Mumbai, Oct. 21 -- The Ministry of Defence signed two contracts worth a combined Rs. 41.06 bn to strengthen the Indian Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities and the Indian Air Force's communications infrastructure. The agreements were signed on October 15 at Kartavya Bhawan-2 in New Delhi in the presence of Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition) A Anbarasu.

The contracts cover the supply of indigenous Varunastra heavyweight torpedoes by Bharat Dynamics and the acquisition of the GSAT-7C communication satellite through NewSpace India. The ministry said the agreements support the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives by promoting domestic defence manufacturing and the development of critical technologies.

The Varunastra contract, valued at Rs. 15.43 bn including taxes, involves the supply of ship-launched heavyweight torpedoes to the Indian Navy. Bharat Dynamics said the portion excluding taxes was worth approximately Rs. 13.07 bn, with completion scheduled within 42 months. The torpedo was developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory and is designed to engage submarines at long ranges.

The ministry separately signed a Rs. 25.63 bn contract with Bengaluru-based NewSpace India for the GSAT-7C communication satellite. The satellite has been designed, developed and manufactured indigenously, and is expected to provide secure and reliable communications for Air Force assets, improving connectivity and operational effectiveness.

The latest agreement follows a Rs. 8.11 bn order awarded to Bharat Dynamics on September 23 for 160 Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons and associated equipment for the Air Force. The weapon is an air-to-ground precision-guided glide system compatible with aircraft including the Jaguar, Hawk and Su-30 MKI, and is intended to engage targets at enemy airfields from a distance. Bharat Dynamics shares closed the reported session nearly flat, down 0.05 per cent at Rs. 1,128.40 on the NSE.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.