In a remarkable stride toward technological and strategic self-reliance, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Indian Navy’s GSAT-7R (CMS-03) satellite on November 2, 2025, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. This mission, executed aboard the trusted LVM3-M5 heavy-lift launch vehicle, marks not only a milestone in India’s space capabilities but also a defining moment in the modernisation of the country’s maritime defence communications network.

At 4,400 kilograms, GSAT-7R stands as India’s heaviest communication satellite ever launched into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) from domestic soil. More significantly, it is a fully indigenous creation, a testament to India’s maturing ability to design, develop, and deploy mission-critical satellites that serve both civilian and defence objectives. The satellite represents a bold stride toward atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in strategic technologies, underscoring India’s vision of secure, sovereign control over its space and defence infrastructure.

Strengthening India’s Maritime Defence

GSAT-7R is designed specifically for the Indian Navy, replacing the decade-old GSAT-7 (Rukmini) launched in 2013. Together with its sister satellite GSAT-7A, which serves the Indian Air Force, it completes a powerful communications network that ties together India’s sea and air warfare capabilities. The new satellite will provide seamless, secure communication across naval assets linking warships, submarines, aircraft, and shore-based command centres in real........

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