India has launched its first private-sector navigation centre with the inauguration of the Ananth Centre of Excellence for Navigation (ACEN) in Thiruvananthapuram by ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan. The centre aims to boost indigenous navigation technology, strengthen defence readiness, and advance India’s goal of technological self-reliance.

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• ACEN becomes India’s first private navigation innovation hub
• Led by Ananth Technologies, active in ISRO–DRDO missions since 1992
• Goal: reduce dependence on foreign GPS and imported navigation hardware
• Navigation vital for missiles, aircraft, ships, satellites, defence systems
• Many Indian defence units still repaired abroad, causing delays and risk
• ACEN to develop indigenous sensors, AI-based navigation fusion, NavIC use
• Offers full MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) service within India
• Supports Vision 2035: self-reliance in military, space, civilian navigation
• Encourages collaboration among industry, scientists, universities, agencies
• Major boost to Atmanirbhar Bharat and long-term tech leadership goals