India Inks Deal to Boost Navy's High-Tech Navigation

• GRSE partners with Centum Electronics to develop and upgrade naval navigation systems under Aatmanirbhar Bharat
• Focuses on R&D, system integration, testing, and vessel modernization
• Leverages expertise to enhance the Indian Navy’s readiness, safety, and efficiency

The state-owned shipbuilding firm Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) has collaborated with Centum Electronics Limited, which is located in Bengaluru, to work on the development and upgrades of high-tech navigation systems for the Indian Navy, the company stated recently.

According to the firm, the pact was signed on October 8, 2025, in Kolkata, and is an important step for the enhancement of India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat project. The defence deal to advance high-tech development of navigation systems, strengthening maritime security and supporting India’s indigenous technology goals.

With this partnership, both businesses will coordinate efforts on R&D, system integrations, and upgrades of advanced navigation technologies for naval applications. This strategic partnership promotes naval modernization and enhances the country’s defence technology capabilities.

The MoU was signed by Commander Shantanu Bose (Retd.) Director (Shipbuilding) of GRSE, and Nikhil Mallavarapu, Joint Managing Director of Centum Electronics Limited, who was accompanied by senior representatives from both companies.

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The primary goal of the partnership is to develop a joint research and development framework for next-generation navigation systems and assist in upgrading existing systems to meet Navy operational requirements; build the domestic manufacturing ecosystem of high-reliability components and subsystems and reduce reliance on imported systems.

Cooperative efforts will focus upon onboard installation, system integration, testing and trials to ensure that performance metrics meet mission standards for operating in a naval environment. Modernization efforts may consist of upgrading navigation systems aboard older vessels to reflect advanced technological norms.

The partnership will benefit from the electronics, system design, and precision engineering expertise of Centum Electronics. Centum has successfully developed high-tech systems not only for satellite and space applications but also for defence and this partnership with GRSE is seen as a logical extension of its focus.

GRSE and Centum are working together to produce the next generation of navigation systems that would not only enhance the Indian Navy's readiness but also its safety and efficiency. Defence analysts consider this collaboration an indispensable move towards establishing an independent defence industrial base.

This joint venture allows India to realize its national security objectives while also contributing to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, thus lessening the dependence on foreign technology through the development of local innovation.