India's NAVIC System in Crisis; Only 4 of 9 Satellites Active. Threat to security, disaster management, and self-reliance, ISRO must find an immediate solution.
NAVIC: India's indigenous navigation system NAVIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), once considered a technological symbol of a self-reliant India, is now facing a serious challenge. Currently, only four of its total nine satellites are active, while according to ISRO's own standards, at least five to seven active satellites are required to maintain a stable navigation service. This situation is not only causing technical concerns, but also raising questions about India's national security, communication, and strategic planning.
Why was NAVIC created and what is its importance?
Its inception is linked to India's history. During the Kargil War of 1999, India urgently needed American GPS data, but the United States refused to provide its services. That incident made India realize that relying on foreign navigation systems could be dangerous. Following this, ISRO established a group of 9 satellites in space between 2013 and 2018, and NAVIC was created.
Its main utilities are:
- Strategic support for the army – missile guidance, troop movement, and border surveillance.
- Disaster Management – location tracking in emergencies such as floods and storms.
- Telecom and Transport – assistance in road, rail, and maritime navigation.
Why has the crisis arisen?
According to reports, several NAVIC satellites are now facing technical malfunctions.
- IRNSS-1B and IRNSS-1F have reached the end of their lifespan.
- Some satellites have experienced problems like atomic clock failures.
- The remaining satellites are under additional load, which may affect their performance.
ISRO itself has acknowledged that only four satellites are currently actively providing data, which is not sufficient for full navigation coverage.
Government and ISRO's Plan
The Indian government has stated in Parliament that new satellites named NVS-03, NVS-04, and NVS-05 will be launched by the end of 2026. These satellites will include:
- Advanced navigation technology,
- More radiation-resistant hardware,
- And batteries with longer operational life.
However, space technology experts say that it takes an average of 18-24 months to prepare a satellite from design to launch. In such a situation, if ISRO does not give priority, achieving the 2026 target will be challenging.
Why is NAVIC necessary?
Many people may think that when America's GPS, Russia's GLONASS, and China's Beidou are already available, why does India need its own system? The main reasons behind this are—
1. National Security
In wartime situations, foreign systems can limit data access. NAVIC helps the Indian Army with missile guidance, precise location tracking of soldiers, and surveillance missions.
2. Disaster Management and Communication
In disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, or floods, NAVIC provides alert messages and location support.
3. Transport and Civil Use
This system has been specially developed for Indian Railways, road transport, and fishermen.
4. Technological Self-Reliance
Indigenization of space technology is crucial in the 'Self-Reliant India' vision. If NAVIC fails, India will have to depend on foreign countries again.
What will happen if NAVIC fails?
- The strategic capability of the Indian Army will be affected.
- Delays in disaster management and accuracy of relief operations may decrease.
- Dependence on foreign systems like GPS will increase, which is risky from an international politics and security perspective.
What needs to be done now?
- ISRO must prioritize: The process of building and launching new satellites must be accelerated.
- Private sector participation: The help of rapidly developing private companies in India's space sector can be taken.
- Technical Upgradation: Backup systems of old satellites must be activated immediately.
- Funding and Monitoring: The government needs to set aside a separate budget and monitoring mechanism for the NAVIC project.
