The delay was driven by the difficult terrain – a remote, high-altitude meadow in Jammu and Kashmir, somewhat cut off from the heart of the city.

Will that change?

India is now looking to launch an indigenously developed AI-enabled satellite imaging system, ‘Prajna,’ aimed at bolstering the country’s internal security framework and disaster management by reducing the response time.

It aims to enhance the real-time decision-making capabilities of security and intelligence agencies. 

The device was handed over to Home Secretary Govind Mohan by Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, at a low-key ceremony in Kartavya Bhawan-3 on Monday (April 20).

It is seen as a shot in the arm for indigenous innovation.

AI-Enabled System

Prajna has been developed by the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), a specialised lab of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). 

According to MHA officials, the AI-enabled system integrates satellite imagery with advanced analytics to provide actionable insights in real time. “The system is designed to significantly improve situational awareness and support faster, more accurate decision-making during critical operations, including those against terrorists and insurgents,” a senior official said.

Prajna is expected to play a key role in monitoring sensitive regions, tracking suspicious activities, and supporting counter-terrorism and border management efforts. “By leveraging AI, it can process vast volumes of satellite data, identify patterns, and flag anomalies that may otherwise go unnoticed through conventional methods,” he said.

Real-Time Decision-Making

For agencies operating in challenging terrains, where timely intelligence is crucial, it will be particularly useful. 

On April 22 last year, 26 tourists were killed when terrorists opened fire in a valley near Pahalgam that was only accessible by foot or horse. Security forces took time to reach the spot due to its remote terrain. India responded with Operation Sindoor. 

Prajna may be designed for just such a scenario. 

Experts say it will enhance coordination among various security and intelligence agencies by providing a unified operational picture, thus reducing response time and improving the effectiveness of ground operations.

Made In India Device

Prajna comes at a time when integrating advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, and space-based surveillance into the security apparatus has become a priority for the country’s leadership.

Senior officials of the MHA, the Central Armed Police Forces, Delhi Police, National Security Council Secretariat, Bureau of Police Research and Development, and the National Disaster Response Force met with the DRDO scientists several times. 

“They reviewed the indigenous technologies developed by DRDO for adoption as part of internal security and disaster relief operations,” another MHA official said.

The government has been putting in a lot of emphasis on indigenous innovation in defence and security technologies and align them with the broader vision of achieving technological self-sufficiency.