GSAT-7C and Varunastra: MoD signs Rs 4,106 crore defence contracts
Why in the news
On 15 October 2026, the Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth about ₹4,106 crore in New Delhi for a dedicated Air Force communication satellite and for Varunastra torpedoes for the Navy.
Key facts
- GSAT-7C: communication satellite for the Indian Air Force, contract of ₹2,563 crore with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), Bengaluru.
- The satellite is indigenously designed, developed and built, and will give IAF assets secure and resilient communication.
- Varunastra: ship-launched heavy-weight anti-submarine torpedo for the Indian Navy, contract of ₹1,543 crore with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Hyderabad.
- Varunastra can manoeuvre and strike enemy submarines at long ranges.
- The contracts were signed in the presence of A. Anbarasu, Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition).
| Item | User | Vendor | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| GSAT-7C satellite | Indian Air Force | NSIL, Bengaluru | ₹2,563 crore |
| Varunastra torpedoes | Indian Navy | BDL, Hyderabad | ₹1,543 crore |
About Varunastra
Varunastra is an indigenous heavy-weight torpedo developed by DRDO’s Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL). It strengthens the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capability. The ministry linked both deals to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
Exam angle
- Both items are indigenous, in line with Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
- GSAT-7C is meant for the IAF; match satellite with service.
- Remember vendor locations: NSIL in Bengaluru, BDL in Hyderabad.