NEW DELHI: In a big move to modernize the Indian Army’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh officially launched the SANJAY Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS) on Friday (January 24, 2025) in New Delhi. The advanced system aims to bolster the Army’s operational efficiency by providing real-time intelligence and situational awareness.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Defence, the SANJAY system will enhance battlefield transparency, equipping Army commands and headquarters with a centralized web-based platform to make data-driven decisions.
The system integrates sophisticated sensors and advanced analytics, enabling it to monitor extensive border regions, detect intrusions, and deliver unmatched situational awareness. This innovation will act as a force multiplier for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations, allowing the Army to respond effectively in both traditional and modern combat scenarios within a networked environment.
The SANJAY system represents a leap forward in data-centric and network-based warfare. By providing commanders with real-time insights, it promises to transform battlefield operations, offering a technological edge that enhances precision and decision-making.
Indigenously Developed Under 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'
Developed collaboratively by the Indian Army and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the SANJAY system underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance through the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The Indian Army has also designated 2025 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption,' highlighting the nation's focus on adopting advanced technologies.
Scheduled for deployment across operational Brigades, Divisions, and Corps of the Army in three phases between March and October 2025, the project falls under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category and comes with a total investment of Rs.2,402 crore.
Key Figures Present at the Launch
The inauguration event was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, and BEL Chairman Manoj Jain.
Integrated, Accurate Surveillance System
The SANJAY system consolidates data from multiple ground and aerial sensors, processes it to eliminate redundancy, and provides a unified surveillance picture via the Army Data Network and Satellite Communication Network. This seamless integration ensures accuracy and consistency in battlefield monitoring.