The Indian Army is considering developing its own satellite constellation to improve battlefield communications and reduce reliance on foreign systems. This would be a significant step towards self-reliance in defense technology and would give the Army a major advantage in future conflicts.
The Army’s current communication systems are heavily reliant on terrestrial infrastructure, which is vulnerable to disruption in wartime. A satellite constellation would provide a secure and reliable means of communication even in the most challenging environments.
It would also allow the Army to communicate with its forces across its vast area of operations without having to rely on foreign satellites. This would be a major boost to the Army’s operational flexibility and strategic autonomy.
The development of a satellite constellation is a complex and expensive undertaking, but it is one that the Indian Army is committed to. The Army is working with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to develop the constellation, and the project is expected to be completed within the next decade.
The constellation is likely to consist of a mix of low-earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites. LEO satellites are closer to Earth and provide high-speed communication, while GEO satellites are further away and provide more coverage.
The Army is expected to use the constellation for a variety of purposes, including secure voice and data communications, imagery intelligence, and navigation. It will also be used to support the Army’s growing inventory of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The development of a satellite constellation is a major step forward for the Indian Army. It will give the Army a major advantage in future conflicts and help to ensure India’s strategic autonomy.
GSAT 7B & IndiaтАЩs Other Military Satellites
GSAT 7B is a military communication satellite currently under development by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is expected to be launched in 2024 and will be the third dedicated military satellite in India’s fleet, after GSAT 7 (Rukmini) and GSAT 7A (Angry Bird).
GSAT 7B will primarily be used by the Indian Army to meet its communication needs, including secure voice and data communications, imagery intelligence, and navigation. It will also be used to support the Army’s growing inventory of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
GSAT 7B is expected to be a state-of-the-art satellite with a number of advanced features, including:
- A multi-beam antenna that will provide wide coverage of the Indian subcontinent and the Indian Ocean region.
- A high-power transponder that will enable secure and high-speed communication.
- A payload that is specifically designed for military applications.
GSAT 7B is a major step forward for the Indian Army in terms of its communications capabilities. It will give the Army a secure and reliable means of communication in all environments, including in wartime. It will also allow the Army to better coordinate its operations with other branches of the Indian military and with allied forces.
Other military satellites of India:
- GSAT 7 (Rukmini): This satellite is currently being used by the Indian Navy for its communication needs.
- GSAT 7A (Angry Bird): This satellite is currently being used by the Indian Air Force for its communication needs.
- EMISAT: This satellite is used for electronic intelligence and signals intelligence gathering.
- RISAT-2B: This satellite is used for synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) imaging.
- Cartosat-2 series: These satellites are used for high-resolution optical imaging.
The Indian military is also developing a number of other military satellites, including a dedicated navigation satellite and a satellite for missile warning and tracking.
India’s growing fleet of military satellites is a reflection of its growing strategic ambitions. The satellites are playing an increasingly important role in the Indian military’s ability to deter and fight wars.
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, a satellite constellation would also give the Indian Army the following advantages:
- Improved situational awareness: The constellation would provide the Army with real-time images and data from across its area of operations. This would help the Army to better track the movements of enemy forces and to identify potential threats.
- Enhanced precision targeting: The constellation would also provide the Army with more accurate targeting information for its artillery and missile systems. This would lead to greater lethality and reduced civilian casualties.
- Improved coordination and interoperability: The constellation would make it easier for the Army to coordinate its operations with other branches of the Indian military and with allied forces.
Overall, the development of a satellite constellation is a wise investment for the Indian Army. It would give the Army a number of significant advantages in future conflicts and help to ensure India’s security.
