In a significant leap toward modernizing India’s military technology, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled the SANJAY Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS) on January 24, 2025. This state-of-the-art system is poised to transform the Indian Army’s operational capabilities by integrating cutting-edge technology with indigenous innovation.
What is the SANJAY System?
The SANJAY system is a sophisticated, automated Battlefield Surveillance System designed to provide a comprehensive, real-time surveillance picture by integrating inputs from ground and aerial battlefield sensors. It processes data to confirm its accuracy, eliminates duplication, and fuses information to deliver a unified surveillance overview.
Operating through a secured Army Data Network and Satellite Communication Network, the system is built to enhance India’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations significantly.
Key Features of SANJAY
- Advanced Sensors and Analytics: Equipped with cutting-edge sensors, SANJAY can monitor vast land borders with exceptional accuracy.
- Unified Data Processing: It collects, analyzes, and visualizes data—voice, video, and images—through secure digital communication links.
- Enhanced Operational Capability: By providing a common surveillance picture, SANJAY acts as a force multiplier, enabling commanders to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently.
Operational Phases
The Indian Army plans to induct SANJAY in three phases between March and October 2025. During this period, the system will be deployed across all operational brigades, divisions, and corps. The Ministry of Defence has aptly termed 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms,’ highlighting the importance of this transformative initiative.
Indigenous Development: A Step Toward ‘Aatmanirbharta’
SANJAY represents the Indian Army’s commitment to self-reliance under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ mission. Developed in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), this system reflects India’s growing emphasis on indigenously built defence technologies. Following the Army’s ‘Year of Technology Absorption,’ SANJAY underscores the nation’s capability to innovate and deploy advanced military solutions.
Technological Advancements
The SANJAY system harnesses artificial intelligence and sophisticated information-based techniques to assess battlefield scenarios. By utilizing secure communication links, it ensures the seamless transmission of critical data, enabling military commanders to respond swiftly to evolving threats.
The Crucial Role of Surveillance
In modern warfare, effective surveillance is paramount. The SANJAY system provides an integrated platform for understanding terrain, troop placements, and infrastructure, transforming the approach to both conventional and sub-conventional operations. Its ability to deliver accurate, real-time intelligence equips the Indian Army to counter threats more effectively.
Investment and Strategic Importance
The development of SANJAY comes at an investment of approximately ₹2,402 crore, underscoring the Government of India’s focus on bolstering national defence through advanced technology. This initiative not only enhances military readiness but also reinforces India’s strategic positioning on the global stage.
Summing Up
The SANJAY Battlefield Surveillance System is a testament to India’s determination to modernize its armed forces while promoting self-reliance. By integrating advanced technology and indigenous development, SANJAY sets a new benchmark for battlefield surveillance, ensuring the Indian Army is prepared to meet the challenges of the future with precision and agility.