Operation Sindoor showcased India’s advanced space capabilities, with the Indian armed forces seamlessly integrating domestic and international space assets for mission success. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) led the charge, deploying Cartosat and Risat satellites alongside commercial imagery from Maxar Technologies to deliver critical intelligence, surveillance, and communication support.

Cartosat satellites provided high-resolution imagery and video for precise mission planning, while Risat’s radar enabled all-weather tracking, unaffected by clouds or darkness. The GSAT series ensured reliable satellite communication, and India’s NavIC, paired with global GPS, enhanced positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT). India’s 9-11 military satellites were complemented by Maxar and Europe’s Sentinel, offering daily imagery compared to domestic satellites’ 14-day cycles.

“Our strategic assets were fully utilized,” an ISRO official stated, emphasizing round-the-clock support. Maxar’s global imagery services, used by governments worldwide, played a key role, though Pakistan’s reliance on similar data or China’s military satellites remains uncertain.

On May 18, 2025, ISRO will launch EOS-09 (Risat-1B), featuring a C-band synthetic aperture radar for high-resolution, all-weather imaging. “This will significantly boost India’s surveillance capabilities,” said ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan. Lt Gen (retd) AK Bhat of the Indian Space Association highlighted the vital role of space assets in imagery, sat-com, and PNT, underscoring their centrality to modern warfare.

Operation Sindoor reflects India’s digital-first military strategy, leveraging cutting-edge space technology to reimagine defense operations. With ISRO’s ongoing advancements, India’s armed forces are set to achieve greater precision and self-reliance, reinforcing the nation’s strategic prowess in an evolving global landscape.