Avantel Secures ₹117.88 Crore DRDO Contract for Critical Ground Segment Hub

Avantel's Ground Segment Hub: A Critical Component of India's Defence Communication Infrastructure

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has awarded a significant contract to Avantel Limited, a Hyderabad-based communication equipment maker, to build, install, and commission a voice and data communication ground segment hub. The contract, valued at ₹117.88 crore, is a testament to Avantel's expertise in military-grade satellite and wireless communication systems.

A Proven Track Record

This is not the first time Avantel has worked with the DRDO. The company has a proven track record of delivering critical communication systems to the organisation. In 2024, Avantel provided a Ground Segment Hub for NewSpace India Limited, demonstrating its capabilities in building complex communication infrastructure. The company's expertise in military-grade satellite and wireless communication systems has earned it a reputation as a leading player in India's defence communication sector.

A String of Defence Contracts

Avantel's victory is part of a string of defence contracts the company has secured over the past two years. In June 2025, Avantel won an order worth ₹13.67 crore from DRDO's Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory. In August 2025, the company secured an order worth ₹3.36 crore for the development of a SATCOM waveform. In June 2026, Avantel won an order worth ₹9.94 crore for the GSAT-32 satellite terminal. The company has also secured orders from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, HAL, Goa Shipyard, and Centre for Railway Information Systems.

A Critical Component

The ground segment hub is a critical component of India's defence communication infrastructure. It receives, processes, and routes voice and data traffic between satellite communications and end users, such as field units, command posts, and integrated defence networks. The hub is the terrestrial part of a satellite communication chain, and its reliability is crucial for effective communication in the field.

A Long Window of Execution

The contract provides Avantel with a relatively long window of execution, with a completion date set for February 2029. This allows the company to plan and execute the project with precision, taking into account the complexity of building, installing, and testing a full ground hub. The 36-month period of warranty is also longer than what is typically offered for smaller DRDO procurements, indicating the criticality and expected service life of the hub infrastructure.

Key Takeaways

• Avantel Limited has secured a significant contract from the DRDO to build, install, and commission a voice and data communication ground segment hub.
• The contract, valued at ₹117.88 crore, is a testament to Avantel's expertise in military-grade satellite and wireless communication systems.
• Avantel has a proven track record of working with the DRDO and has secured a string of defence contracts over the past two years.
• The ground segment hub is a critical component of India's defence communication infrastructure, and its reliability is crucial for effective communication in the field.
• The contract provides Avantel with a relatively long window of execution and a longer warranty period than typical DRDO procurements.