Indian Navy missile tracking capabilities get a boost with INS Dhruv amid rising global threats

The growing importance of missiles in modern warfare, highlighted by conflicts such as Operation Sindoor and developments in West Asia, has underscored both the offensive and defensive dimensions of long-range weapons systems. India is simultaneously expanding its missile arsenal while enhancing technologies designed to counter such threats.

At the centre of India’s missile testing and tracking architecture is INS Dhruv, a specialised naval vessel that plays a key role in collecting telemetry and tracking strategic missile systems.

Missile tests and telemetry validation

India conducts a large number of academic and technical evaluations to improve the performance and accuracy of its missile systems. These exercises rely heavily on telemetry data gathered during test launches.


Most long-range missile tests are carried out over the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) located at Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast.

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Role of INS Dhruv in tracking systems

To monitor missile behaviour during flight, India deploys a network of ground-based radars along with INS Dhruv, which tracks projectiles over oceanic regions where land-based systems have limited reach.

The vessel is equipped with advanced long-range radar and electronic intelligence systems capable of detecting missile launches, including those involving hypersonic-speed trajectories. It also supports testing of anti-ballistic missile systems and can provide early warning data, increasing response time for countermeasure deployment.

Space surveillance capability

Beyond missile tracking, INS Dhruv is also capable of monitoring Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. These satellites are widely used for communication and reconnaissance purposes.

India’s ability to track satellites, including those operated by potentially hostile powers, is considered strategically significant, especially given its demonstrated anti-satellite capability.

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Multi-agency operation and strategic importance

Given the sensitivity and advanced technology onboard, INS Dhruv is operated by a combined crew drawn from the Indian Navy, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO).

Global parallels in missile tracking

Several countries maintain similar specialised platforms for missile telemetry and tracking. China operates the Yuan Wang class of ships, Pakistan has developed PNS Rizwan with Chinese assistance, while the United States uses USNS Howard O. Lorenzen. France deploys FS Monge for comparable missions. Russia, though currently without an active equivalent, has previously used such vessels.

India’s deployment of INS Dhruv places it among a select group of nations with dedicated sea-based missile tracking capabilities.