India to conduct GPS jamming trial in Bay of Bengal on April 11 & 12 after Pakistan threat

India is set to carry out a two-day Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) jamming trial in the Bay of Bengal from April 11 to April 12, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen its electronic warfare (EW) capabilities. The exercise aims to evaluate ground-based systems designed to disrupt satellite navigation signals, including GPS and other GNSS networks, under controlled maritime conditions. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued to ensure the safety of civil aviation and maritime traffic during the trials.

The primary objective of the exercise is to assess the effectiveness of GNSS jamming in denying Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services in operational scenarios. PNT data is critical for modern military operations, supporting navigation, targeting, synchronization, and coordination across platforms. The trial will specifically test the ability to degrade or deny satellite-based navigation for hostile assets, including precision-guided munitions, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other network-centric systems.

The Bay of Bengal was chosen for its proximity to India’s maritime security framework and key operational areas within the Indian Ocean Region. Conducting the trial in this location allows for realistic assessment of jamming effectiveness against simulated aerial and maritime threats. Defense agencies will monitor multiple parameters, including the range and intensity of signal disruption, system stability, and overall operational effectiveness in dynamic scenarios.

Strategically, the trial is part of India’s broader effort to enhance preparedness in electronically contested battlespaces. By demonstrating the ability to disrupt GNSS signals, India aims to strengthen the resilience and survivability of its naval and coastal assets. Such capabilities also serve as a deterrent against potential threats, particularly in scenarios involving high-precision weapons and autonomous systems.

Recent global trends have seen a rise in GPS jamming and spoofing incidents, prompting India to expand investments in electronic warfare technologies. This includes ground-based VHF-UHF communication jammers and mobile EW platforms such as the Samyukta system. The trials will also support the development of indigenous EW solutions, ensuring continuity of navigation services for India’s forces even when global GNSS signals are contested.