NAVAL MODERNISATION: Self-Reliance Main Springboard

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Indian Navy’s force building have gone through a long drawn out of process of early acquisitions from the West to now, when most of the ships – surface and sub-surface – are built indigenously.

India’s strategic location straddling some of the most important Sea Lanes of Communications (SLOCs) passing through the Indian Ocean, its long coast line and outlying island territories on both coasts, a large EEZ with offshore oil and gas fields, and the fact that 90% of its trade by volume and 77% by value is shipped across the sea drives home its importance as a maritime nation. The economic growth of the country is closely linked to uninterrupted supply of oil imports which come through the sea. When one takes into account the meagre domestic production and greater demands for oil in the future, dependence on imports is only going to rise and exposes the vulnerability at sea. One has to only look back into history to realize the folly of not having a strong and capable navy to defend India’s territorial integrity as well as to safe guard its maritime interests.

During one of the Naval Commanders Conference, the Hon’ble Prime Minister is reported to have stated that “Our immediate geo-strategic environment comes with its own conventional, strategic and non-conventional security challenges. India’s strategic calculus has long encompassed the waters from the Gulf of Aden to the Strait of Malacca.” This is a tacit acknowledgement of the influence of the seas on the country’s national interests as well as the role that the Indian Navy needs to play to protect them at all times.

Building a Navy

The Indian Navy’s voyage of capacity and capability build-up from the time of independence has been truly remarkable and can be divided into three distinct legs. The first leg encompassing about two decades saw a slow and gradual ‘gathering of force’ from the West as it acquired an Aircraft Carrier, two Cruisers, six Destroyers, eight Frigates, two Tankers and a handful of Mine sweepers and Seaward Defence Boats.

In the second leg commencing from the late sixties, she first does a tack to the East in her attempt to ‘strengthening of force’ through induction of Osa class Missile Boats, Foxtrot class of Submarines, Petya class ASW and Nanuchka class missile Corvettes as well as Rajput class Destroyers with integral helicopters from the erstwhile Soviet Union. This period is also the harbinger of indigenous warship building commencing with the Leander Class Frigates. This was followed by the Godavari class which brought to fore Indian ingenuity through amalgamation of Soviet weapons with western sensors. By early 1990’s, through fine course keeping between East and West, the Navy added a plethora of surface, air and underwater platforms to become one of the largest navies in the world.

A lull on the acquisition front due financial constraints saw the navy lying in the doldrums for almost a decade resulting in the subsequent attrition of force levels. As soon as the funds situation improved, the Navy set sail on the third leg of its voyage through a modernisation drive aimed at ‘consolidation of force’. Simultaneously, the advent of Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA) has also brought about a change in the orientation of the force from being ‘platform centric’ to one of ‘capability driven’.

As of today, the Indian Navy is a formidable three dimensional force comprising of about 120 surface ships, 14 submarines and about 186 aircrafts. A large chunk of this force is nearing the end of its operational life and need replacements. The Chief of Naval Staff is reported to have stated that the naval modernisation program is being pursued in accordance with the long term Maritime Capability Perspective Plan (MCPP) of 2012-2027 with an emphasis on capability creation to accomplish various tasks entrusted with the navy.


Surface ship programs

With the commissioning of “INS TRIKAND” the last of the three follow-on frigates of Talwar class on 29 Jun 2013, only the delivery of “INS VIKRAMADITYA” is pending from foreign sources. Even though the decommissioned carrier was offered free and India was to only pay for refit and refurbishment costs, it is a classic example of there being nothing like free lunches. Starting from an initial cost of $ 800 million, the final reported cost of the carrier, minus aircraft and weapon systems, is reported to be around $ 2.4 Billion. This modified Kiev class aircraft carrier is presently undergoing extensive trials and likely to arrive India early next year, after a delay of more than five years.

Whilst the launching of the indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) under Project 71 at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is a momentous occasion, the fact that it is already behind schedule by three years is a cause for concern. However, this being a maiden attempt where everything is on a learning curve and that the gigantic nature of the project is sure to intimidate even the most resolute, remedial measures may become necessary to ensure its induction into service by 2018. Having experienced the travails of being dependent on a foreign source for a vital platform like this, it may be prudent for the MoD and Indian Navy to not only place an order for the next carrier but also to devise ways and means of retaining experience and skills at the yard as well as utilizing the same in refits and modernisation plans for all the carriers. Cochin Shipyard not being under MoD, it may be necessary to enter into a long term contract of fifteen to twenty years with the yard through a special dispensation.

Mazagon Docks Limited (MDL) has been building ships for the navy since the early 70’s. Starting with the Leander class and graduating into the Godavari class of frigates, MDL has taken a step further by successfully delivering three “DELHI” class destroyers of an indigenous design under Project 15. The yard had completed delivery of the third stealth frigate “INS SAHYADRI” of “SHIVALIK” class last year under Project 17. The Yard is presently working on a contract for building three more destroyers with improved features as a ‘follow-on’ of ‘DELHI’ class under Project-15A.

It is learnt that the Yard has also been nominated for construction of four more stealth frigates under Project-17A. With the setting up of huge shipyards under private sector and availability of world class infrastructure therein, the era of nominating shipyards is over and all future ship construction programs are to be on open tender basis. In order to consolidate and remain relevant, MDL has signed Share Holder Agreements (SHA) for setting up Joint Venture (JV) with private shipyards – Pipavav Defence & Offshore Engineering Company Limited (PDOECL) and Larsen & Toubro for construction of surface warships and conventional submarines respectively.

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) is another DPSU which has been contributing to the indigenous growth of the navy. This yard has already built and delivered Frigates, LSTs, Tanker, Corvettes as well as Patrol forces. Presently, this yard is executing contract for delivery of four Project 28 ASW Corvettes which are to be named after the first four Petya class ASW Corvettes acquired from the erstwhile Soviet Union. The third ship of the series “INS KILTAN” was launched on 26 Mar 13 and the fourth is scheduled to be launched end this year. Delivery of the first ship is expected by early next year with the remaining following at one year intervals. A number of small inshore/ offshore patrol craft are also under construction for the navy.

Orders have also been placed on Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) for construction of 4 Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels (NOPV) and another 5 on Pipavav Defence Ltd. A total of 8 Mine Sweepers are also being procured out of which 6 are likely to be built at GSL under ToT. Plans for acquiring 4 LPD ships under ‘Buy & Make (Indian)’ category are under process. One of the three – L & T, Pipavav Defence and ABG shipyard are likely to be awarded this contract under which 2 will be built by the winning yard and 2 will be constructed at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) through design transfer. Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 8 coastal ASW craft has been accorded by the MoD and RFP is likely to be issued shortly. Three cadet training ships are also under construction at ABG shipyard while the process for replacing the older Fleet support ships is under consideration.


Submarine Arm

Indigenous submarine construction started in the 1970s under the ‘Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV)’ program, a euphemism for the nuclear propelled submarine, as a joint effort between Indian Navy and Larsen and Toubro (L&T) Limited. Two more private companies, Tata Power and Walchandnagar Industries are also associated with this project. After overcoming many difficulties and with help from Russian experts, the vessel was finally launched as “INS ARIHANT” on 26 July 2009 and its nuclear reactor went ‘critical’ on 10 Aug 2013. This strategic submarine with the capability to launch ballistic nuclear missiles (SSBN) completes the triad of nuclear deterrence and provides the country with assured second strike capability. Two more submarines of this variety are reported to be under construction.

The induction of a nuclear propelled attack submarine (SSN) “INS CHAKRA” last year on a lease for ten years from Russia is expected to train adequate crews for manning the indigenous SSBNs. The SSN is a versatile platform with great agility and fire power whose endurance is limited only by logistics and crew fatigue. There is a need for India to commence construction of four to six submarines of this class to provide the sea denial capability and ensure protection of the country’s vital interests.

MDL has also been involved with construction and modernisation of conventional submarines since 1980s. After delivering the last submarine of HDW design Type 1500 “INS SHANKUL” in May 1994, it went into hibernation due to lack of orders precipitated by the resource crunch of the 90s. Only the modernisation programmes of these boats kept alive the submarine division of MDL from losing all experience in this vital field. In 1999 the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the “30 year submarine building programme” which envisaged construction of 24 submarines in India. Of the 24 submarines, six submarines each under project 75 and project 75(I) are to be built with assistance from foreign builders and 12 were to be built based on an indigenous design. Submarine construction recommenced at MDL with the signing of a contract with DCNS, France for six ‘SCORPENE’ class submarines in Oct 2005, under Project 75. Sadly, the program is running behind schedule and delivery of the first submarine is expected only in 2016.

The RFP for acquisition of six submarines under Project 75(I) is likely to be issued shortly and the major submarine builders – HDW from Germany, DCNS from France, NAVANTIA from Spain and ROSOBORONEXPORT from Russia are expected to bid for this project. Out of the six boats, two will be imported while MDL and HSL will build three and one respectively under Transfer of Technology. These modern submarines will be equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system and armed with anti-ship and land attack capable missiles as well as torpedoes. The recent tragic loss involving ‘INS SINDHURAKSHAK’ calls for fast tracking this project.


Naval Aviation

The acquisition of aviation assets has not kept pace with the induction programme of surface ships and has resulted in large shortfalls. Availability of integral air has been a perpetual problem and had a debilitating effect on the operational capability of the fleets. Efforts are underway to tackle this deficiency and add potency to the capabilities of the surface units.

The Navy presently operates a depleted strength of 13 Sea Harrier aircraft from ‘INS VIRAAT’. Forty-five MiG-29Ks, which include 8 trainer aircrafts, have been ordered from Russia for equipping both ‘INS VIKRAMADITYA’ and ‘INS VIKRANT’. Taking into consideration that these two carriers are to have 24 and 16 aircraft each and the likely attrition rates of the aircraft as evidenced in the case of Sea Harriers, contingency plans for timely acquisitions/replacements must be factored in right now. There are reports of the naval variant of LCA produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) completing technology demonstration trials successfully. This needs to be progressed to the next level of operational acceptance and subsequent integration for carrier operations.

The helicopter fleet is at a dangerously low strength and to fill the voids the Navy had floated a RFP for purchase of 16 multi role helicopters in 2011. Two helicopters, the S-70 Black Hawk of American Sikorsky and NH-90 of European NH industries, are in contention and the contract is likely to be signed early next year. The Navy has a requirement for another 50 of the same variety for undertaking anti – surface, anti – submarine and Special Forces tasks as well as about 56 helicopters of multi-utility role. A majority of the Sea King helicopters acquired in the 1980s are due for phasing out and the above inductions are intended as replacements as well as to cater for the expanding fleet size as envisaged in the MCPP.

The first P-8I Neptune long range maritime patrol and ASW aircraft manufactured by Boeing Industries arrived in India on 15 May 2013 and eleven more are to follow. These aircrafts will replace the Russian TU-142M aircraft acquired from ex-USSR in the 1980’s and bridge the critical gap in the Navy’s surveillance capability. Efforts are also on to acquire another 12 long range and six medium range maritime reconnaissance aircraft, probably as replacements for the IL-38 and Islander aircrafts.

HAL is scouting for technology partners to jointly produce an Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) in the range of 10-15 tons variety to meet the demand of Indian armed forces. Due to the different operating conditions at sea, the IMRH would have a naval variant and another for air force and army. Whether this effort fructifies in time or not will have a bearing on HAL responding to the Navy’s requirements.


Areas requiring attention

While we can take pride in the success of indigenous shipbuilding, it is also important to take stock of indigenisation in the attendant fields. A ship does not represent only the hull and systems but also encompasses propulsion and power generation as well as weapons and sensors. Almost all the frontline ships have GT/ Diesel propulsion systems for which we are dependent on imports. It is only some of the Corvettes which are equipped with diesel engines assembled in India by Kirloskar Oils and Engines Limited (KOEL). There is a need for increasing the self-reliance quotient in this sector. DCNS, France which is supplying propulsion packages for the Project 28 ASW corvettes is partnering with ‘Walchandnagar Industries Limited’ in producing some parts of the propulsion package.

In the field of guns and missiles we are way too dependent on imports and this needs corrective measures. It is only recently that we have started inducting the supersonic “BRAHMOS” anti-ship cruise missile, a joint Indo-Russian effort, on our major warships. A DRDO – Indian Navy – Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) joint development program for a long range surface to air missile is understood to be progressing satisfactorily. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is the only DPSU producing missiles for all three services and needs capacity augmentation urgently. This may be the right time for BDL to form a JV on the lines of ‘BRAHMOS’ with DRDO and IAI to meet the requirements of Navy. BDL has also established facilities at Visakhapatnam for producing under license the ‘Black Shark’ torpedo by WASS Italy, whose contract is hanging fire with signatures to be affixed on the documents and it is hoped that experience thus gained will come in handy in realizing the indigenous torpedo under design by DRDO. While OFB has managed to produce the medium calibre CRN 91 and AK 630 guns under license, L&T has produced torpedo tube as well as RBU 6000 launchers which are being fitted on board Project 28 ships.

In so far as surveillance/ weapon radars are concerned we are totally dependent on foreign sources. DRDO has been working on radar ‘REVATHI’ for some time which is nominated for fitment on Project 28 ships. There have been good results on the sonar front by way of a New Generation Hull Mounted Sonar “HUMSA-NG” for surface ships and “USHUS” for submarines which are being manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in collaboration with DRDO. However, greater efforts are needed to realise the airborne dunking sonar, towed array systems and torpedo decoy systems which are under various stages of development. Indigenous Electronic warfare (EW) systems have been fitted onboard a large number of ships but improvements are required to attain world class standards.

Indian Navy’s modernisation efforts should not only concentrate on induction of new technology intensive platforms but must also aim at enhancing the knowledge and skill sets of its men who would be charged with manning and operating these latest ships, submarines and aircraft. If past record in refits is anything to go by, then timely procurement and creation of maintenance facilities and infrastructure should go hand-in-hand with acquisition of platforms and systems. Since a majority of the ships are being built by the Indian shipyards, it may not be a bad idea to make them responsible for “Life Cycle support” in terms of hull, propulsion and other auxiliary systems, right from the beginning. Such an arrangement will enable Naval Dockyards to be developed as “Centres of Excellence” for weapon systems and sensor equipment. Finally, attempts at self reliance must not reinvent the wheel but ensure establishment of arrangements by the Indian industry, for timely and reliable logistic support, which truly holds the key to a healthy and sustainable operational force at sea.

NAVAL MODERNISATION: Self-Reliance Main Springboard - Defence and Security of India