MoD inks $432-mn deals for IAF satellite and Navy torpedoes
New Delhi, Oct 17. The Ministry of Defence has signed two contracts worth a combined ₹4,106 crore ($432 million) for an indigenous communication satellite for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Varunastra heavyweight torpedoes for the Indian Navy, bolstering efforts to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing.
The agreements were signed in New Delhi on October 15 in the presence of A Anbarasu, Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition), Department of Defence.
Under the first contract, valued at ₹2,563 crore, New Space India Limited (NSIL), Bengaluru, will supply the GSAT-7C communication satellite. Designed, developed and manufactured in India, the satellite is expected to provide the IAF with secure, resilient and seamless communication capabilities, enhancing coordination among its assets and supporting operational effectiveness.
The second agreement, worth ₹1,543 crore, was signed with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Hyderabad, for the procurement of Varunastra heavyweight torpedoes for the Indian Navy.
Developed indigenously by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Varunastra is a ship-launched anti-submarine weapon equipped with advanced manoeuvring capabilities. It is designed to engage enemy submarines at long ranges and is expected to strengthen the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
The two procurements reflect the government’s focus on developing indigenous defence technologies and expanding domestic manufacturing under its ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) and ‘Make in India’ initiatives. They are also aimed at strengthening India’s capabilities in critical defence systems and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
