India’s Private Space Surge: Startups Power New-Age Space Defence

The New Battlefield Beyond Earth

Space has rapidly evolved from a domain of exploration to one of strategic significance in global security. As nations invest in military satellites, surveillance systems, and anti-satellite technologies, India too is embracing the militarization of space—not through state machinery alone, but via a growing ecosystem of private space-tech startups.

With over 200 space startups now active in India, the country's defence capabilities in space are witnessing a dramatic transformation. From reusable rockets to Earth observation satellites and situational awareness systems, private players like EtherealX, Agnikul Cosmos, Dhruva Space, Digantara, and Sisir Radar are not just aiding civil applications but are becoming integral to India’s national security fabric.

Op Sindoor: A Turning Point for Space-Defence Convergence

The shift from civilian to military space tech in India gained momentum after Operation Sindoor, a coordinated counter-terror response following the Pahalgam attack. The Indian armed forces, recognizing the power of real-time satellite intelligence, began engaging with private players for enhanced capability.

Top defence officials like Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, emphasized that startups should move beyond being mere vendors and become active partners in national security, harnessing space-based assets for surveillance, communication, and strategic operations.

The Military Space Doctrine, announced on 7 April 2024, is now guiding the Indian Armed Forces towards this new-age collaboration. It envisions a future where private innovation is not optional but essential to defence preparedness.

Private Pioneers in Defence Space Tech

Agnikul Cosmos: Satellites from Land, Sea & Air

Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos is developing custom launch platforms that can fire satellites not just from land, but also from ships and aircraft—offering agile deployment in times of conflict. Their mobile launch technology is ideal for rapid-response military missions and intelligence gathering.

EtherealX: Reusable Rockets for Military Payloads

In Bengaluru, EtherealX has built India’s first reusable launch vehicle, a feat previously achieved only by companies like SpaceX. The rocket is designed to carry both commercial and defence payloads, reducing launch costs and ensuring strategic autonomy in times of conflict.

Dhruva Space: Real-Time Surveillance from Orbit

Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space is developing Earth observation satellites capable of delivering near-real-time intelligence. These are critical for border surveillance, disaster management, and monitoring hostile activity. Several Indian government agencies have already expressed interest in their systems.

Strategic Infrastructure and Policy Backing

India's commitment to space defence is visible through multiple initiatives:

·       Defence Space Agency (2018): Established to streamline space assets for defence purposes.

·       Mission DefSpace (2022): A challenge to encourage innovation in space defence by startups.

·       Space-Based Surveillance (SBS-III) (2024): The latest phase in India’s strategic surveillance capabilities.

·       Military Space Doctrine (2024): Provides a policy framework for private-public collaboration in space defence.

Moreover, in February 2023, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan announced that over ₹25,000 crore (~$3 billion) would be allocated to strengthen India's space-based defence capabilities, a big signal for startups eyeing military contracts.

Cutting-Edge Innovations Fueling the Sector

Sisir Radar: Sharpening the Eyes in the Sky

Kolkata’s Sisir Radar is fast becoming a global leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology. SAR enables satellite imagery through cloud, smoke, and even dense forest, making it ideal for defence surveillance in hostile or remote terrains.

Sisir Radar has made a breakthrough in L-Band and P-Band frequencies, traditionally known for foliage and soil penetration but low resolution. Their new systems offer 10x improved resolution, including sub-one-metre clarity in L-Band—a global milestone. They are also building the world’s first privately made L-Band SAR satellite.

Digantara: Situational Awareness in Orbit

Bengaluru-based Digantara is pioneering space situational awareness (SSA), monitoring thousands of satellites and debris to prevent collisions—a critical service as  number of defence satellites increase.

In January 2025, Digantara launched the world’s first commercial SSA satellite, a significant step toward securing Indian defence assets in orbit. With over 11,000 active satellites globally and growing congestion in low Earth orbit, such awareness is no longer optional—especially for military preparedness.

Dual-Use Technology and Strategic Readiness

The line between civilian and defence space technology is increasingly blurred. As Tanveer Ahmed of Digantara explains, technologies like rockets, imaging systems, and SSA tools are inherently dual-use, serving both commercial and military needs.

At EtherealX, co-founder Manu J Nair envisions the startup as India’s answer to SpaceX, creating affordable and adaptable launch vehicles. “If the nation requires it, we’re fully prepared to support defence missions,” he states—underscoring how mission readiness is now a startup mindset.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite rapid growth, India’s private space sector faces challenges:

·       Regulatory Oversight: Defence technology is highly sensitive. Satellite imagery and military communications must comply with strict national security frameworks.

·       Funding and Scalability: Advanced space technology demands massive R&D investment. While government contracts are rising, scaling to global standards remains a financial hurdle.

·       Policy Clarity: The 2023 Civilian Space Policy and the Military Space Doctrine share overlapping goals. Better alignment and clearer execution paths will help startups thrive within the system.

Lieutenant General Anil Bhatt (Retd) points out that India is currently witnessing a disruption phase, where startups are defining new models of public-private partnerships. “Globally, we’ve seen this with SpaceX, Boeing, and Airbus. Now, India is writing its own chapter.”

India’s New Vanguard in the Final Frontier

From launch pads to orbital surveillance, India’s private space-tech startups are becoming first responders in space-based defence. The synergy between innovation and national security is not only practical but necessary in a time of evolving geopolitical threats and technological rivalries.

With state support, defence contracts, and visionary entrepreneurs, India is poised to leapfrog in military space capabilities. As Tanveer Ahmed rightly puts it, “The government has laid the runway. Now it’s our job to launch.”

The final frontier is no longer distant—it’s strategically critical, and Indian startups are making sure we’re ready.

(With agency inputs)