Private Sector Getting into Warship Building Projects: Navy chief Admiral RK Dhowan
INS Delhi guided-missile destroyer of the Indian Navy was built at the Public Sector Mazagon Dock Limited. This class is among the largest warships to be designed and built in India
Navy Chief Admiral RK Dhowan says private shipyards, tasked till now with constructing support vessels, will be considered for building frontline warships. He feels that it would lead to increase in the pace of work and competitive prices. In an exclusive interview with Manu Pubby and Deepshikha Hooda, Dhowan says the nation is moving from a builder's navy to a designer's navy and would achieve 90% indigenisation on INS Kadmat, under construction in Kolkata. Excerpts:
What are the new steps the Navy has taken under the 'Make in India' initiative?
We have increased the indigenous content onboard our platforms. Our latest ship, INS Kadmat, constructed at Garden Reach, Kolkata is about 90% indigenous. All 46 platforms currently on order, ranging from submarines to aircraft carrier, are being built by Indian shipyards, public and private. Our efforts at enhancing indigenisation, self-reliance and self-sufficiency are aligned to the government's 'Make in India' strategy through the 15-year Indian Naval Indigenisation Plan.
This plan enumerates major technologies and capabilities that our public and private sector industry may focus on to meet the Indian Navy's requirements. It synergises our relationship with the industry and encourages all sectors to participate in indigenous development of equipment for the Navy.
How does the Navy plan to involve the private sector in large manufacturing projects?
Some of the 46 platforms under construction today are being built in private shipyards. The contribution of private sector yards in making the Indian Navy a 'Builder's Navy' and now a 'Designer's Navy' is growing. Private yards have so far been on the forefront in delivering various types of support craft. They have now also stepped into warship building projects, and have received orders to build Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels, cadet training ships and floating docks.
So, private sector will make warships?
The Directorate of Naval Design today has to its credit 19 different design types ranging from small craft to an aircraft carrier. We have over 85 warships built on indigenous designs. The private shipyards in India also play a vital role in the design and construction of auxiliary vessels.
Private shipyards, which were till now tasked with less weapon intensive ships, could be considered for construction of frontline warships, based on the expertise and experience gained. This will support the efforts of PSU shipyards, enhance the capacity of private yards, make us price competitive.
What are the Navy's modernisation plans for the surface, sub-surface and air fleet?
The Navy is focused on maintaining a balanced force comprising aircraft carriers, multi-role destroyers and frigates, fleet tankers, amphibious ships, patrol vessels, and other smaller craft, and a number of aviation and underwater platforms, catering for both blue water operations and coastal and offshore security.
There is talk about the government involving the Navy in creating a 'blue economy', can you elaborate how?
It requires a multi-agency approach as it involves diverse aspects like exploitation of marine resources both living and nonliving, preservation of marine ecology, environmental issues to mitigate climate change effects, and disaster management. Most coastal nations in our neighborhood have taken various steps to initiate actions to both harvest and safeguard the wealth that oceans have to offer. India with its long coastline, numerous islands, and large exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, should also take benefits of a 'blue economy'.
The Indian Navy will engage maritime forces of friendly nations at multiple levels, in training, in technical areas and hydrography, conduct maritime security operations, both independently, and in coordination with other maritime forces in the region.
What does India plan to showcase at the upcoming International Fleet Review?
The only International Fleet Review prior this was hosted by the Indian Navy in 2001 at Mumbai. An international fleet review, as the term indicates, is attended by ships and delegations from friendly nations and is hence a major event. An international fleet review is also an opportunity for the host nation to build trust and confidence with maritime neighbours and other like-minded nations. That ships and delegations from 54 nations will be in attendance is clearly an indication of the global trust and confidence placed on India and it's Navy. We will also have exhibitions on 'Make in India', 'Digital and Green India'.
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