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.
-
2026 · Q15 · GS I · 15 marks
Analyze the role of satellite-based technologies in achieving climate-smart agriculture and food security in India. -
2026 · Q15 · GS III · 15 marks
Mention salient features of 'Mission Drishti'. Discuss the imaging techniques used in the satellite launched on 3rd May 2026. Why is it being considered world's first satellite of its kind? -
2023 · Q57 · General Studies · 2 marks
Which one the following countries has its own Satellite Navigation System? -
2019 · Q32 · General Studies · 2 marks
For the measurement/ estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used? 1. Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location 2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location 3. Land surface temperatures of a specific location Select the correct answer using the code given below -
2018 · Q4 · GS I · 10 marks
Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation?