India’s Strategic Forces Command (SFC) is progressing with plans to develop next-generation missile warning satellites featuring advanced infrared sensors and synthetic aperture radar capable of detecting missile launches, including hypersonic weapons, even under adverse conditions such as cloud cover or nighttime. This initiative, part of the broader Space-Based Surveillance-III (SBS-III) program, involves collaboration with ISRO and private Indian aerospace firms to build a constellation of 52 military satellites by 2029, enhancing India’s nuclear deterrence and real-time intelligence capabilities. The satellites will provide persistent surveillance across critical areas such as the India-China border, India-Pakistan border, and the Indian Ocean region. The sensors on these satellites are designed to detect rapidly advancing missile threats and boost technologies. The SBS-III program, driven by the Defence Space Agency, also aims to integrate AI-powered analytics, encrypted communication, and all-weather operational capabilities to strengthen strategic command and control. This indigenous effort aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and is a strategic response to growing regional threats from China and Pakistan. The first next-generation geostationary satellite has already completed environmental testing and is on track for deployment, marking a significant leap in India’s space-based military deterrence infrastructure.