Given the backdrop of the Russian-Ukraine war and India’s large scale dependency on Russian arms, the Indian Navy has increased its efforts to indigenise weapons and aviation items. This move is congruent with the government’s vision to reduce defence imports and promote local manufacturing. The Ministry of Defence has released a list of 101 items that form the focus of the third positive indigenisation initiative.
Navy’s Contribution to Indigenous Development
In 2014, the Navy outlined the Indian Navy Indigenisation Plan (INIP) for 2015-2030. Under this plan, around 3400 items have been indigenised so far, including over 2000 machinery and electrical spares, more than 1000 aviation spares, and over 250 weapon spares.
Revamping the Naval Aviation Indigenisation Roadmap
The existing Naval Aviation Indigenisation Roadmap (NAIR) 2019-22 is undergoing revision to include all mandatory aircraft spares and indigenous high-cost repairs. The revised NAIR 2022-27 pays special attention to enhancing the fight component, which involves weapons, as it trails behind the float (the ship) and move components (propulsion).
Role of Indigenisation Committees and Naval Liaison Cells
Four internal indigenisation committees oversee the indigenisation of naval aircraft spares. Besides, Naval Liaison Cells (NLCs), positioned in various locations, serve as ‘indigenisation cells’. Currently, there are 41 ships and submarines being built, out of which 39 are under construction in Indian shipyards.
Collaboration with Defence Research and Development Organisation
The Navy has been working closely with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and industry to expedite developmental timelines. The collaboration aims at indigenous design and development of Anti-Submarine Weapons, Satcom and electronic warfare equipment, Anti-Ship Missiles, combat management system, software defined radios, network encryption devices, Link II communication system, main batteries for submarines, distress sonar system, components of missiles and torpedoes among others.
Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation
Launched in 2020, the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) serves as a bridge between academia, industry, and the Navy’s capability development mechanism. Since its inception, the organisation has facilitated the filing of 36 Intellectual Property Rights applications by naval personnel and tech transfer to 12 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
User Inputs under Naval Project Management Teams
The Navy has now begun taking user inputs through Naval Project Management Teams located at DRDO cluster headquarters. These teams have managed to provide user inputs for 15 futuristic Technology and over 100 DRDO projects that aim to enhance the Navy’s combat capability.
The Make I & Make II Initiative
The Navy is currently progressing with more than 20 Make I & Make II cases under domestic development routes of procurement procedure. Funded by the government, Make-I focuses on the big-ticket platforms. On the other hand, the industry funds the Make-II initiative, aimed at developing or upgrading prototypes of military hardware for import substitution.
Defining Indigenisation of Defence
Indigenisation is the practice of developing and producing defence equipment domestically. Its ultimate goal is to achieve self-reliance and curb imports. The Department of Defence Production lists self-reliance in defence manufacturing as one of its primary objectives. In achieving this objective, the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO), Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), and private organisations play a crucial role.
India’s Position in Defence Imports
India ranks among the world’s largest arms importers. It is predicted that the armed forces will spend about USD 130 billion on defence purchases in the next five years. To work towards self-reliance, several initiatives have been launched including increasing the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit from 49% to 74%, corporatization of the Ordnance Factory Boards, Defence India Startup Challenge, and SRIJAN Portal offering vendors access to items for indigenization.
