Why in news
- Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth ₹4,106 crore for GSAT-7C communication satellite and Varunastra Heavy Weight Torpedoes.
Key terms
GSAT-7 Series
Geostationary military communication satellites developed to support India's tri-services operational networking.
Varunastra
An electrically propelled, heavy-weight, ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo.
NSIL
A central public sector enterprise under the Department of Space acting as the commercial arm of ISRO.
NSTL
Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, a DRDO lab specializing in underwater weapons systems.
What is the GSAT-7C Satellite?
- A dedicated military communication satellite contracted with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) for ₹2,563 crore.
- Designed to provide secure, resilient, and real-time communication capabilities exclusively for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
What is the Varunastra Torpedo?
- Indigenously designed heavy-weight anti-submarine torpedo contracted with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for ₹1,543 crore.
- Developed by Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), DRDO; fired from ships against high-speed, deep-submerged enemy submarines.
Prelims facts
- GSAT-7C is dedicated to the Indian Air Force, whereas GSAT-7 (Rukmini) serves the Navy.
- Varunastra is an electrically propelled heavy-weight ship-launched torpedo.
Mains discussion
- Role of domestic defense manufacturing in achieving strategic autonomy and self-reliance.
Source: PIB
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.