Omkar Nikam
The harrowing events of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008 were a stark reminder of vulnerabilities in India's national security framework. The coordinated terror attack showed weaknesses in India's intelligence gathering, inter-agency coordination, and real-time situational awareness. In the context of modern warfare and hybrid threats, the need for a robust military satellite network had never been more urgent.
Lessons in Vulnerabilities
The 26/11 attacks were well-planned and executed by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives with significant backing from external state and non-state actors. The attackers utilised advanced communication tools, GPS navigation, and intelligence provided through reconnaissance to evade Indian authorities and maximise damage. Key vulnerabilities exposed during the attacks were:
Poor Maritime Surveillance: The terrorists infiltrated Mumbai via the sea route, undetected by coastal radar systems. Despite having warning signals, intelligence was not actionable.
Lack of Real-Time Communication: Delays in inter-agency communication hampered quick response efforts, allowing attackers to move freely between locations.
Inadequate Situational Awareness: Security forces lacked comprehensive situational awareness, delaying operations and contributing to avoidable casualties.