India joins forces with HawkEye 360 to boost maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific, using satellite technology to monitor vessel movements and enhance regional security. HawkEye-360 is a U.S.-based geospatial analytics company headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It operates a constellation of approximately 30 microsatellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) that detect and geolocate radio frequency (RF) emissions from both aerial and terrestrial sources worldwide. This capability enables the tracking of activities of aircraft, vehicles, and ships.
HawkEye 360 technologies are highly effective in tracking “dark ships,” particularly vessels that disable their Automatic Identification System (AIS). These vessels are often involved in illegal fishing, piracy, smuggling, surveillance, and reconnaissance in disputed regions.
The estimated cost of the deal is around $131 million. It includes the SeaVision software, custom software enhancements, training provided by a technical assistance field team, remote software access, analytical support, documentation, and comprehensive logistics and program support.
How HawkEye 360 Track Dark Dhips
1. AIS Tracking and Gaps
HawkEye 360 leverages Automatic Identification System (AIS) data to track vessels, but recognizes that some ships intentionally turn off their AIS transmissions to avoid detection. This creates gaps in the data, making it challenging to monitor certain vessels, particularly those involved in illicit activities. To address this, HawkEye 360 utilizes advanced algorithms to detect these gaps and maintain an ongoing ability to track vessels that are intentionally “going dark.” By filling in these gaps with alternative tracking methods, the system ensures continuous monitoring, even in cases where traditional AIS data is unavailable.
2. RF Signal Correlation
In addition to AIS data, HawkEye 360’s technology uses Radio Frequency (RF) signals. When AIS data is unavailable, the system analyzes RF signal activity emitted from vessels, looking for patterns and anomalies that might indicate suspicious behavior. By correlating these unknown signals with other known data sources, HawkEye 360 can track and identify vessels involved in activities like illegal fishing, piracy, or smuggling, even when they are actively trying to avoid detection by disabling AIS.
3. Real-Time Analytics
HawkEye- 360’s system provides real-time analytics multiple times per day, allowing for continuous monitoring of key maritime areas of interest. This frequent data processing enables quick identification of suspicious activities, including tracking vessels that are not broadcasting AIS and correlating RF signal patterns.
Strategic Importance
The collaboration with HawkEye 360 marks a strategic advancement in India’s maritime security architecture by significantly enhancing its Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). Through cutting-edge satellite-based radio frequency (RF) tracking, India gains the ability to detect and monitor vessels, including those attempting to operate covertly by switching off their AIS transponders. This capability directly supports the mission of the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), which serves as a regional hub for collecting and analyzing maritime data to ensure safe and secure seas. The HawkEye 360 system complements India’s existing surveillance platforms, such as the P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft and Sea Guardian drones, by offering persistent, all-weather monitoring that fills critical gaps in coverage.
The system extends its reach across India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and along key international trade corridors, enhancing situational awareness over vast maritime expanses where threats like illegal fishing, smuggling, and unauthorized naval movement are common. In addition to boosting operational capability, this partnership represents a deeper convergence in India–U.S. defense relations, showcasing shared interests in maritime security and technological collaboration. It also aligns with the QUAD’s strategic framework for maritime cooperation, reflecting a unified commitment to uphold a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Overall, this initiative not only strengthens India’s maritime vigilance but also contributes meaningfully to regional peace, transparency, and long-term stability.
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