NEW DELHI — India is shopping for a 29.63 billion rupees (U.S. $360.52 million) communications satellite, dubbed GSAT 7B, for its Army.

Currently, the service is utilizing 30% of the communications capabilities offered by the GSAT 7A, a satellite tv for pc designed for the Air Force.

A Defence Ministry assertion issued March 29 stated the federal government awarded the satellite tv for pc contract to state-run NewSpace India Ltd., a business arm of the nationwide house company, the Indian Space Research Organisation.

The launch of the 5-ton geostationary satellite tv for pc is to happen in three and a half years.

As prime contractor, NewSpace India is to supply quite a few components, subassemblies and methods from home small- and medium-scale enterprises in addition to startup firms to advertise the nation’s personal house trade.

The satellite tv for pc will significantly improve the Army’s capabilities by offering mission-critical, beyond-line-of-sight communication for troops and materiel, the ministry stated. The satellite tv for pc will function at each X band and Ku band frequencies, and is supposed to enhance communication connectivity to supply network-centric warfare capabilities.

The GSAT 7B may also assist the Army improve its surveillance of contested border areas with China and Pakistan.

The satellite tv for pc can be anticipated to supply built-in communication for the Navy and Air Force. It will comprise two models, one among which is able to function in house and the opposite on the bottom.