What is GSAT-7C? The Rs 2,563-crore satellite Air Force wants for its operations

The Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 2,563-crore contract with NewSpace India Limited for GSAT-7C. The indigenous satellite will strengthen secure, beyond-line-of-sight communications across Indian Air Force assets.

In Short

• Satellite links will support real-time communication beyond conventional line-of-sight limits
• Fighters, early-warning platforms, drones and ground stations will gain connectivity
• Dedicated bandwidth reduces reliance on shared infrastructure and foreign satellite capacity

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 (NSIL), Bengaluru, on October 15, 2026, for the indigenously designed, developed and manufactured GSAT-7C satellite.

The acquisition is part of defence contracts worth approximately Rs 4,106 crore, which also include Varunastra heavy-weight torpedoes for the Indian Navy.

WHAT IS GSAT-7C?

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 (SDRs), 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 (AEW&C) platforms, unmanned aerial vehicles and ground-control stations.

Such connectivity is increasingly important for coordinating complex air operations, where information must move quickly between multiple platforms.

WHY DOES THE INDIAN AIR FORCE NEED IT?

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.

FROM APPROVAL TO CONTRACT

The project received Acceptance of Necessity from the Defence Acquisition Council on November 23, 2021, under the Make in India initiative. The original approval covered GSAT-7C and associated ground hubs at an estimated cost of Rs 2,236 crore.

The contract signed on October 15, 2026, is valued at Rs 2,563 crore.

GSAT-7C represents another step towards strengthening India's indigenous military communication capabilities, giving the IAF a dedicated space-based network to support increasingly connected air operations.

- Ends