Defence · GS3
Enhanced capability GNSS jammers
One line
The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹449 crore contract for 20 enhanced capability Global Navigation Satellite System jammers for the Indian Navy, with at least 75% indigenous content.
Summary
GNSS supports positioning, navigation, and timing. A jammer can degrade an adversary receiver's ability to acquire or track satellite signals. Spoofing can send deceptive signals. This is an electronic warfare issue, not simply a navigation upgrade.
PYQ pattern
UPSC defence questions often test technology by function. Use the official UPSC archive and distinguish navigation, communication, detection, jamming, and spoofing.
Core notes
- GNSS is a general term for satellite navigation systems. GPS is the United States system; other countries operate or contribute other constellations.
- Jamming raises interference or transmits energy to disrupt reception.
- Spoofing attempts to deceive a receiver with false signals or data.
- The contract was under Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured). Procurement category and field deployment are separate stages.
Prelims lens
- GNSS is not synonymous with GPS, though GPS is a GNSS.
- Jamming disrupts reception. Spoofing deceives the receiver.
- The release concerned Navy procurement, not a civilian navigation service.
MCQ 1
Consider the following statements:
- GNSS is a generic term for satellite navigation systems.
- GPS is the only satellite navigation constellation in the world.
- A. 1 only
- B. 2 only
- C. Both 1 and 2
- D. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answerHide answer
A
GNSS is the generic category. GPS is one system among several satellite navigation constellations.
MCQ 2
Which pairing is correct?
- A. Jamming: disruption of signal reception
- B. Spoofing: physical destruction of a satellite
- C. Radar: a type of crop insurance
- D. GNSS: a foodgrain warehouse
Reveal answerHide answer
A
Jamming interferes with signal acquisition or tracking. Spoofing uses deceptive signals or data.
Mains
Question, 10 marks, 150 words: Why are navigation and timing systems strategic assets, and how do jamming and spoofing change maritime security?
Approach:
- Define GNSS, jamming, spoofing, and electronic warfare.
- Explain naval navigation, timing, targeting, logistics, and resilience.
- Discuss interference, deception, civilian spillovers, spectrum management, and attribution.
- Suggest multi-source navigation, anti-jam systems, training, indigenous production, and international norms.