State-owned shipbuilding firm Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) has teamed up with Bengaluru’s Centum Electronics Limited to develop advanced navigation systems for the Indian Navy. The agreement, signed on October 8, 2025, in Kolkata, reflects India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing, in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Both companies will focus on research and development, system integration, and modernizing navigation technologies for naval use. This collaboration aims to build a framework for creating new navigation systems and upgrading existing ones to meet the Navy’s operational needs.
The partnership is not just about technology; it’s also about bolstering India’s manufacturing ecosystem. By increasing local production of high-reliability components, both GRSE and Centum hope to reduce reliance on foreign imports.
Key aspects of the cooperation include installation and testing of systems to ensure they meet the Navy’s standards. Furthermore, there are plans to upgrade older vessels, aligning with modern technological benchmarks.
GRSE emphasized that this initiative aligns with the government’s goal of promoting local design and innovation in defense. A company spokesperson noted, “This partnership highlights our commitment to enhancing domestic capabilities for high-tech defense equipment.”
Centum Electronics is well-regarded in aerospace and defense manufacturing. They bring valuable experience from working on sophisticated systems in various sectors. This partnership with GRSE is seen as a natural progression in their strategy.
Defence analysts have viewed this agreement as a significant milestone. It not only supports national security but also fits within the broader framework of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, aimed at reducing dependence on foreign technologies.
By merging expertise and resources, GRSE and Centum aim to develop cutting-edge navigation systems that will improve the efficiency and safety of naval operations. This partnership marks another step toward India’s goal of technological independence in defense.
As a reflection of broader trends, recent reports indicate that India’s defense sector saw a surge in local manufacturing investments, reaching $3.5 billion in 2025, signaling growing confidence in domestic capabilities.
This collaboration stands to not just enhance naval operations but also contribute to the overall growth of India’s defense manufacturing landscape and drive innovation in high-tech defense solutions.
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GRSE, Centum Electronics, Indian Navy navigation systems, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, defence manufacturing, navigation technology, R&D collaboration, system integration, domestic defence industry, self-reliance in defence