New Satellites for Indian Army

The country's Defense Ministry announced on 29 March that the satellite contract has been awarded to NewSpace India Ltd., a state-run commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation. The satellite, weighing 5 tons and operating on both X band and Ku band frequencies, is scheduled to be launched into geostationary orbit in three and a half years. The launch will significantly boost the Army's communication capabilities by providing essential, beyond-line-of-sight communication for troops and equipment. The GSAT 7B will also allow the Army to enhance surveillance of disputed border areas with Pakistan and China, while also providing integrated communication for the Navy and Air Force. NewSpace India will be the prime contractor for the project and will promote India's private space industry by sourcing parts, subassemblies, and systems from domestic small- and medium-scale enterprises as well as start-up companies. The satellite will comprise two units, one of which will operate in space and the other on the ground, providing network-centric warfare capabilities.