India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is advancing its defense surveillance capabilities with the development of an Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) satellite designed for geostationary orbit, set for launch by late 2026. This satellite, incorporating an advanced version of DRDO’s Kautilya ELINT payload, will intercept and analyze enemy radar and electromagnetic emissions in real-time, significantly enhancing military situational awareness across India’s borders and the Indo-Pacific region. The project, aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, integrates cutting-edge technologies including artificial intelligence and fosters collaboration with private sector entities, reducing reliance on foreign satellite imagery. This development is part of a broader ₹26,968 crore Phase-3 Space-Based Surveillance program, which aims to deploy 52 defense surveillance satellites by 2029, with ISRO and private firms contributing to their construction and deployment. The first satellite in this constellation is scheduled for April 2026. These efforts stem from lessons learned in recent military operations and reflect India’s strategic focus on self-reliance, real-time threat detection, and enhanced space domain awareness amidst growing Chinese military activities. Alongside satellite development, DRDO and ISRO are enhancing ground-based capabilities such as long-range space tracking radars to monitor space debris and adversarial threats. This comprehensive upgrade is anticipated to strengthen India’s strategic autonomy, border security, and defense readiness significantly in the coming years.