India Ministry of Defence signs Rs 4,106 crore contracts for satellite and torpedoes

India’s Ministry of Defence has signed two major contracts totaling approximately Rs 4,106 crore (roughly $432 million) to bolster the military capabilities of the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.

The first contract, valued at Rs 2,563 crore, was awarded to Bengaluru-based New Space India Limited for the GSAT-7C communication satellite. This indigenously developed satellite is designed to provide the Indian Air Force with secure, resilient, and seamless communication capabilities, including beyond-the-line-of-sight connectivity for aircraft and ground units.

The second contract, worth Rs 1,543 crore, was signed with Hyderabad-based Bharat Dynamics Limited for the acquisition of Varunastra heavyweight torpedoes. Developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, these ship-launched, anti-submarine weapons are designed to engage enemy submarines at long ranges, enhancing the Indian Navy’s underwater warfare and maritime security.

These agreements align with the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make-in-India’ initiatives, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign imports and expand domestic manufacturing of critical military technologies.