India Launches Heaviest Naval Communications Satellite GSAT-7R to Strengthen Maritime Command Network
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure | SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
Institutions: Ministry of Defence | Indian Navy | Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
India has successfully launched the indigenous GSAT-7R (CMS-03), the Indian Navy’s most advanced communication satellite, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Weighing ~4,400 kg, it is India’s heaviest communication satellite, placed into orbit by the LVM3-M5 launch vehicle. Developed by ISRO, GSAT-7R will significantly enhance secure, high-bandwidth voice, data and video communications across Navy ships, aircraft, submarines and Maritime Operations Centres.
The satellite will deliver robust, multi-band coverage across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), strengthening real-time maritime operations, surveillance and domain awareness. This capability upgrade supports the Navy’s move toward network-enabled warfare, resilient cyber-secure communications, and advanced command-and-control systems.
The launch reinforces India’s indigenous defence-space ecosystem, advancing strategic autonomy under Atmanirbhar Bharat, and positioning space as a force multiplier for IOR security, naval coordination and operational readiness..
The mission marks a strategic leap in defence communication sovereignty, underpinning India’s long-term maritime security and space-defence architecture. It complements initiatives to build an integrated naval network and secure digital infrastructure for India’s expanding maritime footprint.
What is the GSAT-7 Series?→ The GSAT-7 series is India’s dedicated defence communications satellite line, developed by ISRO to provide secure, encrypted, beyond-line-of-sight connectivity for the armed forces.
GSAT-7 (Rukmini) — launched 2013; first dedicated Navy satellite, enabling real-time ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore links across the Indian Ocean.
GSAT-7A — launched 2018; supports the Indian Air Force and Army Aviation Corps, including UAV and secure ground-air communication.
GSAT-7R (CMS-03) — latest upgrade for the Navy, replacing and expanding GSAT-7 capability with higher bandwidth, multi-band coverage, and advanced secure links for ships, submarines, aircraft and Maritime Operations Centres.
Together, the series forms the backbone of India’s military space communication network, enhancing mission coordination, surveillance, and maritime domain awareness across the Indo-Pacific.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can the Ministry of Defence and Indian Navy maximise the operational benefits of GSAT-7R by ensuring integration with naval platforms, cybersecurity protocols and next-generation satellites?
Follow the full news here: Launch of Indigenous GSAT-7R Satellite