Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) has established a facility in Bengaluru to manufacture high-resolution imagery satellites for the armed forces. This move is aimed at enhancing surveillance capabilities in border areas - a big bet on the military space sector.
The facility will produce sub-metre resolution satellites and will include a ground station for satellite control and image processing, according to an ET report.
According to several media reports, the satellites produced will help the Indian armed forces monitor border areas and infrastructure as was acquire military targets. The first India-made satellite is expected to launch within 6 months and will provide 0.5-metre spatial resolution imagery.
The report mentioned that currently, the armed forces depend on satellite imagery from ISRO and purchase additional commercial satellite imagery as needed. However, more high-resolution imagery is required to monitor extended border areas.
Reportedly, in addition to satellite manufacturing, TASL already offers a range of products for the armed forces, including loitering munitions, UAV control centres, artillery systems, and aerostructures. The company is also collaborating with Airbus to produce C-295 military transport aircraft.