NOTE4STUDENTS:

This article covers India’s journey toward maritime self-reliance, focusing on indigenous naval production and strategic initiatives. UPSC tends to ask questions that connect current affairs with static knowledge. Many struggle with connecting current events to static concepts. It’s not just about knowing the facts but understanding their broader implications in the context of India’s defense strategy. Another common mistake is not giving enough attention to details of indigenous systems or the technical aspects involved in defense production, which are key to understanding India’s maritime self-reliance. This article breaks down complex topics into simple, digestible pieces. It covers both current news and static knowledge, making it easy to understand how one ties into the other. It also connects real-world events (like the commissioning of warships) with defense policy and technological advancements, helping to bridge gaps in understanding.

PYQ ANCHORING & MICROTHEMES

1. GS 2: Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos’. Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO(International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security.  [2023]
2. GS 3 : What are the maritime security challenges in India ? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve the maritime security. [2022]

Microtheme: Maritime Security challenges

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. 

PRESENT STATUS OF MARINE ATMANIRBHARTA

Aspect	Details
Present Force Level	Approximately 150 ships and submarines, with 60 large Navy ships valued at Rs 1.5 trillion currently under construction.
Indigenous Warship and Submarine Production	Warships: 60 warships/vessels under construction at MDL, GRSE, and GSL, including:
	– INS Vikrant (India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, commissioned 2022)
	– Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, advanced stealth destroyers)
	– Project 17A (Nilgiri-class frigates, guided missile frigates)
	Submarines:
	– Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Project, including Arihant-class nuclear submarines.
	– INS Arihant and Arighat (indigenous nuclear-powered submarines).
	– Kalvari-class submarines (Scorpene, six inducted/planned under Project 75 at MDL).
Indigenous Weapons Systems	– BrahMos Missiles (jointly with Russia, domestically produced)
	– Varunastra Torpedo (indigenous heavyweight torpedo for anti-submarine warfare).
	– DRDO Missiles & Systems (Barak-8, underwater surveillance systems).
Indigenous Sensors and Electronics	– Development of Combat Management Systems (CMS), radar systems (Rohini and Revathi), and Sonars (HUMSA-NG for ships and submarines).
Aircraft and UAVs	– Naval Tejas (Indigenous Light Combat Aircraft for carrier-based operations under development).
	– Dornier 228 Aircraft (locally produced multi-role aircraft for maritime patrol).
	– Rustom UAV (Indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle for surveillance).

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.

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.

NEEDS OF MARITIME ATMNIRBHARTA

Area	Benefit	Example
National Security and Strategic Autonomy	Reduces dependence on foreign suppliers, ensuring independence during conflicts.	Development of the INS Arihant.
Economic Growth and Cost-Effectiveness	Reduces reliance on imports, strengthens local industries, creates jobs, fosters innovation.	Construction of INS Kamorta (anti-submarine warfare corvette) in Kolkata.
Maritime Domain Awareness	Enhances ability to monitor coastlines, EEZ, and IOR with tailored surveillance systems.	PierSight’s Varuna.
Global Influence and Soft Power	Builds credibility and strengthens international partnerships via defense exports.	Export of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs).
Aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat Vision	Supports India’s goal of self-reliance, reduces import dependency in defense.	Construction of the INS Vikrant under Make in India and Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020.
Preparedness for Non-Traditional Threats	Facilitates quick, tailored responses to maritime threats like piracy and terrorism.	Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).
Technology and Innovation Advancement	Promotes local technological development benefiting both defense and civilian sectors.	Varunastra torpedo.

CHALLENGES WITH INDIA’S MARITIME ATMNIRBHARTA

1. Global and Regional Context:

• The Indian Navy is well-regarded, but still behind major powers like the US and China.
• True Value Rating (TrV): India ranks 7th globally with 103 major naval units and a TrV of 100.5, while the US and China have much larger fleets with TrVs of 323.9 and 319.8, respectively.
• Defense Spending: India’s defense budget for 2023 was $84 billion, while the US spent $916 billion and China spent $330 billion.

2. Challenges in Indigenisation:

• Shipbuilding Delays: India’s shipbuilding is slow. For example, the INS Surat took 31 months to build, while China built a similar ship in just 4.5 months.
• Dependence on Imports: A lot of the equipment needed for warships is still bought from other countries. There are few local successes, like the BrahMos missile.
• R&D Challenges: Progress in developing military technology has been slow, affecting India’s ability to become truly self-reliant in defense.

3. Technological and Innovation Gaps: India still relies on foreign technology for important systems, like advanced turbines, nuclear propulsion, and anti-submarine weapons. The slow adaptation to new technology makes it harder to keep up with global competition.
4. Infrastructure and Skilled Workforce Deficits: Shipyards in India, like MDL and GRSE, are overloaded, causing delays in production. There is also a shortage of skilled professionals in areas like submarine design and weapon development.
5. Bureaucratic and Budgetary Challenges: The process of buying new defense technology is slow and complicated, often leading to delays and cost overruns. This is seen in projects like the Arihant-class nuclear submarines.
6. Security Vulnerabilities: The increasing use of digital systems, such as those on INS Vikramaditya, exposes the navy to cyber threats. Stronger security measures are needed to protect sensitive technology.
7. Global Competition and Limited Export: Indian defense products face tough competition from countries like the US and China in the global market. Challenges in scaling up production and selling technology like the INS Kalvari limit India’s export opportunities.

WAY FORWARD

1. Defense R&D: Prioritize local development of naval technologies like the INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier.
2. Empowerment: Support local industries like Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in manufacturing naval assets through public-private partnerships.
3. Strategic Partnerships: Strengthen ties with countries like France for the Scorpene submarine project, which was a joint venture for building nuclear-capable submarines.
4. Infrastructure Development: Modernize Goa Shipyard to ramp up the construction speed of ships, reducing delays in building vital naval vessels.
5. Naval Doctrine: Develop strategies for countering hybrid warfare, like India’s policy on anti-submarine warfare and cyber defense strategies to prevent naval vulnerabilities.
6. Acquisition Reforms: Streamline naval procurement processes as seen with the quick induction of the INS Kalvari, a Scorpene-class submarine.
7. Visionary Leadership: Provide political direction like in the Make in India campaign, driving India’s commitment to indigenous defense production, such as the BrahMos missile program.
8. Youth Engagement: Encourage youth in STEM through programs like the Indian Navy’s National level internship scheme, where students work directly on naval technologies.

#BACK2BASICS: DOMESTIC PRODUCTION FOR INDIA’S NAVY 

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.