Indian state-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and global satellite communications provider Viasat have announced a partnership to modernise the Indian Navy’s satellite communications infrastructure.
Under an agreement signed between BSNL and the Indian Defence Forces, the Indian Navy will deploy Viasat’s Ka-band satellite systems alongside its existing L-band network. The combined architecture is designed to deliver enhanced, resilient, and secure connectivity across naval platforms.
The project will enable the Navy to transition toward a multi-band, multi-constellation satellite communications strategy. By leveraging BSNL’s gateway earth station and Viasat’s global satellite network, the upgrade will provide expanded coverage, higher throughput, and improved reliability for mission-critical operations at sea.
Todd McDonell, President of Viasat’s International Government segment, said the initiative “combines the resilience of L-band with the power of high-throughput Ka-band, providing enhanced connectivity for mission-critical operations.”
Viasat India Managing Director Gautam Sharma confirmed that equipment for the project has already arrived in India, with installation activities scheduled to begin this month.
The collaboration reflects India’s broader push to strengthen defence communications through next-generation satellite technologies, ensuring greater operational continuity, security, and performance for naval missions.
