DRDO Joins Forces with Bengaluru Firm for Indigenous NavIC Chip Development
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has tasked a Bengaluru-based firm with the indigenous development of a receiver chip to acquire and disseminate Indian time for navigation using the Indian Constellation (NavIC) developed by ISRO. The IRNSS satellites, through NavIC, aim to provide directional mapping support to land, rail, and air users, making it easier to find routes to destinations. Currently, this service largely relies on the Global Positioning System (GPS) provided by the US constellation of navigation satellites.
According to DRDO and ISRO sources, while ISRO has already developed IRNSS satellites and is working towards making NavIC accessible to the general public, DRDO is developing a receiver chip domestically to provide IRNSS Network Timing (IRNWT) for dissemination.
DRDO has commissioned Bengaluru-based Accord Software and Systems Pvt Ltd (ASSPL), which will develop a customised and flexible timing system as per range requirements for NavIC. Sources in ASSPL said, “We are developing a completely Indian-made receiver for defence and commercial applications. The need for this arose after the experience during the Kargil war where India’s request to the US for use of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology for information of the area was denied. We are now depending on GPS technology even on our mobile phones”.
The latest development will also significantly help the defence sector. “Work is on to shift Indian-based receivers, where the sector will have complete control. It is a 24-month project that began on July 1", ASSPL sources said. ASSPL is among the seven private firms partnered with DRDO under the Technology Development Fund scheme. DRDO announced via social media the seven projects assigned to MSMEs and startups in the defense and aerospace sectors.
DRDO has also initiated a project with Bengaluru-based Craftlogic Labs Private Limited to develop a mechanism for detecting in-flight icing conditions. This phenomenon occurs when super-cooled water droplets come into contact with the aircraft's external surfaces.
These projects also involve activating the aircraft's anti-icing mechanism. Additionally, DRDO is collaborating with Noida-based Oxygen-2 Innovation Private Limited to develop an Indigenous Scenario and Sensor Simulation Toolkit; Pune-based Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd to develop a launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle; Kochi-based IROV Technologies Pvt Limited to develop Long-range Remotely Operated Vehicles for Detection and Neutralization; Chennai-based Data Pattern (India) Limited to develop a Radar Signal Processor with an Active Antenna Array Simulator; and Coimbatore-based Alohatech Private Limited to develop Graphene-Based Smart & E-textiles for Multifunctional Wearable Applications.
