MoD signs Rs 4,106-crore contracts for IAF satellite, Navy's Varunastra torpedoes

New Delhi, Oct 15 (UNI) The Ministry of Defence on Thursday signed contracts worth approximately Rs 4,106 crore for an indigenous communication satellite for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Varunastra heavyweight torpedoes for the Indian Navy, strengthening military communications and underwater warfare capabilities.

The contract for the GSAT-7C communication satellite, valued at Rs 2,563 crore, was signed with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), Bengaluru, while the Rs 1,543-crore contract for Varunastra heavyweight torpedoes was awarded to Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Hyderabad. The agreements were signed in New Delhi in the presence of Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition) A Anbarasu.

The indigenously designed, developed and manufactured GSAT-7C will enhance secure, resilient and seamless communication among IAF assets, strengthening operational coordination and overall combat effectiveness. The dedicated satellite communication capability is expected to support connectivity between aircraft and other connected military assets, particularly during operations spread across large geographical areas where reliable and timely information-sharing is critical.

The satellite is significant for the IAF's efforts to strengthen secure, beyond-line-of-sight communications. Such links can help aircraft and ground-based command elements exchange information when conventional radio communications are constrained by distance or operational conditions. The system is also associated with efforts to enhance connectivity through software-defined radios and ground hubs, supporting more flexible military communications. The second agreement covers Varunastra, an indigenous ship-launched heavyweight anti-submarine torpedo developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Manufactured by BDL, the weapon is equipped with advanced manoeuvring capabilities and is designed to engage enemy submarines at long ranges, enhancing the Navy's ability to counter underwater threats. Varunastra is an electrically propelled torpedo featuring acoustic homing and advanced guidance capabilities. It is designed to operate in shallow and deep waters, with published specifications indicating an operating-depth range of 8 to 600 metres. The torpedo measures 7.78 metres in length, has a diameter of 533.4 mm and weighs approximately 1,850 kg in combat configuration, according to BDL.

For the Navy, the acquisition will strengthen the anti-submarine warfare capabilities of compatible warships by providing them with an indigenous weapon to engage hostile submarines. Its acoustic homing and manoeuvring features are designed to help track and engage underwater targets in challenging conditions. As submarines can exploit depth, low acoustic signatures and underwater conditions to evade detection, effective torpedo systems remain an important component of maritime defence. Varunastra was inducted into the Indian Navy in 2016. The two agreements address distinct operational requirements across the air and maritime domains. While GSAT-7C is intended to strengthen secure communications and coordination for the IAF, Varunastra will reinforce the Navy's capability to counter underwater threats. Both programmes also support domestic manufacturing and technological development in strategically important defence sectors.

The Ministry said the contracts mark a significant step towards strengthening indigenous defence production in line with the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. The agreements with NSIL and BDL are aimed at building domestic capabilities in critical areas such as military satellite communications and underwater weapons, while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

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