New Delhi: Last week, reports surfaced that the Defence Ministry is set to consider a Rs 10,000 crore proposal to acquire three advanced spy aircraft, I-Star, designed to enhance the Indian Air Force’s (IAF’s) ability to conduct precision strikes on enemy assets such as radar sites, air defence systems, and mobile targets, reported news agency ANI.
This high-value Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (I-STAR) programme is likely to be reviewed for approval during a top-level Defence Ministry meeting scheduled for the end of June, according to defence sources cited by the news agency.
The ISTAR platform is meant to provide detailed air-to-ground surveillance, enabling more effective and accurate strikes. The project, led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), involves procuring three aircraft from global manufacturers such as Boeing and Bombardier through an open tender.
Although the aircraft will be sourced from abroad, the onboard systems will be fully indigenous. DRDO’s Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) has already developed and validated these systems, which will only need integration into the acquired aircraft.
Once operational, ISTAR will place India among a select group of nations— including the US, UK, and Israel— that possess such high-end surveillance capabilities. The system offers real-time, dynamic targeting and significantly boosts India’s ability to counter emerging threats with minimal escalation.
With multi-spectral surveillance technology, ISTAR can detect, track, and monitor irregular or concealed enemy forces. It is designed to operate both day and night from extended stand-off distances, and its capabilities span intelligence collection, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision targeting.
The system will consist of both airborne and ground-based components, forming a unified network for intelligence processing, target analysis, and real-time situational awareness.
Here Are Key Features Of I-Star:
1. Advanced Air-to-Ground Surveillance
- Provides detailed and real-time imagery and data from high altitudes.
- Capable of detecting, tracking, and identifying ground targets such as radar stations, missile launchers, and moving vehicles.
2. Precision Targeting Support
- Enables dynamic and time-sensitive targeting.
- Assists the Air Force in conducting accurate precision strikes by offering a comprehensive ground picture.
3. Multi-Spectral Surveillance Capabilities
- Utilizes various sensors (electro-optical, infrared, synthetic aperture radar, etc.).
- Detects and monitors hidden or camouflaged enemy units, even in poor visibility conditions.
4. Intelligence Gathering & Reconnaissance
- Performs real-time intelligence collection across wide areas.
- Aids in creating a Common Operating Picture (COP) for battlefield commanders.
5. High-Altitude, Stand-Off Operation
- Operates from long ranges and high altitudes, reducing exposure to enemy air defences.
- Ensures wide area surveillance without breaching enemy territory.
6. Indigenous Mission Systems
- Onboard electronics, sensors, and data systems are developed by DRDO’s Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS).
- Enhances self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
7. Data Processing & Dissemination
- Capable of processing and distributing intelligence data in real-time.
- Supports battlefield decision-making and threat assessment.
8. Airborne & Ground Segments
- Comprises both aircraft and associated ground stations for mission planning, control, and data analysis.
- Enables full-cycle ISTAR operations — from detection to targeting.
9. Strategic and Tactical Applications
- Useful for both large-scale military operations and localized counter-insurgency or counter-terrorism missions.
- Enhances border surveillance, strike planning, and situational awareness.
10. Global Benchmark
- Places India alongside global military powers like the US, UK, and Israel in terms of ISTAR capabilities.
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