Amidst the changing security paradigm, Indian navy is evaluating the strength of its warships under the new plan. On the crucial issue of the number of the warships, the navy chief clarified that the earlier planning was based on the 15-Year naval plan which is now being reconsidered as a 10-year plan. Chief of naval Staff pointed out the redrawing of the plan as per the fast changing security situation.

Admiral Hari Kumar, who took charge as Navy Chief on Tuesday, said that the number of warships that Indian navy is planning is under evaluation. On the crucial issue of the number of the warships, the navy chief clarified that the earlier planning was based on the 15-Year naval plan which is now being reconsidered as a 10-year plan. Chief of naval Staff pointed out the redrawing of the plan as per the fast changing security situation. 

Newly-appointed Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar also conveyed that the northern border with China has raised many complexities that made the security scenario fragile.

Speaking during the Navy Day 2021 press briefing, Chief Of Naval Staff Admiral Hari Kumar assured the nation that the Indian Navy stands prepared to deal with any security challenge.

“The situation on our northern borders and COVID-19 have created two complex challenges and the Indian Navy is ready to tackle both the challenges,” the Navy chief remarked

Indian navy’s modernization plan

Indian navy is leading on many indigenization efforts, supporting ship-building. Navy’s ship construction efforts have spurred an indigenous ship-building ecosystem, with know-how, expertise and skills that pool into the wider ship-building industry. This is an area holding considerable headroom, with shipbuilding contributing less than 0.5 % to India’s GDP. 

The Navy chief also highlighted the fact that the force is relying on indigenous technology and production to strengthen its fleet.

Chief said: “Of the 39 warships and submarines being built for the Indian Navy, 37 are being built in India under 'Make in India' showing our quest for Atmanirbhar Bharat. These include the Aircraft Carrier - Vikrant, P-15B Class Destroyers, P17A class stealth Frigates and Scorpene class submarines. 

Amongst these projects, Vikrant has completed two sea sorties as part of her Contractor Sea Trials. “The indigenous design and construction of an Aircraft Carrier by the Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard Limited is a shining example of our quest for ‘AatmaNirbharta’ with more than 76% indigenous content,” Chief said.

“Modernisation of our submarine arm is also underway. We have commissioned four of the six boats of the indigenous Scorpene class submarines. This year, we commissioned the third boat, Karanj in March and, the fourth boat, Vela in November. The fifth boat Vagir has also been launched,” he informed. 

As regards to indigenisation in aviation, we inducted nine ALH MK III, two Chetak, and two Dornier aircraft this year. The first ALH MK III squadron was commissioned at Goa as INAS 323 in April 21: Chief clarified.

CNS informed that Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) exists for 72 projects worth Rs 1,97,359 (One lakh ninety seven thousand three hundred and fifty nine) crores, of which 59 projects worth 1,74,027 (One lakh seventy four thousand twenty seven) crores, that is over 88%, are for indigenous development. Through these projects, we will also aim to provide as much impetus as possible to the Startup India and Skill India initiatives.

P 15 B Stealth Destroyer Visakhapatnam 

Indian navy has been leading on technological front in spite of the budgetary constraint. The thrust on the research and development is evident in navy’s effort towards scaling up the elements of indigenization. 

CNS said:  “IN is actively participating in the Defence Indian Start-Up Challenge (DISC), and is encouraging Indian Defence Industries and Start-ups through iDEX.”

Navy has tied up with 24 startups towards fostering an ecosystem for innovation and technology development for defence applications. Additionally, 17 Technology Development Fund (TDF) projects are being pursued by the IN in partnership with DRDO for developing niche technologies that will form the kernel of equipment to be fitted onboard our platforms.

He also highlighted the Navy’s interactions with the industry said: “we are actively pursuing an ‘Industry Yatra’, through the recently established Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO), to match the existing industrial capabilities with our requirements and provide a fillip to innovation.” 

Maritime challenges and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

India’s maritime challenges are increasing as the Indian Ocean Region is facing ripples across that encompasses a wide swathe of geography, from the Western Pacific to the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is expanding in such a scale that it positions its growing military might on the naval power.

There are serious concern about the deployment of Chinese warships and nuclear submarines in India’s near-seas. 

As Naval chief Admiral Hari pointed out: "The Chinese navy has been present in Indian Ocean Region since 2008 and they have seven to eight warships here. There is constant surveillance by our aircraft and ships and their activities are kept under close watch.”

Talking about the scale of PLAN’s growth, the Navy chief said China has built 138 ships in the last 10 years and noted that every nation is entitled to have its share of capability development.  China is all set to launch its third aircraft carrier.

Though Chief admitted the growing strength of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in terms of the number of warships, he said, the Indian Navy is a well-balanced force confident of defending the country’s maritime interests.

CNS also talked about the need for maintaining comprehensive Maritime Domain Awareness. MDA is crucial, if we are to develop greater understanding of what is happening at sea. 

This remains a challenge, given the expanse. The IOR, for instance, is 20x India’s landmass. Our MDA efforts are focussed on preventing inimical activities at sea, which can deprive nations of their rightful Blue Economic dividend.