The Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹2,563 crore contract with New Space India Ltd (NSIL) to provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a dedicated and secure satellite communication system through the GSAT-7C satellite. The project aims to strengthen the force’s communication network and improve operational efficiency.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will design, develop and manufacture the satellite. GSAT-7C will provide end-to-end encrypted voice, data and video communications, ensuring secure and reliable connectivity for the IAF.

The satellite will also support software-defined radios (SDRs) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). These radios are nearing the production stage and will support secure communications across different military platforms.

The new capability will connect airbases, radar stations, ground facilities and airborne platforms. This will create an integrated communication network, enabling seamless information exchange across the force.

GSAT-7C is expected to strengthen the IAF’s network-centric warfare capabilities by enabling real-time sharing of operational data across multiple platforms. This will improve situational awareness, speed up decision-making and enhance command-and-control during military operations.

The contract was signed in New Delhi in the presence of A. Anbarasu, Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition), Department of Defence.

The project marks an important step towards strengthening India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. It also supports the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, which aim to reduce dependence on foreign technologies and promote domestic production.

The satellite’s dedicated communication capability will help the IAF establish a more resilient network for coordinating operations across air and ground assets. Its integration with SDR technology will further support secure communication between military units, helping the force share critical information efficiently during operations.