NavIC, short for Navigation with Indian Constellation, is India’s own navigation system. Developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), it provides an alternative to foreign GPS systems, ensuring autonomy in navigation services.
Why was NavIC developed?
The necessity for NavIC arose during the Kargil War in 1999, when India’s military operations were hindered due to the denial of crucial GPS data by the US. This event underscored the strategic vulnerabilities of depending on foreign navigation systems and prompted India to pursue its own satellite navigation system.
What are the advantages of using NavIC?
NavIC offers several advantages:
• Autonomy: It reduces dependence on foreign systems, crucial during geopolitical conflicts or technical issues.
• Precision and Reliability: Provides accurate and reliable positioning services specifically over India and its surrounding regions.
• Dual-use Capability: Supports both civilian and military applications, ensuring robust navigation and targeting capabilities even when conventional GPS services are unavailable.
Strategic Importance of Independent Navigation Systems
The importance of independent navigation systems like NavIC is illustrated by instances such as the disruption of GPS signals by Israel to mitigate threats. Such scenarios demonstrate the critical need for countries to have their own reliable and controllable navigation systems to ensure security and operational readiness during conflicts.
NavIC, launched in 2016, represents a significant stride towards India’s self-reliance in spatial navigation.
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