'You Know Our Neighbours, 10 Satellites Working Continuously': ISRO Chairman Reveals Space Technology's Role In Operation Sindoor

As India faced heightened tensions along its western and northern borders following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in supporting national security operations.

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan revealed on Sunday (11 May) that a dedicated constellation of satellites had been working continuously to ensure the country’s safety during this volatile period, The Hindu reported.

“At least 10 satellites are continuously working round-the-clock for the strategic purpose to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of the country,” he said, underlining the importance of India’s satellite and drone technology in safeguarding its vast and vulnerable frontiers.

His remarks come in the backdrop of India’s high-intensity response to the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, which led to Operation Sindoor—a coordinated military campaign that targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu-Kashmir (PoJK).

“You all know about our neighbours. If we have to ensure the safety of our country, we have to serve through our satellites. We have to monitor our 7,000 km seashore areas. We have to monitor the entire Northern part continuously. Without satellite and drone technology, we can’t achieve that,” he added.

These satellite systems played a key role in providing intelligence and tracking cross-border movements amid Pakistan’s retaliation efforts, which included drone intrusions and heavy artillery shelling across states like Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Gujarat.

During Operation Sindoor, coordinated intelligence and satellite monitoring enabled the Armed Forces to strike targets with precision. The synergy between ISRO’s space-based monitoring and the military's operational capability played a pivotal role in achieving strategic objectives while maintaining control over escalation.