In today’s evolving warfare landscape, the true strength and deterrence now come from long-range strike weapons, unmanned systems, loitering munitions, airborne tankers, space-based ISR networks, and the collaboration between manned and unmanned systems. This shift in military strategy calls for a broader structural change. Delays in taking action are no longer just tactical setbacks; they become a significant strategic vulnerability.
The sensor-to-shooter timeline compression is not only a technological problem but also a fundamental issue in decision architecture. Compressing that timeline requires work in several areas.
First, satellites must carry onboard AI capable of detecting, classifying, and cueing targets. They should be able to transmit actionable intelligence over tactical data links. This eliminates the round-trip to a ground station for analysis.
Second, pre-authorised engagement envelopes, i.e. defined target criteria against which strike authority is delegated to the satellite before conflict begins. A satellite can trigger an execution sequence rather than a consultation.
Third, a direct machine-to-machine network between ISR assets and strike platforms, with AI cross-referencing satellite data with other sensors (UAVs, SIGINT, and ground radars) to automatically produce a confidence-rated target package.
The legal and ethical concerns surrounding a misattributed strike are understandable, highlighting the importance of having a careful approach in the kill chain. It’s essential to keep the human in the loop, ensuring the human authorises each kinetic attack. While smart machines can identify and designate targets, human oversight remains a crucial safeguard.
Q2. Fighting Through the Electronic Fog
Fighting through the Fog of war has existed since wars began. Electronic fog is a part of it. In the future, assessments of the threat environment should treat GPS jamming and ISR spoofing as baseline assumptions in conflict scenarios. The opening moves of any conflict involve cyber and electronic attacks before any kinetic exchange. Electronic attack is now a feature of even ostensibly non-combat environments (IAF aircraft flying into earthquake-hit Myanmar faced GPS spoofing).
The response must be across three levels. At the platform level, the need is for integrated systems with multiple guidance modes (inertial navigation, terrain-referenced navigation, NavIC integration, and optical terminal guidance). so that loss of GPS does not render the platform/weapon ineffective. Multi-constellation receivers (combining NavIC, GLONASS, and Galileo) would force an adversary to jam multiple frequencies simultaneously. In the future, quantum computing will enable precise navigation without reliance on GPS. At the same time, the implementation of quantum cryptography will secure communications.
At the space segment level, satellites should be capable of operating in a degraded communications environment. Resilience must be built into the architecture from the outset. They need anomaly-detection capability, frequency agility and hardened electronics. Optical communication between satellites is one way of reducing RF vulnerability.
At the operational level, the goal is not to eliminate the electronic fog but to remain functional inside it. Combat personnel must train regularly in GPS-denied and communications-degraded environments. Spectrum-agile systems, low-probability-of-intercept communications, and redundant networks are required to counter EW threats. Redundancy in sensors, communications, and commanders’ cognitive habits produces all-around resilience.
Q3. Distributed Constellations vs. Exquisite Satellites
The doctrine of “space deterrence” has become a key part of modern defence strategies. Protecting satellites through resilience and backups is now more important than ever. While a single valuable satellite can be a tempting target, having a group of smaller satellites spreads out the risk, making the overall system much sturdier. Each small satellite is less critical on its own, but together, they create a network that’s much harder to disrupt.
However, there are some trade-offs. Smaller satellites can carry smaller payloads. They have lower sensor resolution and have narrower per-node bandwidth. They may be suitable for tactical ISR functions, but insufficient for certain high-end ISR requirements. The practical answer is a tiered architecture. A mix of a small number of high-capability strategic satellites complemented by a larger constellation of capable, expendable ones.
Stratospheric airships present an exciting alternative! Operating comfortably at altitudes of 20–30 km, they blend the long-lasting qualities of satellites with the flexibility of terrestrial systems. Unlike geostationary satellites, airships can be moved, repaired, or upgraded with ease, allowing them to adapt to changing mission needs. The successful flight trial of DRDO’s stratospheric platform in May 2025 is a significant milestone. While these platforms won’t replace satellites, they offer a cost-effective addition to the overall surveillance setup.
India’s SBS-III programme, targeting 52 dedicated military satellites (equipped with SAR, electro-optical, and infrared payloads), is a step in the right direction. The involvement of private industry in a significant portion of those satellites signals an important shift toward faster production and greater cost efficiency.
Q4. Fusing Space Assets into a Common Operational Picture
The data fusion problem is a real challenge. Without integration, more sensors produce more confusion, rather than clarity. The challenge is to get the processed sensor data to the right person, in usable form, at the right time. It is more of an organisational and doctrinal issue than a technical one.
The information from space sensors must be fused into a single picture. The Common Operational Picture that a field commander can rely on must be continuously updated and remain current. It needs AI-driven correlation engines that perform real-time multi-sensor fusion, with confidence scoring for each data element, so a commander knows not just what the picture shows but how much to trust it. Building this requires common data standards across the IAF, the Army, the Navy, and the Defence Space Agency. This is a foundational necessity.
The most critical single step is to establish a jointly manned Space and Intelligence Fusion Center. The center should have real-time data access, direct connectivity and the authority to produce an integrated assessment. In the current model, information from different agencies passes through separate chains before being reconciled at a higher level. It introduces a delay that defeats the purpose of persistent surveillance. AI-enabled networked solutions for data collection, analysis, planning, dissemination, and monitoring must sit at the heart of this center.
Q5. Responsive Space and Tactical Satellite Launch
Space is becoming more militarised, with countries developing anti-satellite weapons, directed-energy systems, and cyber tools to disrupt vital assets such as GPS, reconnaissance, and communications satellites. Countries that can quickly rebuild their space infrastructure during challenges enjoy a lasting edge over those that can’t.
Tactical gaps can arise during hostilities due to satellite attrition or new threat activity not accounted for in pre-conflict planning. The ability to task a launch in response to these situations is necessary. The concept needs a shift in mindset of viewing the space as a static strategic asset to a fluid manoeuvre domain. In the longer term, the vision of a field commander requesting coverage over a sector and receiving a dedicated satellite within 24 to 72 hours is both feasible and strategically significant.
Current launch timelines are measured in weeks or months, not hours. Closing that gap requires investment in small launch vehicles with rapid turnaround capability. India’s SSLV technology transfer to industry is a step in the right direction. A stock of ready-to-launch, pre-integrated satellites with modular payloads needs to be built up. Launch infrastructure capable of supporting surge operations, including mobile or dispersed pad options, would also be required.
The more immediately achievable priority is responsive tasking of satellites already in orbit. The existing assets should be dynamically reprogrammable to cover a priority area at short notice. That is primarily a software and ground architecture problem and should be the near-term focus while launch responsiveness matures.
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My article was published on “The EurasianTimes” website
on 06 Jul 25.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to significantly enhance its surveillance and precision strike capabilities with the procurement of three Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) aircraft under a project worth Rs 10,000 crore. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted the “Acceptance of Necessity” (AoN) for this initiative on July 3, 2025, as part of a broader Rs 1.05 lakh crore defence modernisation package.
These advanced platforms integrate cutting-edge sensors, communication systems, and artificial intelligence to deliver real-time intelligence, enabling precise battlefield surveillance and strike coordination. The IAF aims to induct three state-of-the-art ISTAR aircraft, blending global aviation platforms with indigenous sensor technology developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The induction would position India among a select group of nations with elite air-to-ground surveillance capabilities.
Understanding ISTAR: A New Class of Airborne Intelligence. ISTAR is not a single system, but an integrated suite of advanced sensors and processing systems mounted on a long-range, high-endurance aircraft. It combines multiple intelligence disciplines, electro-optical, radar, signals intelligence (SIGINT), and electronic intelligence (ELINT), to provide commanders with a comprehensive battlefield picture. Unlike conventional reconnaissance or surveillance aircraft, ISTAR systems go beyond just collecting data. They analyse and fuse it in real-time using AI and advanced analytics, enabling actionable intelligence to be delivered to frontline units and command centers with speed and precision.
The Strategic Imperative for ISTAR
In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern warfare, information superiority is a critical determinant of success. ISTAR aircraft serve as force multipliers by providing real-time intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance capabilities. Equipped with advanced sensors, these platforms offer commanders actionable data, enabling precise decision-making in complex battle environments. For the IAF, operating in a volatile geopolitical region marked by ongoing tensions, ISTAR aircraft are indispensable for monitoring enemy movements, tracking high-value targets, and coordinating precision strikes from stand-off ranges.
The urgency for such capabilities was underscored by pivotal events, including the 2019 Balakot airstrike, which highlighted the need for enhanced situational awareness, and the 2020 Chinese aggression along the Line of Actual Control, which exposed gaps in real-time battlefield intelligence. The ISTAR program aligns with India’s broader strategic objectives, including the “Make in India” initiative, which emphasises self-reliance in defence technology. By integrating indigenous sensor systems with globally sourced aircraft platforms, the IAF aims to bolster its operational effectiveness while fostering domestic innovation, positioning India as a formidable player in military aviation.
ISTAR Program
The forthcoming ISTAR project, valued at Rs 10,000 crore, involves acquiring three aircraft from global aviation manufacturers, likely Boeing or Bombardier, which will be fitted with indigenous sensor and electronic systems developed by DRDO’s Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS). These systems, already tested for efficacy, represent a significant leap in India’s defence technology capabilities. The following are relevant aspects of the ISTAR program.
Operational Parameters. The aircraft will operate at a minimum ceiling of 40,000 feet with an endurance of at least eight hours, ensuring sustained surveillance over vast areas. This high-altitude capability allows the platforms to maintain a broad operational footprint.
Sensor Suite. The aircraft will feature:-
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) with a range of ≥200 km, enabling high-resolution imaging of ground targets, even through cloud cover or darkness.
Ground-Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) with a range of ≥150 km, capable of detecting and tracking moving objects on the battlefield.
Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Sensors for day/night operations in complex terrains, providing visual and thermal imaging for target identification.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) algorithms for image intelligence, automatic target recognition, and change detection, enhancing the speed and accuracy of data analysis.
Communication Systems. The platforms will be equipped with high-data-rate line-of-sight (LOS) and satellite communication (SATCOM) links, facilitating seamless data sharing with other assets, including satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and ground-based command centres. This connectivity is critical for integration with the IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), enabling real-time coordination across multiple domains.
Ground Segment. The program includes two fixed and four transportable ground exploitation systems for processing and disseminating data, ensuring actionable intelligence reaches commanders swiftly.
Platform. The aircraft are likely to be based on modified commercial jets, such as the Bombardier Global Express or Airbus A319, tailored for military applications. These platforms offer a balance of range, endurance, and payload capacity, making them ideal for ISTAR missions.
The IAF expects delivery within 60 months (five years) from contract signing, with DRDO’s prior testing of sensor systems expediting integration. A 1:32 scale model of the indigenous ISTAR platform, based on a pre-owned Airbus A319, was showcased at Aero India 2023, underscoring India’s commitment to blending global and domestic technologies.
Strategic Significance
The ISTAR aircraft will revolutionise the IAF’s approach to network-centric warfare, enabling real-time, multi-faceted intelligence that enhances precision and reduces collateral damage. By integrating with the IACCS, these platforms will create a cohesive operational picture, coordinating assets across air, ground, and space domains. This capability is particularly critical in India’s regional context, where operations like Operation Sindoor against Pakistan require rapid, calibrated responses without breaching hostile airspace.
Globally, the ISTAR program would position India among an elite group of nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel, with advanced air-to-ground surveillance capabilities. The platforms will enhance India’s deterrence posture, providing the ability to monitor and neutralise threats with unparalleled accuracy. The emphasis on indigenous sensor development also aligns with India’s self-reliance goals, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and positioning the country as a potential exporter of defence technology.
Challenges
Despite its promise, the ISTAR program faces several challenges. Addressing these challenges will be critical to ensuring the program’s success and operational readiness by 2030.
Vulnerability. ISTAR platforms are high-value targets for adversaries. For instance, Indo-Russian BrahMos missile variants are being developed to counter similar enemy platforms, highlighting the need for robust defensive measures, such as electronic countermeasures and stealth features.
Procurement Delays. Past delays due to bureaucratic hurdles and disagreements between the DRDO and the IAF underscore the importance of streamlined processes. The ongoing global tendering for aircraft platforms requires careful vendor selection to ensure compatibility with DRDO systems.
Integration Complexity. Seamlessly integrating indigenous sensors with global platforms demands rigorous testing and validation to avoid operational bottlenecks.
Cybersecurity. The reliance on real-time data sharing necessitates robust cybersecurity protocols to protect against hacking and data breaches.
Human Capital. Operating and maintaining ISTAR systems requires a cadre of highly trained analysts, technicians, and mission planners.
Conclusion
The IAF’s ISTAR aircraft program represents a bold step toward redefining India’s military capabilities in the 21st century. By combining advanced global platforms with cutting-edge indigenous technology, the program addresses urgent operational needs while advancing India’s self-reliance in defence. Expected to be operational by 2030, the three ISTAR aircraft are expected to provide the IAF with unmatched surveillance and strike coordination capabilities, positioning India among an elite group of nations with advanced ISTAR systems. Despite challenges, including procurement delays and platform vulnerabilities, the program’s strategic importance cannot be overstated. As India navigates a complex security landscape, the ISTAR aircraft will serve as a linchpin of its network-centric warfare strategy, ensuring operational superiority and reinforcing its stature as a global military power.
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Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.
References: –
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