Context of the News
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract worth ₹449 crore with Accord Software and Systems Private Limited (ASSPL), Bengaluru for the procurement of 20 Enhanced Capability Global Navigation Satellite System (ECGNSS) Jammers for the Indian Navy.
The contract was signed on 10 June 2026 under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category with a minimum 75% indigenous content.
Background
What is GNSS?
GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) is a satellite-based navigation system that provides positioning, navigation and timing services to users worldwide.
Examples include:
| GNSS System | Country/Region |
|---|---|
| GPS (Global Positioning System) | United States |
| GLONASS | Russia |
| Galileo | European Union |
| BeiDou | China |
| NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) | India |
Modern military platforms rely heavily on GNSS for:
- Navigation
- Weapon guidance
- Fleet movement
- Target tracking
- Situational awareness
Why Are GNSS Jammers Important?
Modern warfare increasingly depends on satellite navigation systems. Disrupting enemy access to these signals can provide a significant tactical advantage.
News Breakdown
The Ministry of Defence has procured advanced indigenous ECGNSS Jammers to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy.
Key Features of the Contract
| Particulars | Details |
| Contract Value | ₹449 Crore |
| Number of Systems | 20 ECGNSS Jammers |
| Procurement Category | Buy (Indian-IDDM) |
| Indigenous Content | Minimum 75% |
| Vendor | Accord Software and Systems Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru |
| Service Beneficiary | Indian Navy |
| Contract Date | 10 June 2026 |
What is an ECGNSS Jammer?
An Enhanced Capability Global Navigation Satellite System Jammer is an electronic warfare system designed to interfere with satellite-based navigation signals used by adversaries.
Definition: Jamming
Jamming refers to the deliberate transmission of radio frequency signals to disrupt communication or navigation systems.
Definition: Spoofing
Spoofing is the transmission of fake signals that deceive a receiver into calculating an incorrect position, time or direction.
Capabilities of ECGNSS Jammers
The system can:
1. Degrade Signal Acquisition
- Prevent enemy receivers from locking onto satellite signals.
- Reduce the effectiveness of navigation systems.
2. Disrupt Signal Tracking
- Interfere with continuous monitoring of navigation signals.
- Create uncertainty in enemy positioning systems.
3. Signal Spoofing
- Transmit false navigation information.
- Mislead enemy ships, drones or missiles.
4. Deceptive Jamming
- Create confusion by providing manipulated signals.
- Force adversaries to make incorrect operational decisions.
Why is This Important for the Indian Navy?
The maritime domain is becoming increasingly contested due to:
- Advanced missile systems
- Unmanned platforms
- Electronic warfare capabilities
- Hybrid warfare tactics
The induction of ECGNSS Jammers will:
- Improve survivability of naval platforms.
- Enhance operational security.
- Protect ships in hostile electronic warfare environments.
- Ensure safer naval operations in multi-threat scenarios.
Link with Electronic Warfare
What is Electronic Warfare (EW)?
Electronic Warfare refers to the use of the electromagnetic spectrum to attack, protect or control military systems.
It consists of:
| Component | Function |
| Electronic Attack (EA) | Disrupt enemy systems |
| Electronic Protection (EP) | Protect friendly systems |
| Electronic Support (ES) | Gather electronic intelligence |
GNSS Jammers primarily fall under Electronic Attack (EA).
Boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat
The contract supports the Government’s vision of:
Aatmanirbhar Bharat
- Reducing dependence on imported defence equipment.
- Strengthening domestic defence manufacturing.
- Building indigenous technological capabilities.
Make in India in Defence
The project contributes to:
- Indigenous design and development.
- Growth of the defence industrial ecosystem.
- Employment generation in high-technology sectors.
- Enhanced strategic autonomy.
Significance for India’s Maritime Security
The procurement will strengthen:
- Coastal security
- Naval combat readiness
- Anti-access and area denial capabilities
- Electronic warfare preparedness
- Protection against navigation-based threats
The acquisition is also important in the context of increasing military competition across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Prelims Focus
Buy (Indian-IDDM)
Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) is the highest priority procurement category under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP).
Key Features:
- Encourages indigenous defence production.
- Promotes domestic design and innovation.
- Requires substantial indigenous content.
- Supports defence self-reliance.
Important Facts
- Contract value: ₹449 crore
- Number of systems: 20
- Indigenous content: Minimum 75%
- Vendor: Accord Software and Systems Pvt. Ltd.
- Procurement category: Buy (Indian-IDDM)
About NavIC
NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) is India’s regional satellite navigation system developed by ISRO.
Coverage:
- India
- Up to about 1,500 km beyond Indian borders
Conclusion / Way Forward
Indigenous electronic warfare systems such as ECGNSS Jammers strengthen naval preparedness, enhance strategic autonomy and support India’s vision of self-reliant defence capabilities.
Prelims Check
Question 1
With reference to Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), consider the following pairs:
| Navigation System | Country/Region |
| GPS | United States |
| Galileo | European Union |
| BeiDou | China |
| NavIC | India |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Question 2
Consider the following statements regarding GNSS Jamming:
- Jamming aims to disrupt the reception of satellite navigation signals.
- Spoofing involves transmitting deceptive navigation signals.
- GNSS jammers are primarily associated with electronic warfare.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Question 3
With reference to the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), consider the following statements:
- Buy (Indian-IDDM) is among the highest priority procurement categories.
- The category seeks to promote indigenous design and manufacturing.
- Equipment procured under this category must necessarily be imported.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answers
- (d)
- (d)
- (a)
Explanation
Question 1
- GPS belongs to the United States.
- Galileo is developed by the European Union.
- BeiDou belongs to China, while NavIC is India’s navigation system.
Question 2
- Jamming disrupts navigation signals.
- Spoofing provides false signals to mislead receivers.
- Both are important tools in electronic warfare operations.
Question 3
- Buy (Indian-IDDM) promotes indigenous defence manufacturing.
- It is a priority category under Defence Acquisition Procedure.
- The category is intended to reduce, not increase, import dependence.
“Nations secure their future not only through strength, but through the ability to innovate and build that strength themselves.”
