India’s crucial Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) aircraft initiative has reached a critical procurement stage.
In mid-2025, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the purchase of three specialised jets for approximately ₹10,000 crore (around $1.2 billion).
This initiative is considered one of the most vital upgrades for the Indian Air Force, enhancing its ability to conduct modern, network-centric military operations.
Upon completion, India will join a select group of nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel, possessing such advanced airborne surveillance capabilities.
Although earlier reports from late 2025 suggested that the Bombardier Global 6500 was the leading choice over the Gulfstream G550, the selection process might still be open.
French aerospace company Dassault Aviation has presented its ultra-long-range Falcon 10X business jet as a substitute platform. This new offer adds an unexpected element to the ongoing evaluation of aircraft for the ISTAR project.
The Competition for the Airframe
The Bombardier Global 6500 initially took the lead largely because the production of the Gulfstream G550 ended in 2021.This closure sparked worries about the availability of spare parts, long-term maintenance, and the ability to upgrade the aircraft in the future.
As a more modern jet, the Global 6500 provides better flight endurance, cost-effective operations, and reliable long-term support.
These factors make it a strong candidate for a strategic programme that will be active for many decades.
On the other hand, the Falcon 10X proposed by Dassault offers several appealing features, such as a more spacious cabin, greater flying range, and excellent performance at high altitudes.
These qualities are highly beneficial for carrying out complex airborne intelligence tasks.
The Falcon 10X is one of the most recent ultra-long-range jets currently being developed, built for long intercontinental flights while featuring modern electronics and high fuel efficiency.
Indigenous Technology at the Core
Regardless of which foreign aircraft is ultimately chosen, the essential technology inside the ISTAR jets will be made in India.The mission computers, electronics, and sensor packages are being created by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS).
This is the same domestic organisation that successfully developed the technology for India’s Netra airborne early warning aircraft. Current timelines require the delivery of these fully equipped aircraft within 60 months of signing the final contract.
It is important to note that ISTAR aircraft serve a different purpose than traditional airborne warning systems (AWACS), which mainly look for enemy planes and manage airspace.
Instead, the ISTAR jet acts as a flying command post focused on gathering intelligence from the ground and the sea.
Operating as a high-altitude "nerve centre," it can track enemy soldiers, missile launchers, and command bases located deep inside hostile areas, all without leaving Indian airspace.
Advanced Sensors and AI Integration
The central piece of this intelligence equipment is a sophisticated Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).This radar can produce extremely detailed images of the ground from up to 200 kilometres away.
Because SAR technology can see through thick clouds, smoke, and complete darkness, it provides the Indian Air Force with constant, clear views of the battlefield in any weather condition.
In addition to the radar, the aircraft will be equipped with Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) technology.
This system can detect and follow moving vehicles and military convoys from more than 150 kilometres away.
Tracking moving targets is a critical ability for spotting mobile missile systems, tank units, and supply trucks as they travel.
The ISTAR platform will feature a complete package of intelligence tools, including systems for intercepting electronic signals, listening to communications, and capturing optical and infrared images.
Working together, these tools will empower the aircraft to listen in on enemy messages, locate hostile radar stations, and carefully observe large areas of the battlefield.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning will be vital components of the new surveillance jets.
The computers on board will use AI to automatically identify targets and quickly combine different types of data.
This modern approach will drastically cut down the time needed to analyse information, allowing military commanders to make faster decisions about which targets to strike.
Strategic Impact and Network Integration
From a strategic standpoint, the ISTAR initiative aims to fill a major gap in India’s modern combat network.By quickly finding targets and instantly sending that information to fighter jets, drones, missile batteries, and ground troops, the aircraft will greatly reduce the time it takes to launch an attack after a threat is spotted.
Cruising at altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet, the ISTAR jets will have the ability to peer deep into enemy lands while staying safely within India's borders.
Keeping this safe distance offers a massive advantage, ensuring the aircraft can survive and operate even in areas protected by long-range enemy air defence systems.
The new intelligence fleet will be directly connected to the Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).
This connection will allow the immediate sharing of battlefield data with combat planes, unmanned drones, and military leaders on the ground.
Having a shared, real-time view of the battlefield is crucial for future conflicts, where quick teamwork between the forces finding the target and the forces attacking it is the key to victory.
While the Bombardier Global 6500 still seems to be the frontrunner for the project, the entry of Dassault’s Falcon 10X brings a new option to the table.
It is currently uncertain if the Ministry of Defence will officially review the Falcon jet for this purchase or if it will move forward with the aircraft that were already selected during earlier evaluations.
