India secures Hawkeye 360 Technology deal with US for Maritime Surveillance

Explore HawkEye 360 technology, a space-based RF intelligence system that tracks radio signals to enhance global surveillance, security, and maritime domain awareness.

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Context: The United States has approved the sale of HawkEye 360 technology to India.

What is Hawkeye 360 Technology?

Hawkeye 360 Technology operates a constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) designed to detect, geolocate, and analyse Radio Frequency (RF) signals.
This allows users to:
- Detect vessels even when they turn off AIS (Automatic Identification System) transponders (“go dark”),
- Monitor RF activity in remote or contested areas,
- Support military intelligence, maritime security, and spectrum monitoring.

Impact of HawkEye 360 on India

Enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): India will be better equipped to monitor its vast coastline and maritime interests, especially in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Detection of ‘Dark Ships’: Ships that disable AIS to evade detection — often used in illegal fishing, smuggling, or unauthorized surveillance — can now be tracked via their RF emissions.
Surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): The technology strengthens India’s ability to safeguard its EEZ, ensuring better enforcement of sovereignty and resource rights.
Support to Naval and Coast Guard Operations: Real-time and historical RF data enhances mission planning, threat detection, and situational awareness.
Indigenous Capability Building: With training and software support included, India can integrate this tech with existing platforms like P8i aircraft, improving multi-source data fusion.

Difference Between Hawkeye 360 Technology & RADAR System

Feature / Aspect	RADAR System	HawkEye 360
Technology Base	Active detection using radio wave reflections	Passive detection using radio frequency (RF) emissions
Type of System	Active — emits signals and detects reflections	Passive — listens for and locates existing RF signals.

Hawkeye Technology in Sports

Hawk-Eye uses 6 to 10 high-speed cameras placed around the playing area, typically on the stadium roof or strategic vantage points.
The cameras capture the ball’s movement from multiple angles, and the system uses triangulation to calculate the ball’s exact 3D position at any moment.
By processing these images frame by frame, Hawk-Eye reconstructs the ball’s path, predicts its future trajectory, and determines interactions with key features (like lines or stumps).
The system provides visualizations and statistical data, which can be used instantly by referees, coaches, and TV audiences

Key Uses in Major Sports

Sport	Main Uses
Cricket	LBW (Leg Before Wicket) decisions, ball trajectory, bowler analysis
Tennis	Line calls (in/out), player challenges, match statistics
Football	Goal-line technology, offside detection, VAR support
Rugby	Try verification, ball tracking
Badminton	Line calls, shuttle trajectory