The defence ministry on Thursday signed two contracts worth ₹4,106 crore for a dedicated communication satellite, GSAT-7C, for the Indian Air Force, and Varunastra heavyweight torpedoes for the Indian Navy.
The contract for GSAT-7C, valued at ₹2,563 crore, was signed with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), Bengaluru, the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
“This indigenously designed, developed and manufactured satellite will enhance the secure, resilient and seamless communication capabilities for the IAF’s assets, strengthening operational effectiveness,” the ministry said in a statement.
This will be the IAF’s second communication satellite after GSAT-7A. In 2023, the defence ministry signed a ₹3,000-crore contract with NSIL for an advanced communication satellite, GSAT-7B, for the Army. The Navy has its own communication satellite, GSAT-7R.
The GSAT-7 series of advanced satellites built by ISRO is designed to provide communication capabilities to users over vast expanses, including oceans.
The ₹1,543-crore contract for Varunastra was signed with Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad. Varunastra is an indigenous ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam. Equipped with advanced manoeuvring capabilities, it can engage enemy submarines at long ranges, enhancing the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capability, the ministry added.