Israel's recent jamming of GPS signals as a defensive measure against potential Iranian attacks underscores the critical need for nations to have independent navigation systems. India, having learned this lesson during the 1999 Kargil War, has since developed its own robust system, NavIC.
In 1999, India's reliance on the US-controlled GPS system proved a liability when access to vital navigation data was denied during the Kargil War with Pakistan. This incident spurred the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to create NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), ensuring strategic autonomy.
Launched in 2016, NavIC provides India with freedom from dependence on foreign systems, ensuring navigation capabilities even during times of conflict or technical issues with external GPS providers. The system offers precise positioning and timing services throughout India and its surrounding regions.
Crucially, NavIC serves both civilian and military needs. While offering standard positioning for everyday navigation, it also features restricted services for India's armed forces. This guarantees reliable navigation and targeting capabilities in sensitive situations where GPS might be unavailable.
India's development of NavIC demonstrates the vital role of domestic navigation systems. It grants a nation the power to operate strategically and independently. The Israeli example reinforces NavIC's importance in a world where geopolitical tensions can rapidly disrupt access to global navigation infrastructure.
