Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh authorized the procurement of 22 new interceptor boats for the Coast Guard and granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the acquisition of approximately 970 Advanced Land Navigation Systems (ALNS) for the Army's Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs).
"The ALNS Mk-II is compatible with Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, NAVigation using Indian Constellation (IRNSS, NavlC), India in addition to Global Positioning System (GPS) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS)," the ministry said in a statement.
ALNS for armoured fighting vehicles will enhance the operational efficiency of the Indian Army, providing them “with precise navigation capabilities critical for executing complex manoeuvres and missions,” Major General Sanjeev Chowdhary (Retd), Director Editorial at USI told Sputnik India.
The general highlighted that the advanced land navigation systems for Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) offer numerous benefits to the Indian Army, such as precise navigation, accurate positioning, minimized navigation errors, improved targeting capabilities, and enhanced manoeuvrability.
ALNS MK2: Integrating GPS & Inertial Measurements for Precise Navigation
It will also enable the AFVs to reach “designated positions quickly and accurately, reducing the risk of friendly fire, fratricide and civilian casualties,” Chowdhary noted.
The military expert emphasized that these systems enable synchronized operations among armoured fighting vehicles and other forces, ensuring “effective navigation across diverse terrains like deserts, mountains, and urban areas.”
He mentioned their critical importance in environments with limited visibility, including desert, mountain, and urban warfare scenarios, suitable for deployment in tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and reconnaissance vehicles alike.
The general explained that the advanced land navigation system MK2 integrates GPS data with inertial measurements to achieve precise positioning and orientation, utilizing on-board sensors and terrain mapping to correct navigation errors and enhance accuracy.
According to the general, enhanced capabilities would showcase India's commitment to regional security by deterring potential adversaries, while improved navigation and situational awareness would enhance their ability to respond effectively to emerging threats, including terrorism and unconventional warfare.
High-Speed Interceptor Boats: Intercepting Fishing Vessels & Smuggling Activities
“These interceptor boats are crucial for sea surveillance due to the vast and unbounded nature of our coastline monitored by the Coast Guard,” Vice Admiral (Retd) SN Ghormade, a Navigation and Direction specialist told Sputnik India.
The boats are also essential as maritime non-traditional threat rises and the sea lacks defined borders or fences, making surveillance challenging without clear distinctions between Coast Guard, and Navy jurisdictions, including International Maritime Boundaries, the Admiral mentioned.
He highlighted the prevalence of drug trafficking originating from regions like the Afghan-Pak border and the Makran coast, often referred to as the "Hashish Highway" along the east coast of Africa.
The adoption of both the ALNS and the anticipated interceptor boats by the Coast Guard will substantially enhance the capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces, improving navigation, positioning, and battlefield awareness, the military pundit said.
These procurements underscore India's commitment to enhancing national defence by adopting advanced technologies and prioritizing indigenous manufacturing, he concluded.