On January 15, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the commissioning of three naval platforms—INS Surat (destroyer), INS Nilgiri (frigate), and INS Vagsheer (submarine)—built at Mazagon Docks, marking a historic milestone in India’s quest for maritime self-reliance (Atmanirbharta).
The Indian Navy’s Swavlamban initiative reflects a commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance), emphasizing innovation and indigenization in defense manufacturing. This aligns with India’s broader aspirations of reducing dependency on imports while leveraging domestic capabilities to add value and boost exports.
What is the present status of India’s maritime atmnirbharta?
The Indian Navy’s present force level comprises about 150 ships and submarines with 60 large Navy ships, valued around Rs 1.5 trillion, are under construction. India’s naval force has made significant strides in domestic production, showcasing a growing reliance on indigenous capabilities. Domestic production for India’s Navy includes:
1. Indigenous Warship and Submarine Production:
a. Warships: 60 warships and vessels are currently under construction in Indian shipyards, including the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). Notable projects are:
INS Vikrant: India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, commissioned in 2022.
Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class destroyers): Advanced stealth destroyers being built domestically.
Project 17A (Nilgiri-class frigates): Guided missile frigates equipped with state-of-the-art systems.
b. Submarines:
Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Project: Launched in the 1980s and marked India’s place in designing and building nuclear-powered submarines, leading to the creation of the Arihant-class submarines.
INS Arihant and Arighat: India’s indigenous nuclear-powered submarine.
Kalvari-class submarines (Scorpene): Built under Project 75 at MDL in collaboration with France, with six submarines inducted/planned.
2. Indigenous Weapons Systems:
BrahMos Missiles: Jointly developed with Russia and domestically produced; equipped on many Indian Navy ships.
Varunastra Torpedo: Indigenously developed heavyweight torpedo used in anti-submarine warfare.
DRDO-developed missiles and systems: Advanced missile systems like Barak-8 and underwater surveillance systems.
3. Indigenous Sensors and Electronics:
Development of Combat Management Systems (CMS) and radar systems such as the Rohini radar and Revathi radar, enhancing the Navy’s self-reliance.
Sonars: Indigenous sonars like HUMSA-NG are deployed on Indian Navy ships and submarines.
4. Aircraft and UAVs:
Naval Tejas: Efforts are ongoing to operationalize an indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) for carrier-based operations.
Dornier 228 Aircraft: Locally produced multi-role aircraft for maritime patrol.
Rustom UAV: Indigenous unmanned aerial vehicles are under development for surveillance purposes.
What have been the key steps towards maritime atmnirbharta?
1. Strategic Vision and Initiatives: SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) framework emphasizes an open, secure, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, with India as a first responder in the Indian Ocean.
2. Evolution of Self-Reliance:
Make-in-India (2014) aimed at attracting foreign manufacturers to set up operations in India for job creation, skill development, and technology transfer.
Atmanirbhar Bharat expands this vision to foster domestic manufacturing (indigenization) and ensure India’s capacity to add value to necessary imports.
3. Navy’s Success in Indigenization:
Since the 1960s, the Navy has indigenously designed 19 warship models and built 121 ships and submarines.
It has developed advanced systems like propulsion mechanisms, sonar, electronic warfare suites, fire control systems, and more, many of which are exported as “world-class” products.
4. Focus on Technology & MSMEs:
The Navy’s 15-year Science and Technology Roadmap emphasizes cutting-edge areas like AI, robotics, hypersonic missiles, and bio-technical weapons. E.g. DPSUs and MSMEs Collaboration.
MSMEs and start-ups play a crucial role in creating disruptive technologies and supporting special operations. E.g. Green Channel Policy.
5. Collaborations & Innovation Structures:
The Navy has established the Naval Indigenisation and Innovation Organisation (NIIO), the Naval Technology Acceleration Council (N-TAC), and vendor-development programs to facilitate partnerships with academia, industry, and global players.
Initiatives like IN STEP engage students to work on naval problem statements.
What are the needs of maritime atmnirbharta?
1. National Security and Strategic Autonomy:
Dependence on foreign suppliers for maritime defense equipment creates vulnerabilities in times of conflict or geopolitical tensions. E.g. Development of the INS Arihant.
Indigenous capabilities ensure India can maintain and deploy its naval assets without external constraints. E.g. Nuclear Triad.
2. Economic Growth and Cost-Effectiveness:
Developing indigenous shipbuilding and defense technologies reduces reliance on costly imports. E.g. Defense Manufacturing Hubs.
Strengthens India’s economy by generating employment, boosting local industries, and fostering innovation. E.g. Construction of warships like the INS Kamorta (anti-submarine warfare corvette) in Kolkata.
3. Maritime Domain Awareness:
Advanced, locally developed surveillance systems enable India to better monitor its vast coastline, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Indigenous systems provide better adaptability to India’s specific maritime needs. E.g. PierSight’s Varuna.
4. Global Influence and Soft Power:
A self-reliant maritime industry enhances India’s credibility as a regional and global power.
Strengthens partnerships by exporting ships, submarines, and technologies to friendly nations. E.g. Export of OPVs (Offshore Patrol Vessels).
5. Aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat Vision: Developing indigenous capabilities supports India’s broader goal of self-reliance across sectors, reducing dependence on imports. E.g. Construction of the INS Vikrant under Make in India and Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020.
6. Preparedness for Non-Traditional Threats: With growing challenges such as piracy, terrorism, and climate change, indigenous capabilities ensure quick and customized responses to unique maritime threats. E.g. Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).
7. Technology and Innovation Advancement: Investing in local shipbuilding and maritime R&D fosters technological growth in defense and civilian applications, benefiting the broader economy. E.g. Varunastra torpedo.
What are the challenges with India’s maritime atmnirbharta?
1. Global and Regional Context: While the Indian Navy has earned global recognition for professionalism, it lags behind leading naval powers like the US and China.
a. True Value Rating (TrV): India ranks seventh globally, with 103 major naval units and a TrV of 100.5, compared to the US (323.9 TrV) and China (319.8 TrV).
b. Defence spending disparities reflect the gap: India’s 2023 budget was $84 billion (17-18% for the navy), compared to the US ($916 billion) and China ($330 billion).
2. Challenges in Indigenisation: India’s naval achievements remain aspirational due to:
a. Shipbuilding inefficiency: INS Surat’s record 31-month construction contrasts with China’s completion of a 4,000-ton frigate in 4.5 months.
b. Dependence on imports: Critical ordnance for warships is sourced internationally, with limited indigenous successes like the BrahMos missile.
c. R&D gaps: Core military design and technology advancements are slow, hindering progress towards meaningful self-reliance.
3. Technological and Innovation Gaps: Dependence on foreign technologies for advanced systems like high-performance turbines, nuclear propulsion, and ASW capabilities limits progress. Slow adaptation to global innovation further hampers competitiveness.
4. Infrastructure and Skilled Workforce Deficits: Capacity constraints in shipyards like MDL and GRSE delay asset production, while a shortage of skilled professionals in submarine design and naval weaponry stifles advanced development.
5. Bureaucratic and Budgetary Challenges: Complex procurement processes and insufficient defense budgets lead to delays and cost overruns, as seen in nuclear submarine projects like the Arihant class.
6. Security Vulnerabilities: Increasing reliance on digital systems, such as those on INS Vikramaditya, exposes naval technologies to cyber threats, requiring robust security measures.
7. Global Competition and Limited Export: Indian products face stiff competition in the global defense market from nations like the U.S. and China. Challenges in scaling production and commercializing technologies like the INS Kalvari limit export potential.
What Should be the Way Forward?
The way forward should be “DESI NAVY”.
1. D: Defense R&D: Prioritize indigenous research and development in critical naval technologies.
2. E: Empowerment: Empower domestic industries through public-private partnerships and defense offsets.
3. S: Strategic Partnerships: Foster strategic partnerships with friendly nations for technology transfer and joint ventures.
4. I: Infrastructure Development: Invest in modern shipbuilding infrastructure and enhance skilled manpower.
5. N: Naval Doctrine: Develop and refine a robust naval doctrine that addresses evolving maritime security challenges in case of hybrid and geryzone warfare.
6. A: Acquisition Reforms: Streamline defense procurement procedures to expedite the acquisition of critical naval assets.
7. V: Visionary Leadership: Provide strong political and bureaucratic leadership to drive the vision of a self-reliant maritime defense.
8. Y: Youth Engagement: Encourage and support young talent in STEM fields to contribute to advancements in naval technology.
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