Defence ‘Make In India’ In Space: Indian Navy Set To Buy Rs 1,589 Crore Dedicated Military Satellite From ISRO

The Indian Navy has placed an order worth Rs 1,589 Crore with the Indian space agency ISRO to procure a dedicated military satellite to facilitate communication between its vessels, Economic Times has reported. Order for the satellite had been placed on 11 June, as per the report.

The satellite, named GSAT-7R will be launched within a year and will eventually replace the GSAT-7 which was launched six years ago in 2013. GSAT 7 is also currently in use by the Navy as a military communications satellite.

ISRO’s contribution to the Indian defence sector has been steadily rising since the past few years having launched several satellites as well as the landmark Anti-Satellite test conducted earlier this year.

ISRO had also launched the GSAT-7A late last year for facilitating the Indian Air Force and Indian Army. The agency also launched the EMISAT in 2019 to monitor radar signals and help gather intelligence for the forces.

In view of the increasing role played by the ISRO in the defence arena, the Cabinet has also setting up of a Defence Space Research Organisation (DSRO). A Defence Space Agency (DSA) has also been granted approval and will be setup in Benguluru under the tri-services command.