Indian Navy Seeks Indigenous SATCOM Terminals To Improve Connectivity Between Warships
Our take
The Indian Navy’s pursuit of indigenous SATCOM (Satellite Communications) terminals represents a significant development with implications extending far beyond naval operations. The need for secure, reliable communication between warships operating at considerable distances from shore is paramount in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. This move towards self-reliance in critical communication infrastructure underscores a broader trend of nations seeking to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and bolster national security. The reliance on external SATCOM providers introduces vulnerabilities—both in terms of potential supply chain disruptions and concerns regarding data security. Furthermore, this initiative aligns with the broader modernization efforts within the Indian armed forces, reflecting a strategic shift towards enhanced operational capabilities and technological independence. The challenges facing marine data collection are also becoming more apparent, as highlighted in [An open-source quality control pipeline for SeaExplorer glider data: a case study in La Palma, Canary Islands], emphasizing the need for robust data management systems, which reliable communication infrastructure directly supports. Similarly, the drive for improved connectivity mirrors efforts to leverage innovative data transmission methods, as demonstrated by companies like EON exploring space laser solutions, as detailed in [EON wants to move the data superhighway from ocean fiber to space lasers - TechCrunch].
The adoption of indigenous SATCOM technology will likely have a cascading effect on the Indian defense industrial base. It will stimulate growth in the domestic satellite manufacturing sector, creating opportunities for research and development, and fostering technological expertise. The creation of a localized supply chain also enhances resilience against global disruptions, a lesson learned acutely in recent years. While the technical challenges are considerable—requiring expertise in areas such as antenna design, signal processing, and cybersecurity—the potential benefits in terms of strategic autonomy and economic growth are substantial. The ability to independently control and manage communication networks operating in sensitive maritime environments is a critical asset for any nation with significant maritime interests. It is also worth noting the environmental context within which these naval operations occur; as our publication has previously explored, [Elevated temperature alters swimming behavior in Caribbean king crab larvae], highlighting the vulnerability of marine ecosystems and the importance of responsible naval practices, which reliable communication aids.
Beyond the immediate military advantages, this development could also have broader implications for India’s role as a regional power and its contribution to global maritime security. Enhanced communication capabilities will enable the Indian Navy to more effectively respond to maritime threats, conduct search and rescue operations, and participate in international naval exercises. Furthermore, a robust domestic SATCOM industry can potentially serve as a supplier to other nations in the region, further strengthening India’s position as a technology leader. The integration of these systems will necessitate sophisticated data management and processing capabilities, driving innovation in areas such as real-time data analytics and secure data transmission protocols. The long-term success of this initiative will depend on continued investment in research and development, as well as the cultivation of a skilled workforce capable of designing, building, and maintaining these complex systems.
Looking ahead, the convergence of satellite technology, advanced communication systems, and increasingly sophisticated ocean data collection platforms presents a compelling opportunity for India. The ability to seamlessly integrate data from various sources—satellites, underwater gliders, and naval sensors—will provide a more comprehensive and real-time understanding of the maritime domain. This “ocean intelligence,” as we term it, will be crucial for informed decision-making, effective resource management, and proactive responses to emerging threats. The crucial question now is how effectively India can leverage this integrated data ecosystem to translate technological advancements into tangible improvements in maritime security, environmental protection, and economic prosperity—and whether the speed of technological evolution will outpace the ability to securely integrate and utilize the resultant data streams.
The Indian Navy is looking to develop its own satellite communication terminals for warships as it works to improve secure communications and network-centric warfare.
The Navy has floated an Expression of Interest (EoI) under the Make-II procurement framework for ship-based C-band and Ku-band SATCOM terminals.
The systems will allow warships to maintain secure voice, data and video links while operating thousands of kilometres from shore.
The project will reduce the Navy’s dependence on imported communication equipment. It will start with three prototypes: a large C-band terminal, a large Ku-band terminal and a smaller Ku-band terminal. The Navy could later move to production of around 30 terminals.
The Ministry of Defence’s Department of Defence Production has listed the project as the indigenous development of a Ship Based SATCOM Terminal under the Make-II scheme.
It is also listed under India’s defence-indigenisation framework as a project for ship-based Rukmini SATCOM terminals for the Indian Navy.
Terminals Will Connect Warships to GSAT-7R
The new terminals are being designed to work with GSAT-7R, also known as CMS-03. The satellite was launched on Nov. 2, 2025, aboard ISRO’s LVM3-M5 mission.
GSAT-7R is the Indian Navy’s latest dedicated communications satellite. It is designed to provide secure voice, data and video connectivity across the Indian Ocean Region.
The satellite extends secure communication coverage to roughly 2,000 kilometres across the Indian Ocean Region and supports communications for ships, submarines, aircraft and Maritime Operations Centres.
The new terminals will provide the shipboard connection to this satellite network.
The Navy has used dedicated satellite communications for more than a decade. GSAT-7 Rukmini entered service in 2013 and gave the fleet a secure communications network.
How the Network Works?
Satellite communications allow ships and aircraft operating far apart to share information with each other and with shore-based command centres.
This is important for network-centric warfare. Instead of each platform working on its own, information from one ship or aircraft can be shared across the fleet.
For example, one platform can detect a target and pass the information to another platform that is better placed to engage it. The platform that finds the target does not necessarily have to be the one that attacks it.
The Navy demonstrated this capability during Exercise TROPEX in 2014. About 60 warships and 75 aircraft were connected through the GSAT-7 Rukmini satellite.
The network helped the dispersed fleet share information and showed how one platform could act as the sensor while another acted as the shooter.
The new SATCOM terminals are intended to support this type of network using the newer GSAT-7R satellite.
Navy Wants Three Types of Terminals
The first stage of the programme will involve three terminal designs.
One will be a large C-band terminal. Another will be a large Ku-band terminal, while the third will be a smaller Ku-band system.
C-band and Ku-band systems have different characteristics in areas such as bandwidth, antenna size, atmospheric performance and operation at sea. The different designs will give the Navy options for different platforms and requirements.
If development is successful, the programme could lead to production of around 30 terminals.
Terminals Must Work in Rough Sea Conditions
A satellite terminal on a warship has to keep its connection while the ship is moving.
Ships constantly roll, pitch and yaw at sea. The equipment must also deal with vibration, strong winds, high humidity and salt-laden air.
The Navy therefore wants the new terminals to use fewer mechanical parts wherever possible while still being able to track satellites accurately.
The prototypes will undergo three-axis motion-table trials to recreate the movement of a ship at sea. The tests will check whether the terminals can keep a stable satellite connection during the simulated movement.
The systems will also be evaluated at the Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad.
Before the terminals can be connected to the Navy’s operational network, they will need mandatory vulnerability assessment clearance.
Indian Companies to Fund Development
The project is being pursued under the Make-II category. Companies taking part will have to bear the full cost of developing the prototypes.
The EoI requires at least 50% indigenous content across the hardware and embedded software.
The project has been reserved for MSMEs for now. Startups and consortiums of up to five members can also participate.
Companies working in satellite communications, radio-frequency electronics, antenna systems, tracking technology, cybersecurity and naval electronics could take part.
Under the Make-II approach, companies fund the prototype development themselves before successful systems move towards procurement.
References: TOI, dharmakshethra
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