IAF to get pseudo satellites, Army missile system

The Indian Air Force will be acquiring “pseudo satellites” capable of providing communication, conducting surveillance and acting as a data relay system between aircraft and ground stations. Additionally, the Indian Army will get 48 launchers of the very short range air defence system (VSHORADS), along with 85 missiles and 48 night-vision sights.

Will boost air defence

IAF to deploy solar-powered pseudo satellites for persistent surveillance, communication and data relay at 16 km altitude

Army to induct 48 launchers with night vision capability, enhancing last-line defence against low-flying aerial threats

Despite border tensions, acquisitions won’t impact immediate readiness as procurement process will take months

Although these purchases coincide with heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, there will be no immediate impact on military readiness, as the acquisition process will take several months.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has sought pseudo satellites, referred to as high-altitude platform systems (HAPS). These solar-powered systems function as long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) and do not require refuelling. Unlike conventional rooftop solar panels, the ones used to power these aircraft are made of extremely thin solar films.

HAPS operate at altitudes higher than traditional drones but lower than low Earth orbit satellites, providing a satellite-like view for extended periods.

The MoD issued a request for information (RFI), a step in the tender process, seeking three such platforms for the IAF and has invited domestic manufacturers to bid. The RFI states that these are needed for ‘persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)’ as well as airborne data relay for other unmanned platforms while intercepting adversary electronic signals.

The MoD requires the system to operate at an altitude of 16 km (16,000 metres). For context, Mount Everest stands at 8,849 metres, while long-haul international flights typically cruise at around 10,000 metres. Additionally, the HAPS should be capable of clear line-of-sight communication up to 150 km and at least 400 km when communicating with satellites.

Last year, the Navy signed a deal with Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research & Technologies (NSRT) to design and develop a domestically built HAPS. The MoD had funded this research under its Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative.

Separately, the MoD has issued a request for proposal, another step in the tendering process, for new-generation VSHORADS. These are man-portable anti-aircraft missiles designed to counter low-flying adversary aerial platforms.

VSHORAD systems are used by forward field formations and serve as the last line of defence in a multi-layered air defence mechanism to neutralise incoming threats.

The MoD seeks a man-portable launcher capable of engaging airborne threats during both day and night operations. The missile should be effective at distances of up to 6,000 metres.

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