Strategic Context of the Agreement
Direct Firing Sight Navigation System: India and France have signed an agreement to jointly produce the Direct Firing Sight Navigation System in India.
This move strengthens India–France defence cooperation and supports the country’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The system is designed for modern battlefields where GPS denial, electronic jamming, and drone threats are increasingly common.
It enhances India’s artillery effectiveness in both conventional and asymmetric warfare environments.
Static GK fact: India and France have a strategic partnership since 1998, with defence cooperation as a core pillar.
What is the Direct Firing Sight Navigation System
The Direct Firing Sight Navigation System is a combat technology package that allows artillery units to engage targets directly and autonomously.
It combines advanced navigation and sighting solutions to ensure accuracy even in GPS-denied conditions.
The system integrates two critical components: SIGMA 30N Navigation System and CM3-MR Direct Firing Sight.
Together, they enhance firing precision against ground and aerial targets.
SIGMA 30N Navigation System
The SIGMA 30N is an advanced inertial navigation system used for autonomous artillery positioning and targeting.
It enables guns to fire accurately without reliance on external satellite signals.
This capability is crucial in electronic warfare environments, where GPS signals can be jammed or spoofed.
It ensures uninterrupted operations during high-intensity conflicts.
Static GK Tip: Inertial navigation systems calculate position using motion sensors, not satellite signals.
CM3-MR Direct Firing Sight
The CM3-MR Direct Firing Sight is designed to improve direct-fire accuracy using advanced optical and thermal technologies.
It allows gunners to engage visible targets instantly, without indirect fire calculations.
The sight is particularly effective against low-flying drones, vehicles, and fast-moving threats.
This makes it highly relevant in counter-drone and border defence scenarios.
Key Operational Features
Autonomy in GPS-Denied Zones
The system functions independently of GPS, ensuring reliability in jammed or contested electromagnetic environments.
This capability addresses a major vulnerability in modern warfare.
High Platform Versatility
The system integrates smoothly with heavy artillery, radars, and mobile air defence platforms.
This allows flexibility across different branches of the armed forces.
Enhanced Direct-Fire Capability
Advanced thermal and optical sights support immediate engagement of visible targets.
This is critical for neutralising drones and close-range threats in real time.
Strategic Importance for India
The joint production aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat and boosts domestic defence manufacturing capacity.
It also enables technology transfer and skill development within India.
The system enhances the Indian Army’s preparedness for future wars involving drones and electronic warfare.
It strengthens India’s artillery modernisation roadmap.
Static GK fact: Artillery remains the “King of Battle” due to its long-range firepower and battlefield dominance.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Direct Firing Sight Navigation System:
| Topic | Detail |
| Agreement | India–France joint production of defence system |
| Core System | Direct Firing Sight Navigation System |
| Navigation Component | SIGMA 30N inertial navigation system |
| Sighting Component | CM3-MR Direct Firing Sight |
| Key Capability | GPS-independent autonomous firing |
| Operational Use | Artillery, air defence, anti-drone roles |
| Strategic Goal | Defence self-reliance and modernisation |
| Warfare Relevance | Electronic warfare and drone-heavy conflicts |
