ISRO's Space Shield: India to Deploy Advanced Satellite Defense System Against China and Pakistan

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): India is now taking a major step toward strengthening the security of its satellites in space. According to a Bloomberg report, the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working on a plan to develop "bodyguard satellites." Just as the S-400 defense system protects against missiles on the ground, these satellites will protect Indian satellites in space from threats from enemy nations.

ISRO will deploy S400 in space, foiling every move by China and Pakistan; fortifications will be made using Indian satellites. : According to sources, steps in this direction accelerated when a satellite from a neighboring country came within just one kilometer of an ISRO satellite in mid-2024. This satellite was orbiting at an altitude of 500–600 kilometers and was involved in military activities such as mapping and ground monitoring. While the collision was averted, the incident was considered a 'demonstration of capability'.

Government sources said the initiative is part of India's comprehensive security plan. A fleet of 50 surveillance satellites will be built at a cost of approximately ₹2.7 lakh crore ($3 billion). The first of these satellites could be launched next year. This will further strengthen India's space-based surveillance capabilities.

The government is also preparing to work with startups on new technologies. This includes LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) satellites, which will help rapidly identify potential threats and provide timely warnings to ground-based operators. However, discussions on these are still in their early stages. Experts say that as satellites become increasingly important on both military and civilian fronts, this move by India will elevate national security and strategic power to new heights.

It is worth noting that India has engaged in numerous armed conflicts with Pakistan and China over the past seven decades. Statistics indicate that Pakistan has only eight satellites, while India has over 100. China leads the way with over 930 satellites.

A research group under the Indian Defence Ministry recently revealed that China had helped Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and assisted Islamabad in adjusting its satellite coverage.