The recently concluded multilateral naval exercise MILAN-2024 organized by Indian Navy underscores its growing orientation towards collaborative security while expanding deterrence capabilities. Assessing key military milestones, acquisitions status, and cooperation platforms forms a timely appraisal.
Augmenting Naval Firepower
Indigenization Milestones
- INS Vikrant: First indigenous aircraft carrier with improved automation, 1500-member crew
- INS Vela: Fourth indigenous nuclear attack submarine armed with advanced torpedoes
- Naval Anti-Drone System: Detects, jams micro drones using laser-based kill option
Enhanced Missile System Capabilities
- BrahMos range enhancement to 1000 km for maritime role after successful test in 2023
- Naval Anti-Ship Missile successfully test fired marking indigenous cruise missile progress
Modernization Initiatives
Project 17A Stealth Frigates
- Advanced platforms with multi-layered sensor grids, propulsion efficiency
- Anti-submarine warfare strength augmentation planned
New Generation Missile Vessels
- Seven stealth next-gen corvettes being built under Project 28 scheme
- Deadly anti-ship missiles, naval gun complex onboard
Fleet Expansion
The last 5 years witnessed following inductions:
| Platform | Number | Capabilities Induction Rationale | |
| Submarines | 4 indigenously built; 1 leased | Stealth attack with advanced sensors | Bridge operational gaps |
| Destroyers | 3 Visakhapatnam class | Long range weapons, multirole | Counter air, surface, sub-surface threats |
| Frigates | 6 stealth Shivalik class | Multi-mission flexibility | Augment force levels |
| Aircraft Carrier | 1 (INS Vikrant) | MiG29K fighters,utility helicopters | Extend maritime force projection |
| Survey Vessel | 1 (INS Sandhayak) | Exploration mapping | Secure national interests |
Joint Services Interoperability
Information Sharing Protocols
- Technical coordination between Navy Information Fusion Centre, Information Management and Analysis Centre
- Enhances maritime domain awareness against illegal activities
Logistics Support Agreements
- Navy-Coast Guard Coordination meetings institutionalized post 26/11
- Joint coastal security exercises, patrolling improves response readiness
Disaster Response Readiness
- 30 Naval Diving Teams earmarked for flood rescue tasks through NDRF integration
- Enhanced capabilities to support relief efforts among Armed Forces
Bilateral and Multilateral Engagements
MILAN-2024 Naval Exercise
- 13th edition hosted in Vizag under Eastern Naval Command leadership
- Largest ever edition with navies of 49 countries invited
- Themed ‘Partners Across Oceans: Synergy, Security, Growth’
Key Focus Areas
- Develop common understanding for maritime peace
- Refine operational drills against unlawful elements at sea
Bilateral Exercises 2022-23
- India, Bangladesh: Bongosagar joint naval drills
- India, Australia: Bilateral Exercise AUSINDEX hosted off West Coast
White Shipping Agreements
- India-Oman navy information sharing pact for enhanced domain awareness
- Pacts with Italy, France, Australia etc. to coordinate maritime data
Information Fusion Centre for IOR
- Established in 2022 to boost regional maritime security amid China forays
- Integrates data with 30 partners boosting domain awareness
Indigenous Capability Advancements
- Largest Solar Photo Voltaic plant installed at Naval Station Karanja for clean power
- Floating Test Range developed by DRDO transferred for trials of missiles like QRSAM
- High-capacity submarine Optical Fibre Cable production facility commissioned
- National Maritime Domain Awareness Centre to be setup integrating various maritime data systems
Increasing Fleet Levels
- 32 warships and submarines being constructed in Indian shipyards currently
- Ship construction period reduced from 72 months to 36-42 months leveraging modular construction
- 4 P17A advanced frigates to join fleet by 2025, upgrade naval warfare ecosystems
- 10 mine counter-measure vessels planned for coastal and deep-water operations
Mission-Based Deployments
- Deployments duration shortened but mission intensity increased across IOR
- Tailored readiness requirements being stipulated for each Naval Area rather than standard approaches
- Information centric operations prioritized integrating space, terrestrial data for swift mobilization
From infrastructure modernization, self reliance milestones to collective security mechanisms, the twin thrust of consolidating indigenous ship building capacities while expanding naval confidence building avenues promises to secure India’s strategic autonomy and maritime interests in the Indian Ocean Region.
