02 - 09 - 2026

DRDO Awards Multimillion-Dollar Contract to Avantel for Satellite Communication Ground Hub

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has awarded a ₹117.88 crore contract to Hyderabad-based Avantel Limited for the development, installation and commissioning of a ground segment hub for voice and data communication.

The contract was awarded by DRDO’s Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL). Avantel disclosed the contract in a regulatory filing dated August 29, 2026. The project involves the development of a specialised Ground Segment Hub designed to support voice and data communications using an Indian geostationary satellite.

The system will form part of the terrestrial infrastructure required to support satellite-based communications. As per the contract, Avantel will be responsible for the development, installation and commissioning of the hub. The project is scheduled to be completed by February 2029 and comes with a three year warranty period.

The contract is a domestic order from the Ministry of Defence and adds to Avantel’s portfolio of satellite communication and defence electronics programmes. The company develops and supplies wireless and satellite communication products, defence electronics and related network systems.

The order highlights the continuing focus on strengthening indigenous satellite communication infrastructure for strategic and defence applications, particularly systems that connect space-based communication assets with secure terrestrial networks.