New Delhi: India is preparing to strengthen the Indian Air Force's communication network with a dedicated military satellite designed to keep aircraft, ground stations, and other airborne assets connected securely, even when they operate beyond the reach of conventional communication systems.
The Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 2,563-crore contract with NewSpace India Limited, based in Bengaluru, on October 15, 2026, for the indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured GSAT-7C satellite. This acquisition forms part of a broader package of defence contracts worth approximately Rs 4,106 crore, which also encompasses Varunastra heavy-weight torpedoes for the Indian Navy.
GSAT-7C is a dedicated communication satellite intended to enhance secure, resilient, and seamless connectivity across Indian Air Force assets. Its primary role is to provide real-time communication links for the IAF's Software Defined Radios, allowing military units to communicate beyond the line of sight. Unlike conventional radios, which can be limited by terrain, distance, and the curvature of the Earth, satellite-enabled communication can connect aircraft and ground-based units spread across large geographical areas.
The satellite is expected to strengthen communication between fighter aircraft, airborne early warning and control platforms, unmanned aerial vehicles, and ground-control stations. Such connectivity is increasingly vital for coordinating complex air operations, where information must move quickly between multiple platforms.
Modern warfare increasingly depends on network-centric operations, in which aircraft and ground units share information to improve situational awareness and coordinate missions. A dedicated military satellite can provide a more secure communication backbone, reducing dependence on shared communication infrastructure and foreign satellite bandwidth. It can also improve resilience when conventional communication links are disrupted or aircraft operate far from ground stations.
The satellite's emphasis on indigenous development is significant for India's defence preparedness, as secure communications are a critical component of military operations. The project originally received Acceptance of Necessity from the Defence Acquisition Council on November 23, 2021, under the Make in India initiative, covering GSAT-7C and associated ground hubs at an estimated cost of Rs 2,236 crore.
The formal contract signed in October 2026 represents another major step toward strengthening India's indigenous military communication capabilities, giving the IAF a dedicated space-based network to support increasingly connected air operations.