Advanced satellite-based system to bolster India’s maritime security and strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific
NEW DELHI: In a significant development to strengthen India’s maritime domain awareness, the US State Department has approved the sale of HawkEye 360 technology to India. This high-tech system, powered by a constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), will provide India with enhanced surveillance capabilities across the Indo-Pacific, particularly in detecting ships that intentionally go dark to avoid detection, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
India to gain edge in maritime surveillance with $131 million HawkEye 360 technology deal
According to the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency, India has requested the SeaVision software package, complete with software enhancements, analytic support, remote training modules, documentation, and technical assistance. The total estimated cost of the deal is $131 million, with HawkEye 360, a Herndon, Virginia-based company, designated as the principal contractor.
HawkEye 360 is known for its ability to detect and geolocate radio frequency (RF) emissions from ships, aircraft, and coastal systems—even those operating covertly by switching off their Automatic Identification System (AIS)
This will be critical for India in countering illegal fishing, smuggling, and gray-zone naval activity in the Indian Ocean Region.
Multi-layered satellite monitoring to transform India’s maritime strategy
The technology integrates Electro-Optical (EO), Infrared (IR), and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) capabilities, enabling precise, round-the-clock, all-weather detection and tracking of maritime threats. This multi-layered system significantly boosts India’s ability to monitor its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), building upon the current surveillance assets like the P8i reconnaissance aircraft and Sea Guardian drones.
The US government stated that the proposed sale would enhance India’s security and analytical capabilities, aligning with Washington’s objective to support a key defence partner in maintaining regional peace and stability in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
