Indian Navy, Coast Guard to be Aided by Satellite based Coastal Security System

(PTI): The Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) is developing a satellite based detection system for coastal security. These measures are now being initiated following the 2008 terrorist attacks in which terrorists entered Mumbai through the sea route.

The system will enhance the maritime surveillance plans of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard (ICG). Aviation Week quotes anonymous sources:
"At present the ICG is equipped with technology to trace vessels which are over 20 meters [66 ft.] in length. The new radar will take the surveillance to vessels below 20 meters, which is very crucial. Generally small boats pose bigger threats."

The new facility will be tested by the Tri-Service Command at Andaman with the help of ISRO's ground station.
"The coastal security has been one of the primary concerns of Indian security and defense officials post-[Mumbai attacks]. The lack of [new] systems has [been] seen as a serious lapse by the Indian government ... Now, with ISRO stepping in, it will add more teeth to India's maritime security plans. Bangalore-based Bharat Electronics Ltd. also is developing new radars that will be installed in various coastal lines. User trials are over and the project has now entered the execution stage."

ICG boats currently communicate with VHF transmitters. With the new satellite-based system, the ICG and the Navy will be able to track vessels accurately and find the ones that are not registered with the authorities. An ISRO spokesperson declined to comment on the project.