India Signs Rs 4,106 Crore Satellite and Torpedo Deals

India’s Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth about Rs 4,106 crore on October 15 for a communications satellite for the Indian Air Force and Varunastra torpedoes for the Indian Navy. The ministry said the agreements cover two indigenously developed defence systems intended to strengthen military communications and antisubmarine capabilities. The larger contract, valued at Rs 2,563 crore, was signed with NewSpace India Limited for the design, development and manufacture of the GSAT-7C satellite. The ministry said it is intended to enhance secure, resilient communications among Indian Air Force assets. The reports describe the satellite’s intended role but do not establish when it will be delivered, launched or operational. GSAT-7C is intended to support communications beyond the reach of conventional line-of-sight links. The ministry said the satellite would strengthen connectivity for Air Force assets, while one report described its expected use in linking aircraft and ground-based units. The contract announcement did not provide a launch schedule or evidence of operational performance. The second agreement, worth Rs 1,543 crore, was signed with Bharat Dynamics Limited...