America approves Hoci 360: India’s marine security will soon get a new and sophisticated dimension. The US government has approved the sale of ‘Hawki 360’ system to India. The system accurately detects the location of ships, aircraft and other marine vehicles by monitoring radio frequency (RF) emissions with the help of small satellites.
The contract of a total of US $ 131 million (about Rs 1090 crore) includes RF sensors, analytics software, technical assistance and training modules for system integration. This system will be important for India, especially in view of increasing maritime challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Hawki 360, what is this system?
The Hawki 360 system is made up of a group of small satellites. These satellites remain stable in the Earth’s lower orbit (Leo) and analyze radio signals coming from different sources. This system can also detect AIS (automated identification system) closed vessels, which usually close this system to avoid tracking. It is considered a revolutionary change in the special economic regions of India in terms of maritime security. The Hawki system will enable India to monitor illegal fishing, smuggling, infiltration and other maritime crimes.
Working Technology – Multion
The Hawki 360 system is part of the integrated ISR (intelligence, monitoring, reconnaissance) system. This provides more comprehensive information using layers using EO (Electro-Optical), IR (Infrared) and SAR (synthetic aperture radar) layers in addition to RF signal information.
1. The EO layer takes high-resolution images during the day, which align with the location of the RF signal.
2. The IR layer monitors the ship’s engine and heat from the exit in the dark of night.
3. The SAR layer works in all weather conditions and receives pictures even in clouds or darkness.
4. All these layers together provide three-year-old, accurate and real-time observation of the entire ocean situation.
Importance of Hawki 360 for India
Hawki 360 can prove to be a gamechanger in increasing India’s maritime power. India will have to be consistently cautious due to China’s growing maritime activities and influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Hawki 360 will enable the Indian Navy to obtain real -time information, forecast threats and make quick decisions. This system will enable India to work accurately on marine disaster management, rescue operations and various marine policies. Protection of marine trade routes is not only strategically important, but also economically important and for this the use of Hawki 360 will be priceless.
A great example of Indo-US defense cooperation
India has laid special emphasis on maritime security over the years. Hawki 360 system derived from the US is a prime example of Indo-US defense cooperation. This RF-based system will significantly increase the capabilities of the Indian Navy and establish India as a major maritime power in the Indo-Pacific region. This ‘weapon’ can be extremely dangerous for enemy countries like China – because now India will be able to feel the movement beyond scenes.
