India’s armed forces used advanced satellite technology during Operation Sindoor. They relied on both national and global data to identify and strike terror camps and Pakistani air bases last week.
ISRO Gave Key Support
To begin with, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) provided full support. A senior ISRO official told Times of India, “All of our strategic assets were put to use in different ways by our armed forces for Operation Sindoor. Our teams have been working round the clock and we are proud that ISRO could help our forces in missions important for the country.”
Moreover, another ISRO official said the army accessed Indian satellites directly. At the same time, ISRO offered additional image data from global firms like Maxar. “While data from our satellites from the Cartosat series and others were also used for planning, images were procured from Maxar,” the official noted.
In addition, India’s armed forces also used data from the European Sentinel satellite system.
Indian Satellites Played a Vital Role
Notably, ISRO’s Cartosat satellites provided high-resolution images and video. These satellites have supported India’s military intelligence for years. One official explained, “Indian satellites provide periodic data – with downloads of specific areas possible about once in 14 days. This data was made use of, while they used commercial data that’s available once a day too.”
Furthermore, the RISAT series likely delivered radar imagery that helped track movement. The GSAT series assisted with communications. Alongside these, India’s own GPS system, NavIC, worked together with other global navigation systems during the operation.
Satellites Now Guard India 24/7
Meanwhile, ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan said India now has ten satellites that continuously operate for national security. “Today, 433 satellites of 34 countries are lifted from India and placed into orbit…I am also happy to inform you that today, 10 satellites are continuously working 24/7 for a strategic purpose to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of the country,” he said.
He also emphasized the growing importance of satellites. “If we have to ensure the safety of our country, we have to serve through our satellites. We have to monitor our 7,000 km-long seashore. We have to monitor the entire northern part continuously. Without satellite and drone technology, we can’t achieve that.”
A Strategic Future for Space and Defence
Overall, Operation Sindoor highlighted the deep link between space technology and military strategy. By using both Indian and global data sources, India strengthened its defence capabilities and showed how space assets now play a critical role in national security.
