India successfully tested a satellite-based aircraft landing system for the first time

• Achieving a new technological milestone in the civil aviation sector, India successfully conducted its first Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) approach test at Udaipur Airport on June 27, 2026.

• The test was carried out using an IndiGo Airbus A320 aircraft under the supervision of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

• During the test, the aircraft successfully completed the approach using the indigenous GAGAN system, thereby significantly bolstering India's modern aviation navigation capabilities.

• GAGAN stands for GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation. It is India's Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS), jointly developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

• The system enhances the accuracy of GPS signals using geostationary satellites and ground reference stations, enabling aircraft to achieve navigation accuracy of up to approximately 3 meters.

• This will facilitate safe, precise, and more efficient aircraft operations, even in adverse weather conditions.