MoD Inks Rs 4,106 Crore Deals for GSAT-7C Satellite and Varunastra Torpedoes
India's Ministry of Defence inks major deals for IAF communication satellites and Navy torpedoes to boost Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
In a major push toward military modernization and self-reliance, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed contracts worth approximately Rs 4,106 crore. These strategic agreements focus on enhancing the communication capabilities of the Indian Air Force and the underwater strike power of the Indian Navy through the acquisition of the GSAT-7C communication satellite and Varunastra Heavy Weight Torpedoes.
Boosting Air Force Connectivity: The GSAT-7C
A significant portion of the investment, amounting to Rs 2,563 crore, has been allocated for the GSAT-7C. The contract was signed with New Space India Limited, based in Bengaluru. This satellite is not just a piece of hardware but a leap in indigenous technology, having been designed, developed, and manufactured within India.
The GSAT-7C is expected to provide the Indian Air Force with a dedicated communication capability that is secure, resilient, and seamless. By ensuring that assets can communicate without interruption, the satellite will directly strengthen the operational effectiveness of the IAF in critical missions.
Strengthening Naval Might: Varunastra Torpedoes
Simultaneously, the Indian Navy is set to receive a boost in its anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The MoD signed a contract worth Rs 1,543 crore with Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad, for the procurement of Varunastra Heavy Weight Torpedoes.
Developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, the Varunastra is an indigenous ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo. It is engineered with advanced maneuvering capabilities, allowing the Indian Navy to engage and neutralize enemy submarines at long ranges, thereby securing the seas more effectively.
A Step Toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat
These contracts were signed in New Delhi on October 15, 2026, in the presence of A Anbarasu, Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition), Department of Defence. Both the satellite and the torpedo projects align with the Government of India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make-in-India' visions, reducing dependence on foreign military imports and fostering domestic manufacturing.
Continued Momentum in Indigenous Defence
This latest announcement follows a string of recent indigenous procurement efforts. Just last week, the Ministry of Defence entered into a deal with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) for the procurement of BrahMos Fire Control Systems and Launchers for Indian Navy ships.
That specific contract, valued at Rs 661.50 crore, was signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Key highlights of the BrahMos project include:
- Indigenous Content: The project maintains a minimum of 68% indigenous content.
- Economic Impact: It encourages the participation of various Indian industries, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
- Employment: The project is expected to generate employment opportunities over the next three years.
Together, these initiatives bolster India's maritime security architecture and mark a critical milestone in the ongoing effort to indigenize advanced military technology.