India's first exclusive defence satellite GSAT-7 was successfully launched by European Arianespace's Ariane 5 rocket from Kourou spaceport in French Guiana today, giving a major push to the country's maritime security. Indian Navy would be the user of the multi-band home-built communication spacecraft, expected to be operational by September end.

The 185-crore rupees GSAT-7, the country's maiden dedicated spacecraft for Defence applications, was launched during a 50-minute launch window which started at 2 am. After a flight of almost 34 minutes, the satellite was injected into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.

The frequency bands of GSAT-7 will help space-based marine communications. It has coverage over the Indian landmass as well as surrounding seas.