BSNL and Viasat have announced an agreement to upgrade the Indian Navy’s satellite communications. Under this arrangement, Viasat’s Ka-band satellite systems will be used together with its existing L-band infrastructure to deliver improved connectivity for Indian naval platforms. The initiative is part of a broader modernization program supported by Viasat’s international government team.
The new system will help the Indian Navy move toward a multi-band, multi-constellation SATCOM approach. This strategy uses BSNL’s Gateway Earth Station and Viasat’s global satellite network to expand coverage, increase data throughput, and improve reliability for operations that are critical to national security.
Viasat has previously provided technology services to various sectors in India. These include disaster response networks, tsunami early warning systems through the National Institute of Ocean Technology, vessel tracking for the Directorate General of Shipping, and aeronautical connectivity for both private and government aircraft.
BSNL and Viasat have stated their continued commitment to supporting India’s defense communication needs as this new phase begins.
Robert Ravi, Chairman and Managing Director of BSNL, said: “BSNL is proud to support the Indian Navy’s SATCOM modernization by providing advanced connectivity solutions through our partnership with Viasat. This upgrade reflects BSNL’s ongoing commitment to enabling India’s strategic communication needs with resilient and secure infrastructure.”
Gautam Sharma, Managing Director at Viasat India, said: “With the equipment having arrived in India and installation activities set to begin this month, we are proud to support the Indian Navy in modernizing its satellite communication capabilities. This milestone marks an important step forward in our ongoing collaboration with BSNL and the Indian Defense Forces.”
Todd McDonell, President of International Government at Viasat, said: “This upgrade combines the resilience of L-band with the power of high-throughput Ka-band, providing enhanced connectivity for mission-critical operations. It also reinforces our long-term commitment to India’s defense and maritime communication ecosystem.”
