Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Centum Electronics Limited, Bengaluru, marking a major step towards boosting domestic capabilities in advanced navigation technologies for naval applications. The agreement was formalized at GRSE Bhavan, Kolkata.
The MoU was signed by Commander Shantanu Bose, IN (Retd), Director (Shipbuilding), GRSE, and Nikhil Mallavarapu, Joint Managing Director, Centum Electronics. The ceremony was attended by senior leadership from both organizations, including Commodore PR Hari, IN (Retd), Chairman & Managing Director of GRSE, and Apparao V Mallavarapu, Chairman & Managing Director of Centum Electronics.
This collaboration will focus on joint development of next-generation navigation systems for Indian Navy vessels. As part of the agreement, both entities will work together on research, design, and manufacturing of key system components and subassemblies. The partnership will also include onboard integration, trials, system commissioning, and modernization of existing navigation platforms.
The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign, aimed at strengthening self-reliance in critical defence technologies. GRSE’s partnership with Centum reinforces the shipyard’s commitment to indigenous innovation in high-tech maritime systems.
Centum Electronics brings extensive experience in designing and producing high-reliability systems for defence, aerospace, space, and industrial sectors. GRSE, a Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, has a longstanding reputation in naval shipbuilding, engineering, and advanced maritime systems.
Founded in 1884, GRSE has evolved into one of India’s leading shipyards. Since becoming a government enterprise in 1960, the company has delivered over 800 platforms, including 114 warships – the highest number by any Indian shipbuilder. Its portfolio includes a diverse range of vessels, such as frigates, corvettes, patrol vessels, and amphibious ships.
GRSE was the first Indian shipyard to build a warship for the Indian Navy — the INS Ajay in 1961 — and has since delivered export warships to countries like Mauritius, Seychelles, and Guyana. The company also manufactures pre-fabricated steel bridges, marine diesel engines, and deck machinery.
With four dedicated shipbuilding facilities, GRSE is uniquely positioned to handle large-scale and concurrent ship construction. The shipyard features modern infrastructure, advanced design capabilities, and a team of skilled engineers supported by virtual reality tools and digital platforms.
Over the years, GRSE has been recognized with multiple honours, including the Defence Minister’s Award for designing one of the most silent ships for anti-submarine operations and being named Best Performing Defence Shipyard of India for four consecutive years. With this new partnership, GRSE continues to move forward in its mission to integrate advanced technologies and expand India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.
