Staying connected under fire: How GSAT-7C will boost IAF's fighting edge

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has received a dedicated communications satellite, the GSAT-7C, to enhance its network-centric warfare capabilities. This indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured satellite forms part of a Rs 2,563 crore deal signed with NewSpace India Limited.

Network-centric warfare encompasses the sharing of information and real-time coordination among sensors, command centres, communications systems, and weapon platforms. GSAT-7C is expected to bolster this capability, especially in scenarios where traditional radio links are unavailable or inadequate due to distance, terrain, or other limitations.

Software-defined radios, which form a key component of GSAT-7C, allow for dynamic modification or updating of operating modes and waveforms through software, enhancing flexibility and adaptability. This enables these radios to exchange information over long distances, extending communication reach beyond conventional network limitations.

The IAF already possesses a dedicated communications satellite, GSAT-7A, launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 2018. GSAT-7C's potential addition to this capability, however, is yet to be fully clarified.

Security and resilience are paramount in GSAT-7C's design and operation. As military forces increasingly rely on connected systems, their communications networks become attractive targets for disruptions, including jamming, interference, and cyberattacks. Therefore, securing satellite services and ground infrastructure, employing encryption, anti-jamming capabilities, redundancy, and alternative communication routes are central to GSAT-7C's mission.