Indian Army’s SATCOM-Enabled RPAS: Transforming Border Surveillance

As the battlefield is increasingly defined by technology, the Indian Army is taking a significant leap in aerial surveillance with Satellite Communication (SATCOM)-enabled Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS). These advanced systems redefine how India secures its extensive borders, from the rugged Himalayas in the North to the arid Western frontiers. By embracing cutting-edge technology, the Army is enhancing situational awareness, strengthening national security, and reinforcing self-reliance through indigenous innovation. Recent procurements and a clear roadmap for future inductions highlight SATCOM-enabled RPAS as a cornerstone of India's defence strategy.

The adoption of SATCOM-enabled RPAS marks a significant evolution in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Unlike conventional drones, these platforms utilise satellite connectivity to operate beyond line-of-sight (BLOS), providing exceptional range and endurance. This capability is critical along India's Northern borders, where the Line of Actual Control (LAC) traverses harsh terrain. The Army has inducted four Heron Mk-II RPAS, which are actively deployed in this region. Additionally, two SATCOM-enabled Hermes Starliner Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) RPAS are under delivery for Bathinda, augmenting surveillance on the Western front.

These platforms deliver real-time, high-resolution imagery, empowering commanders to monitor troop movements, detect intrusions, and swiftly respond to emerging threats.
Strategically, SATCOM-enabled RPAS integrate seamlessly into the Army's broader Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) architecture. Rather than standalone assets, they are components of a networked ecosystem, merging data from satellites, ground sensors, and manned platforms. This integration significantly enhances battlefield transparency, essential for countering multi-domain threats.

Notably, the Army's ongoing procurement of 21 MALE SATCOM-enabled RPAS and the case for grading 16 Heron Mk-I units to SATCOM capability will substantially boost strategic surveillance. Furthermore, the planned induction of eight MQ-9B Predator High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) RPAS by 2029-30, part of a tri-service contract for 31 units, will offer deep-penetration surveillance capabilities, providing insights into adversary activities far beyond India's immediate borders.

India's investment in these advanced systems also prioritises self-reliance. The Army's collaboration with domestic industries and academic institutions is driving indigenous drone technologies. The Army Design Bureau (ADB) has engaged with over 1,700 industries and 200 academic institutions, fostering a robust defence ecosystem. Initiatives like the Compendium of Problem Definition Statements (CPDS) 2023 stimulated innovation, generating 512 solutions and initiating 48 projects under iDEX and Make schemes. Upcoming initiatives such as CPDS 2025 and the Compendium of Technology Challenges (CTC) will further accelerate this momentum. Through No-Cost-No-Commitment (NCNC) demonstrations and internal drone trials, the Army actively refines indigenous products, ensuring they meet modern warfare demands.

Operationally, SATCOM-enabled RPAS enhance logistics and targeting alongside surveillance. The Army has contracted 363 logistics drones, with 163 already under delivery, to support troops in remote, high-altitude areas, significantly alleviating logistical challenges. Additionally, procurement of 45 Canister-Launched Anti-Armour Loitering Munition (CALM) systems, contracted in September 2023 and expected by 2025, enhances precision strike capabilities. These munitions, guided via SATCOM systems, provide real-time targeting data and facilitate pinpoint strikes, which are vital in counter-insurgency and contested border scenarios requiring rapid response.

The Indian Army's vision for SATCOM-enabled RPAS aligns with its Decade of Transformation (2023-2032), emphasising technology infusion and joint operational capabilities. The planned establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs) will amplify the role of RPAS, enabling seamless data sharing among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Concurrently, over 50 ongoing Artificial Intelligence (AI) projects by the Indian Army and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) complement RPAS operations by enabling real-time image analysis and threat detection. The Integrated Perimeter Security System (IPSS), using AI-based analytics, exemplifies technology-enhanced border security.

Navigating a complex geopolitical landscape, the Indian Army's adoption of SATCOM-enabled RPAS demonstrates its proactive approach to national security. These systems strengthen India's defence posture and advance the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Prioritising indigenous development and fostering innovation, the Army is establishing a self-reliant defence ecosystem, ensuring operational superiority for decades. With each advanced RPAS deployment, India's borders grow increasingly secure, vigilant, and technologically fortified.

Ashu Maan is an Associate Fellow at the Centre for Land Warfare Studies. He is currently pursuing his PhD from Amity University, Noida, in Defence and Strategic Studies