New Delhi, October 15, 2026: The Ministry of Defence has signed two contracts worth approximately ₹4,106 crore to strengthen the Indian Air Force’s secure communication capabilities and the Indian Navy’s ability to engage enemy submarines. The agreements cover the indigenous GSAT-7C communication satellite and Varunastra heavyweight torpedoes.
The contracts include a ₹2,563 crore agreement with Bengaluru-based New Space India Limited for the GSAT-7C satellite and a ₹1,543 crore deal with Hyderabad-based Bharat Dynamics Limited for Varunastra torpedoes. Both agreements were signed in New Delhi on October 15.
According to the Ministry of Defence, GSAT-7C is an indigenously designed, developed and manufactured satellite intended to provide dedicated communication capabilities for the Indian Air Force.
Once operational, the satellite is expected to improve secure, resilient and seamless communications among Air Force assets, helping the service maintain reliable connectivity during military operations. The ministry said the satellite would strengthen the Air Force’s overall operational effectiveness.
The ₹2,563 crore contract is intended to support the Air Force’s communication requirements. However, the official announcement does not specify when GSAT-7C will be launched or enter operational service.
The second contract, valued at ₹1,543 crore, covers the acquisition of Varunastra heavyweight torpedoes for the Indian Navy from Bharat Dynamics Limited.
Varunastra is an indigenous, ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory. According to the ministry, it is equipped with advanced manoeuvring capabilities and can engage enemy submarines at long ranges.
The acquisition is intended to strengthen the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities through the procurement of heavyweight torpedoes designed to target hostile submarines.
The two contracts address different operational requirements of India’s armed forces. While GSAT-7C is intended to improve the Air Force’s secure communications, Varunastra will enhance the Navy’s ability to engage underwater threats.
The agreements were signed in the presence of A. Anbarasu, Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition), Department of Defence.
Both contracts support the government’s efforts to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing and technological self-reliance. The Ministry of Defence said the acquisitions align with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, which aim to expand India’s indigenous capabilities in critical defence technologies.
The official announcement does not specify the number of Varunastra torpedoes being acquired, their delivery schedule or the expected launch date of GSAT-7C.
The contracts represent an investment in two distinct military capabilities, with the Air Force set to receive a dedicated communication satellite and the Navy acquiring domestically developed torpedoes designed to engage enemy submarines at long ranges.
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