India’s leap into the stratosphere: Bridging the gap between drones and satellites
India's military is investing in space-based surveillance but is also exploring High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS) as a cost-effective and flexible alternative to traditional satellites for information dominance in modern warfare. HAPS offer advantages like persistence, repositioning, and lower cost compared to satellites, complementing existing ground and air sensors.
Why it matters
This development signifies a strategic shift in military intelligence and surveillance, potentially enhancing India's defense capabilities and offering a more resilient and adaptable approach to information gathering in contested environments.
Information dominance is one of the most important aspects of modern warfare. For a long time, military leadership worldwide was hamstrung by the "fog of war" — critical, battle-winning decisions could not be taken timely because of information gaps.Today, the fog has largely been reduced by more sensors, near-instantaneous communications, streamlined information channels, and automation and computing that aid commanders.In both reel life and real life, military satellites have shown they can provide detailed reconnaissance across spectrums from visual to through-cloud and weather-piercing radars.Satellites are also central to global communications. India plans a constellation of 52 military satellites under Space-Based Surveillance Phase‑III at a cost of Rs 27,000 crore, aiming to have it operational by 2029.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in