GSAT-7C satellite and Varunastra torpedoes to boost secure communications and anti-submarine warfare.
New Delhi: The defence ministry on Thursday signed contracts worth Rs 4,106 crore for an indigenous communication satellite for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Varunastra heavyweight torpedoes for the Navy.
The Rs 2,563-crore contract for the GSAT-7C communication satellite was signed with Bengaluru-based New Space India Limited. The indigenously designed and manufactured satellite will strengthen secure and uninterrupted communications among IAF assets, improving operational effectiveness.
The second contract, worth Rs 1,543 crore, was signed with Hyderabad-based Bharat Dynamics Limited for the supply of Varunastra heavyweight torpedoes.
Developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Varunastra is an indigenous ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo capable of engaging enemy submarines at long ranges. Its advanced manoeuvring capabilities are expected to strengthen the Navy's anti-submarine warfare operations.
The contracts were signed in New Delhi in the presence of Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition) A. Anbarasu.
The ministry said the agreements would strengthen domestic defence manufacturing and promote self-reliance in critical technologies under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
