Indigenisation on the Waves: How the Indian Navy is Building a Self-Reliant Future

Gujarat , India: India's quest for self-sufficiency in defence is a crucial strategic initiative, especially amidst intricate geopolitics and rising maritime threats. Driven by Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision, Indian Navy's focus on indigenisation is altering India's defence and maritime security scenario. India's dependence on imported defence assets could pose a significant vulnerability because of its extensive coastline and important tre routes in Indian Ocean Region (IOR). 

Navy's dedication to domestic defence production is essential for India to become a powerful maritime force with self-sufficient defence capabilities. Indian Navy has been on a lengthy path towards indigenisation, showcasing its strategic goal of self-sufficiency and minimising reliance on external vendors.

Timeline and Summary

Early Stage (1947–1960s):

After gaining independence in 1947, Indian Navy depended heavily on ships constructed by British and or nations, mainly using vessels from World War II. establishment of Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) were key early actions in enhancing shipbuilding capabilities. 

Initially, Navy concentrated on obtaining international knowledge and skills to establish its shipbuilding capabilities.

Indigenous Development Initiatives (1960s–1970s):

first ships constructed in country were Ajay-class Patrol Vessels, which functioned as basic patrol boats and minor war vessels. In 1960s, Navy started building Leander-class frigates at MDL under a UK license, constructing hulls locally and importing crucial systems to enhance shipbuilding capabilities and infrastructure.

Commissioned in 1972, INS Nilgiri represented a significant milestone in shipbuilding for India as inaugural Leander-class frigate built in nation.

Consolidation Period (1970s–1980s):

Godavari-class Frigates, developed in 1980s, were India's initial domestically designed frigates, combining elements from both local and international sources, signifying a move towards greater self-reliance in ship construction.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) started aiding in vancement of naval weapons, sensors, and electronic warfare systems, such as APSOH sonar.

Broening of Skills (1980s–1990s):

Submarine Program involved a partnership with Germany to construct Shishumar-class submarines ( 209/1500), successfully building two submarines at MDL and showcasing progress in local submarine manufacturing.

India started creating more sophisticated warships like Delhi-class destroyers, equipped with vanced rar systems and weapons, showcasing a growth in ir own design expertise. Although aircraft were imported, local contributions started to enhance infrastructure and support systems.

Transitioning to More Self-Reliance (1990s-2000s):

induction of INS Delhi and its sister ships in 1990s as part of Project 15 (Delhi-class) highlighted capacity to produce robust naval vessels using a mix of local and foreign equipment.

collaboration with DRDO led to development of indigenous systems like BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, which was a joint project with Russia but mainly me in India.

Project 75 Scorpene-class submarines, a collaboration with France, aimed to construct six vanced diesel-electric submarines at MDL, enhancing technological and skills growth.

Progress of Indigenous Shipbuilding and Naval Modernisation– (21st Century)

Indian Navy's path to self-reliance has been highlighted by important milestones, especially in realm of warship construction. India has achieved over 70% self-sufficiency in building warships, leing to launch of INS Vikrant, country's first domestically constructed aircraft carrier. By incorporating an impressive 76% local content, INS Vikrant has positioned India among a select group of nations with capability to build an aircraft carrier, showcasing a dedication to a technologically vanced naval fleet that is domestically produced.

Projects such as Project 15B destroyers and Project 75 submarines, manufactured by Indian shipyards, emphasise this vision, with over 40 vessels currently in production at locations such as Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) along with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). Make in India initiative's triumph is underscored by reduced dependence on foreign shipbuilding facilities, signalling India's resolve to enhance its naval capabilities on its own.

Core Elements of Indigenisation: Drift, Shift, and Battle

Indian Navy's self-reliance goals are pursued through a strategy comprising three key components.

• Float Component, which represents basic structural parts of a ship, has reached 95% localisation. production of components like hulls and deck structures is mainly done in India, creating a solid foundation for domestic manufacturing.
• "move" component primarily focuses on propulsion systems and is localised to around 65%. Although India has improved its production of components like generators and water systems, it still relies on imported critical power propulsion engines. Ongoing efforts in research and development aim to close this gap and ensure Navy's operational independence.
• Battle Element: This section covers combat and weapon systems crucial for contemporary warfare at a 55% localisation level. Significant progress is demonstrated by notable achievements, such as development of BrahMos missile locally. Neverless, re are still hurdles to overcome in apting high-tech rar and missile systems to be indigenous, which are essential for India's defence sovereignty.

BrahMos Missile Exemplifies Independence

BrahMos missile program, one of India's most renowned Indigenous defence accomplishments, demonstrates self-reliance effectively. approved acquisition of 200 BrahMos Extended Range missiles will strengn Navy's capabilities, reflecting strategic importance of program with a ₹19,000 crore investment.

Initially started in 1998, BrahMos project has increased its Indigenous content from 13% to 75%, engaging almost 200 Indian companies and creating around 25,000 jobs. increased reach of BrahMos-ER, extending to 900 km, greatly improves India's naval defence reiness, enabling accurate strikes over long distances.

BrahMos program, despite being successful, highlights challenges of achieving full self-reliance. Certain parts are being developed jointly with Russia, underscoring value of strategic collaborations. Indian missile technology is set to vance significantly with future versions, such as BrahMos-NG, which will feature a completely indigenous propulsion system.

Challenges and Strategic Collaborations in Self-Sufficiency

Despite significant vancements, challenges remain in certain crucial areas. Innovative partnerships are crucial for vancing propulsion systems, air defence missiles, and rar technologies. India has primarily concentrated on collaborating with foreign partners like Russia and Israel to obtain and eventually apt vanced defence technology.

Public-private collaborations have been crucial in India's path to self-sufficiency. Partnerships with major Indian companies such as Larsen & Toubro and Tata Group are closing gaps in local supply chain. Through se partnerships, India can decrease reliance on foreign suppliers and establish a strong foundation for vancements in vital naval components.

Economic and Strategic Impact of Self-Reliance

Defence indigenisation not only contributes to strategic autonomy but also boosts economic growth. Projects like BrahMos initiative have spurred development in more than 200 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and generated numerous skilled employment opportunities. An ditional instance of economic multiplier effect can be observed in construction and deployment of INS Vikrant.

Strengning defence ecosystem through a boost to industrial sector les to a multiplied GDP for India. ditionally, vancements from military projects are frequently utilised in civilian sectors such as electronics, AI, and vanced manufacturing.

India is also establishing itself as a regional defence exporter through se initiatives. India's aspirations in IOR are supported by Navy's expanding capabilities, which aim to safeguard tre routes, foster stability, and uphold a free Indo-Pacific.

India's Strategic Posture in Indian Ocean Region Strengned

India's self-reliant Navy, a key player in IOR, bolsters its position against regional threats like China's increasing naval activities. By enhancing its capabilities, India can enhance maritime security, participate in multinational exercises, and enhance diplomatic relations with regional allies. Self-sufficiency in defence is in line with national security objectives and India's larger vision of a secure and stable region, facilitating a rules-based international order that fosters global tre.

Looking to 2040 and Beyond: Embracing Full Independence Through Sailing

By 2040, Indian Navy plans to achieve total self-reliance by developing its own propulsion systems, rars, and vanced weapons. This path aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, aiming to position India as a leer in cutting-edge defence technologies such as autonomous underwater vehicles and AI-based combat management systems.

Navy's future strategy focuses on constant innovation and using vanced technology to uphold dominance at sea. Every achievement brings India a step closer to a self-reliant defence system, strengning Navy's capacity to safeguard national interests and promote regional stability independently.

Creating a Resilient Tomorrow with Atmanirbhar Bharat

Indian Navy's path shows a determined pledge to national security, economic stability, and strategic self-reliance. Every accomplishment through Make in India project enhances India's abilities, characterises India's strengths, and signifies larger aims of Atmanirbhar Bharat. India aims to achieve self-reliance in safeguarding its maritime interests by 2040 through Navy's indigenisation efforts. Through this effort, Indian Navy shows India's commitment to progress with strength and self-sufficiency.