India signs $430M contracts for communication satellite, torpedoes
The USD 270 million contract for GSAT-7C satellite was inked between the Ministry of Defence and New Space India, Bengaluru. The USD 160 million contract for Varunastra, a ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo, was signed with Hyderabad-based Bharat Dynamics.
India’s Ministry of Defence has signed contracts worth a total of approximately INR 41 billion (about USD 430 million) for the acquisition of a dedicated communication satellite capability, GSAT-7C for the Indian Air Force, and Varunastra Heavy Weight Torpedoes for the Indian Navy.
The contract for GSAT-7C, valued at INR 25.6 billion (about USD 270 million), was inked with New Space India Limited, Bengaluru. This indigenously designed, developed and manufactured satellite will enhance the secure, resilient and seamless communication capabilities for the assets of the Indian Air Force, thereby strengthening operational effectiveness, the defence ministry said in a press release.
The contract for Varunastra worth INR 15.4 billion (about USD 160 million) was signed with Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad. Varunastra is an indigenous ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory. Equipped with advanced maneuvering capabilities, it is capable of engaging enemy submarines at long ranges, thereby enhancing the anti-submarine warfare capability of the Indian Navy, the press release said.
