the platform's monitoring and communication capabilities under stratospheric flight conditions.

The flight carried a range of instrumentation and control systems, including a GPS receiver, onboard cameras, an inertial measurement unit and an altitude-control mechanism. These systems enabled navigation, flight monitoring and precise altitude management throughout the mission.

The lighter-than-air platform is being designed and developed by DRDO's Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) in Agra as a long-endurance aerial surveillance platform capable of sustained operations in the stratosphere.

The successful trial is viewed as an important step towards developing indigenous near-space surveillance and monitoring capabilities.

The flight test was conducted with support from the Indian Air Force, the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the Airports Authority of India and other civil authorities, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the project.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Air Force, public sector undertakings and industry partners for the achievement, describing it as an important milestone in India's journey towards self-reliance in advanced aerospace technologies and long-endurance stratospheric airship development.

Separately, the Defence Minister also hailed the production of the 2,000th aero-engine by HAL's Koraput division as a landmark achievement.

He noted that the facility's overhaul of more than 9,000 engines has strengthened India's aero-engine ecosystem and enhanced the operational readiness of the Armed Forces.

Based on his remarks, continued progress in indigenous engines, testing infrastructure, raw materials and maintenance capabilities is helping build a stronger domestic aerospace sector.

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GalaxEye Secures US Patent For OptoSAR Technology As 30-Satellite Constellation Plans Gather Pace

Indian space-tech Start-Up GalaxEye has secured a US patent for its proprietary OptoSAR imaging technology, marking a significant milestone in its effort to build a planned 30-satellite Earth observation constellation, Economic Times reported.

The patent strengthens the company's intellectual property portfolio and provides a foundation for scaling its next generation of satellites. According to GalaxEye, the technology combines optical imaging with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), enabling the collection of highly aligned Earth observation data that remains effective even through cloud cover, smoke, poor weather conditions and darkness.

The patented architecture synchronises optical and microwave sensors at the system level, allowing simultaneous, spatially and temporally matched data acquisition. This addresses a longstanding challenge within the Earth observation sector, where optical and radar imagery are often captured separately and combined later through post-processing, potentially creating temporal gaps and spatial misalignment.

Pranit Mehta, Co-Founder and Vice-President of Sales at GalaxEye, described the patent as a foundational element of the firm's future roadmap. He noted that the technology will support the development of larger satellites and ultimately enable the deployment of the company's planned constellation, while ensuring that critical technologies are developed domestically rather than licensed from overseas providers.

The achievement comes as the global commercial satellite imaging market continues to expand rapidly. Industry estimates place the market at approximately $6.55 billion in 2024, with projections suggesting it could exceed $20 billion by 2033 as demand for high-quality Earth observation data increases across multiple industries.

GalaxEye originated from the IIT Madras ecosystem and has emerged as one of India's most closely watched private space companies. Its technology has applications across defence, agriculture, infrastructure monitoring, insurance, maritime intelligence and disaster management, sectors that increasingly require near real-time and all-weather imaging capabilities.

The company's first operational OptoSAR satellite, Mission Drishti, was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in May. The satellite represented a major technological demonstration for GalaxEye and, at roughly 190 kg, was among the most significant privately developed Earth observation spacecraft produced in India.

However, the mission encountered a setback in July when a solar storm affected a critical onboard system, resulting in a loss of communication with the spacecraft. Despite the incident, the satellite had successfully completed approximately 85 per cent of its commissioning objectives and validated key aspects of the OptoSAR concept.

The disruption delayed the company's ability to begin commercial service delivery despite having already established a network of channel partners spanning more than 80 countries. Those partnerships were intended to support the rollout of imaging services to international customers across government, commercial and strategic sectors.

Looking ahead, GalaxEye plans to launch two larger and more capable satellites within the next two years. These next-generation spacecraft are expected to deliver improved imaging performance and higher-resolution data products, further advancing the company's commercial Earth observation ambitions.

The Start-Up has raised approximately $21 million in funding, equivalent to around ₹176 crore, to support technology development, satellite deployment and constellation expansion.

The newly granted US patent follows earlier protection secured in India and further validates technology that company leadership describes as an indigenous innovation developed entirely within India.

The patent is expected to strengthen GalaxEye's position as it competes in the increasingly strategic global Earth observation market and works towards establishing a multi-satellite network capable of providing persistent, all-weather intelligence from space.

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