New Delhi, Oct 15 (NVI) : The Ministry of Defence on Thursday signed contracts worth approximately ₹4,106 crore for the acquisition of the GSAT-7C dedicated communication satellite for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Varunastra heavy-weight torpedoes for the Indian Navy, in a major push to strengthen India’s indigenous defence capabilities.
The two contracts are aimed at enhancing secure military communications and strengthening the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities, while advancing the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
The contract for the GSAT-7C communication satellite, valued at ₹2,563 crore, was signed with New Space India Limited (NSIL), Bengaluru. The indigenously designed, developed and manufactured satellite is expected to significantly enhance secure, resilient and seamless communication capabilities for Indian Air Force assets, strengthening operational effectiveness.
The satellite capability is expected to provide a dedicated communication infrastructure to support the IAF’s operational requirements, with a focus on secure and reliable connectivity.
In a separate agreement, the Ministry of Defence signed a ₹1,543-crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Hyderabad, for Varunastra heavy-weight torpedoes for the Indian Navy.
Varunastra is an indigenous ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory. Equipped with advanced manoeuvring capabilities, the weapon is designed to engage enemy submarines at long ranges, thereby enhancing the Indian Navy’s underwater warfare capabilities.
The acquisition is expected to strengthen the Navy’s ability to counter underwater threats and reinforce its operational preparedness in the maritime domain.
The contracts were signed in New Delhi on October 15 in the presence of Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition), Department of Defence, A. Anbarasu.
Together, the two agreements represent a significant investment in critical defence technologies, covering secure aerial communications and advanced underwater warfare systems. They also underscore the government’s continued emphasis on domestic defence manufacturing, indigenous technological development and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for key military capabilities.
The deals align with India’s broader strategy to strengthen its defence industrial base and achieve greater self-reliance in the production of advanced military equipment.—(NVI)
