The Ministry of Defence has signed contracts worth approximately ₹4,106 crore for two important defence capabilities: the GSAT-7C communication satellite for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Varunastra heavyweight torpedoes for the Indian Navy.
Ministry of Defence Signs Contracts Worth ₹4106 Crore For GSAT-7C & Varunastra
The Ministry of Defence has signed contracts worth approximately ₹4,106 crore for two important defence capabilities: the GSAT-7C communication satellite for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Varunastra heavyweight torpedoes for the Indian Navy.
These procurements aim to improve secure military communications and strengthen India’s indigenous anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
GSAT-7C Communication Satellite
A contract valued at ₹2,563 crore was signed with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), Bengaluru, for GSAT-7C.
The satellite has been indigenously designed, developed and manufactured. It is intended to provide secure, resilient and seamless communication capabilities for Indian Air Force assets.
Reliable communication is essential for coordinating military platforms and supporting effective operations. The satellite is expected to enhance the IAF’s operational effectiveness through improved communication infrastructure.
Varunastra Heavyweight Torpedoes
The second contract, worth ₹1,543 crore, was signed with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Hyderabad, for Varunastra heavyweight torpedoes.
Varunastra is an indigenous, ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL). It features advanced manoeuvring capabilities and is designed to engage enemy submarines at long ranges.
Its acquisition will strengthen the Indian Navy’s ability to detect and counter underwater threats.
Technical Specifications
- Weight: ~1,500 kg (combat version around 1,850 kg)
- Length: 7.78 m
- Diameter: 533.4 mm
- Speed: 40 to 50 knots (approx. 74–92 km/h)
- Range: 40 to 50 km
- Maximum Operating Depth: 600 meters
- Warhead: 250 kg high-explosive
Significance for Defence Self-Reliance
The two contracts address different operational requirements: secure communications for the Air Force and enhanced underwater warfare capabilities for the Navy.
By supporting domestically developed defence systems and Indian defence companies, these acquisitions contribute to India’s efforts to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing.
