 "Beyond 26/11: How military satellites can redefine India's security framework")
The harrowing events of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008 were a stark reminder of vulnerabilities in India’s national security framework. The coordinated terror attack showed weaknesses in India’s intelligence gathering, inter-agency coordination, and real-time situational awareness. In the context of modern warfare and hybrid threats, the need for a robust military satellite network had never been more urgent.
Lessons in Vulnerabilities
The 26/11 attacks were well-planned and executed by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives with significant backing from external state and non-state actors. The attackers utilised advanced communication tools, GPS navigation, and intelligence provided through reconnaissance to evade Indian authorities and maximise damage. Key vulnerabilities exposed during the attacks were:
Poor Maritime Surveillance: The terrorists infiltrated Mumbai via the sea route, undetected by coastal radar systems. Despite having warning signals, intelligence was not actionable.
Lack of Real-Time Communication: Delays in inter-agency communication hampered quick response efforts, allowing attackers to move freely between locations.
Inadequate Situational Awareness: Security forces lacked comprehensive situational awareness, delaying operations and contributing to avoidable casualties.
Integrating Satellites into India’s Security Framework
To leverage satellites effectively, India must integrate them into a cohesive security ecosystem. This involves improving data processing capabilities, fostering inter-agency collaboration, and developing advanced analytics for actionable intelligence.
Strengthening the Space-Military Nexus: While the Indian Space Research Organisation has developed cutting-edge satellites, integrating their capabilities with the Indian Armed Forces is crucial. The creation of the Defence Space Agency (DSA) in 2019 was a step in the right direction, but further synergy is needed. The DSA can act as a bridge between ISRO, the armed forces, and intelligence agencies, ensuring the optimal use of satellite resources.
Enhancing Real-Time Intelligence Sharing: The events of 26/11 highlighted the need for faster intelligence sharing across agencies. A satellite-powered intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) framework can facilitate real-time data exchange between intelligence agencies (RAW, IB, and National Technical Research Organisation) and operational forces (NSG, Army, Navy, and Air Force). For instance, during a maritime infiltration attempt, earth observation satellites can detect suspicious activity, while communication satellites ensure rapid dissemination of the information to relevant naval and coastal security units.
Leveraging AI and Big Data Analytics: Satellites generate massive volumes of data, which can overwhelm traditional analytical methods. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, India can process satellite data more efficiently. AI-powered systems can identify patterns, predict threats, and provide actionable intelligence faster, whether it’s monitoring troop movements or tracking terrorist hideouts.
Expanding Tactical Capabilities with UAVs: The UAVs equipped with satellite-based communication systems can complement satellite surveillance. By combining satellite imagery with UAV reconnaissance, the armed forces can conduct more precise operations, such as targeting terrorist camps or intercepting infiltrators in remote areas.
Shift Towards Micro-GEO Satellites
India is right now at the crossroads of innovation and security powerhouse of Asia, where the world powers have kept a close eye on the country to utilise it as the potential leaders in the security domain. Having a strategic dominance in the space sector will give momentum to scale India’s global positioning in the space and defence sectors. But to achieve such targets at the international level, India needs to first strengthen its military space application needs on the domestic levels.
However, the role of private players in the space industry, which has recently gained momentum with reforms and policy shifts, remains underutilised in terms of its strategic potential. While companies like Pixxel, SatSure, Dhruva Space, etc are already well established enough to serve the market, the need to streamline the demand prospects from the government side is something that is worth exploring. For example, India’s space ecosystem has long been developing geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites, where the costs are high and there is little or no way for small companies to get involved in such large-scale projects. With the current trend of NewSpace technologies, preferring Micro-GEO satellites can be of strategic importance, both from a cost and partnership perspective.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsMicro-GEO satellite costs are comparatively low as opposed to traditional GEO satellites. And they are proven to be more efficient as compared to non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellites. Initiating projects where such capabilities are preferred by replacing traditional, costly systems will pave the way for startups and small and medium enterprises to get involved in the military satellite projects. This will also further help streamline the project dissemination, capacity development, and strengthen relationships between NewSpace players and government/defence agencies.
Conclusion
The lessons of 26/11 underscore the need for a robust, technologically advanced security framework in India. Military satellites, with their unparalleled ISR capabilities, are at the forefront of this transformation. By leveraging new space technologies, integrating advanced analytics, and fostering inter-agency collaboration, India can enhance its ability to detect, deter, and neutralise threats.
The strategic alignment of India’s commercial space companies with its defence sector is no longer a choice but a necessity. As space becomes an increasingly contested and militarised domain, leveraging the capabilities of private players can significantly enhance India’s security, self-reliance, and economic growth. By addressing the challenges and fostering a collaborative ecosystem, India can emerge as a leader in space technology and strengthen its position on the global stage.
As geopolitical tensions rise and unconventional threats evolve, the strategic use of satellites will not only strengthen India’s defence posture but also ensure a safer future for its citizens. The journey beyond 26/11 is one of innovation, preparedness, and resilience—powered by the limitless potential of space technology.
The author is the founder of Access Hub, a global B2B online marketplace for the Space and Defence industry, based in Strasbourg, France. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
