HAL Invites Indian Firms to Develop Anti-Jamming, Anti-Spoofing GNSS Navigation System for Combat Aircraft

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has invited Indian industry partners to participate in the design and development of a next-generation Anti-Jamming, Anti-Spoofing Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for fixed-wing military aircraft. The Expression of Interest (EoI) seeks domestic firms capable of delivering a reliable, multi-band navigation system that can withstand intense electronic warfare environments, ensuring uninterrupted accuracy even under jamming or spoofing attacks.

Securing Navigation in a Contested Electromagnetic Battlefield

In modern warfare, aircraft navigation, weapon guidance, and timing systems rely heavily on satellite-based GNSS signals from constellations such as GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and India’s NavIC. These signals, however, are vulnerable to interference. Enemy forces can deploy jammers to block signals or use spoofers to transmit counterfeit data, tricking aircraft systems into false positioning.

HAL’s EoI aims to neutralize these threats through an advanced GNSS system that combines hardware resilience and intelligent signal processing to ensure pilots and autonomous systems retain true positional awareness, even under hostile conditions.

Core Features and Capabilities of the Planned System

The proposed system will feature multi-constellation and multi-frequency operation, capable of accessing GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and NavIC signals simultaneously. This enhances redundancy and reduces single-source dependency.

Technically, HAL’s requirement includes:

• Anti-jamming antennas using Controlled Reception Pattern Arrays (CRPA) or digital beamforming to suppress interference.

• Signal authentication and spoof detection algorithms to filter out malicious transmissions.

• Tight integration with Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) to maintain navigation accuracy when GNSS is compromised.

• Jam detection and geolocation functions, giving aircraft crews and command centers real-time awareness of enemy electronic activity.

These features are intended to be modular, allowing integration into both existing HAL platforms like the Tejas fighter, Hawk-i trainer, Dornier-228, and future aircraft under development.

Importance of Anti-Jamming GNSS in Modern Warfare

In a high-intensity conflict, the ability to resist electronic attacks directly determines mission survivability. When aircraft lose GNSS, they risk navigational errors, weapon misfires, or operational disorientation. A hardened GNSS ensures continuity in all phases of combat—navigation, targeting, and return-to-base.

The benefits include:

• Operational Continuity: Aircraft remain mission-capable even in GNSS-denied zones.

• Precision in Weapon Delivery: Smart munitions guided by GNSS retain accuracy under attack.

• Enhanced Situational Awareness: Real-time jam detection allows pilots and command centers to adapt tactics.

• Strategic Superiority: Forces equipped with EW-resistant navigation systems can operate confidently in contested electronic environments.

In essence, anti-jamming GNSS technology turns the electromagnetic spectrum from a weakness into a strategic advantage.

Indian Firms Already Working on Related Technologies

Several Indian entities are well-positioned to respond to HAL’s call, leveraging their existing expertise in electronic warfare and navigation systems.

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has already developed and fielded advanced Electronic Warfare and Counter-Drone Systems, such as the D4 system. BEL’s extensive experience in radar, RF signal processing, and avionics integration makes it a leading contender to develop the GNSS protection suite.

Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) has been developing dual-frequency GNSS receivers with anti-jamming and anti-spoofing detection capabilities, technologies that align with HAL’s objectives.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), particularly through its Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE), has contributed to India’s electronic warfare and avionics innovation. DARE’s previous work in integrating inertial and GNSS systems can serve as a foundation for the upcoming project.

In addition, startups working under the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) program could collaborate on software-defined GNSS receivers and advanced signal authentication modules, complementing public sector capabilities.

Challenges on the Road to Indigenous Development

Developing an advanced anti-jamming GNSS system involves complex design trade-offs. Controlled Reception Pattern Antennas are expensive and require precise calibration. The processing hardware must withstand high dynamic flight conditions while remaining lightweight and power-efficient.

Another challenge lies in testing and certification, as the system must be validated under real-world electromagnetic interference conditions. Despite these hurdles, the strategic payoff — a secure, self-reliant PNT capability — makes this project critical to India’s aerospace modernization.

Strengthening India’s Defence Autonomy

HAL’s initiative aligns perfectly with India’s broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in defence technology. An indigenous anti-jamming GNSS will reduce reliance on imported navigation solutions and ensure operational security against foreign-controlled signal networks.

Once realized, such systems can be deployed not only in manned aircraft but also across UAVs, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions, enhancing the robustness of India’s entire combat ecosystem.