Current Affairs

Issue

The Indian army is set to get a secure dedicated satellite for military communication in form of GSAT-7B.

 

Background

The satellite has the capability to increase operational preparedness of the Armed Forces and boost its communication capabilities.

 

Details

• The Defence ministry has also approved Night Sight (Image Intensifier), Light Vehicles GS 4X4 and Air Defence Fire Control Radar (Light).

• They will help in improving visibility, communication, enhanced mobility and increase capability of detecting enemy aircraft.

 

The GSAT 7B satellite

• The GSAT-7B is part of GSAT-7 series and used for communication. It was launched for the first time in 2013.

• The launch of this satellite helped Indian forces to reduce dependency on foreign satellites such as Inmarsat for communication services.

 

Significance

• They will help in improving visibility, communication, enhanced mobility and increase capability of detecting enemy aircraft.

• It has been conceptualized keeping in mind the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the force’s inventory. The satellite will help in increasing flying range of UAVs.

 

GSAT-7

• It is a communication satellite that has a wide range of service spectrum from low bit rate voice to high bit rate data communication.

• It has been dubbed as Rukmini and launched by ISRO atop an Ariane 5 ECA rocket from Kourou in French Guiana. 

• It has been developed to provide communication capabilities for Indian Navy over a wide oceanic region including the Indian land-mass.

• It is equipped with transponders in Ku band, S-band, C band and UHF (ultra-high frequency) band to enhance the maritime communications among the Indian Navy's warships.

 

GSAT-7A

• It is the successor to GSAT-7 and is known as "Indian Angry Bird". It forms communication band for Indian military.

• It serves as force multiplier by connecting asset of Indian Air Force. The satellite provides communication in Ku band.

• It has a mission life of 8 years. Together with GSAT-7, they make up dedicated satellites for the Indian armed forces.