NEW DELHI, — April 6, 2026 : India is set to carry out a two-day series of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) jamming trials in the Bay of Bengal from April 11 to April 12, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen its electronic warfare (EW) capabilities. The exercise will focus on evaluating ground-based systems designed to disrupt satellite navigation signals, including GPS and other GNSS networks, within designated maritime zones.
According to official notifications, including a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), the trials will be conducted under controlled conditions to ensure the safety of civil aviation and maritime traffic operating in the region during the specified period.
Focus on Denial of Satellite-Based Navigation
The primary objective of the trials is to assess the effectiveness of GNSS jamming in denying Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services in operational scenarios. PNT data is a critical component of modern military operations, supporting navigation, targeting, synchronization, and coordination across platforms.
The systems under evaluation are intended to degrade or deny access to satellite-based navigation for hostile assets, including precision-guided munitions (PGMs), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and other systems dependent on network-centric operations. By limiting access to reliable PNT data, the trials aim to test India’s ability to operate in an environment where satellite navigation is contested or unavailable.
Operational Relevance in Maritime Domain
The Bay of Bengal has been selected as the test location due to its relevance to India’s maritime security environment and its proximity to key operational areas within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Conducting trials in this setting allows for realistic assessment of system performance against simulated aerial and maritime targets.
Defense agencies will monitor multiple parameters during the exercise, including signal disruption range, interference density, system stability, and overall effectiveness of the jamming equipment in a dynamic operational environment.
Strategic and Deterrence Implications
The trials form part of a broader effort to enhance India’s preparedness for operations in electronically contested battlespaces. By demonstrating the capability to disrupt satellite navigation systems, India aims to improve the survivability of its naval and coastal assets and strengthen its defensive posture in the IOR.
The ability to deny or degrade GNSS signals is increasingly viewed as a key element of modern deterrence, particularly in scenarios involving high-precision weapons and autonomous systems.
Alignment with Evolving Threat Environment
The initiative aligns with global trends in electronic warfare, where interference with satellite navigation systems has become more frequent in conflict zones. Incidents of GPS jamming and spoofing have been reported in various regions over the past two years, including areas near India’s western and northeastern borders.
In response, India has expanded its investments in EW technologies, including ground-based VHF–UHF communication jammers and integrated mobile systems such as the Samyukta platform. These systems are designed to disrupt enemy communications and command networks in addition to navigation signals.
Role of Indigenous Systems and Industry
The GNSS jammer systems being tested are part of India’s broader push to develop an indigenous electronic warfare ecosystem. Key organizations involved in this effort include the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and private sector defense firms.
The trials are expected to provide operational data that will support further development and refinement of domestically produced EW systems, reducing reliance on imported technologies.
India’s use of its regional navigation satellite system, NavIC, also forms part of its strategy to ensure continuity of navigation services for its own forces in environments where global GNSS signals may be disrupted.
Continuity of Electronic Warfare Development
India has previously conducted electronic warfare exercises and continues to invest in counter-GNSS technologies. The April 11–12 trials represent a continuation of these efforts, with a focus on improving resilience, operational capability, and integration of EW systems across different domains.
No specific technical details regarding the jammer systems or exact trial coordinates have been disclosed in the public domain. The exercise will remain under close observation by defense authorities throughout its duration.
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