Contract signed to develop indigenous electronics systems for Indian Navy warships

India is taking a significant step towards reducing dependence on imports for high-tech electronic systems used in Indian Navy warships. According to an NDTV report, Miniratna defence public sector undertaking Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) has signed an agreement with Scient DLM to establish a joint venture to design and manufacture ship electronics across India.

In recent years, Indian shipyards have been constructing a higher number of warships, but most of the high-tech equipment housed within the hulls of these vessels is still imported from abroad. This new agreement aims to bridge this gap and promote the use of Made-in-India equipment. This joint venture will specifically focus on navigation, communication, horizon scanning, and fleet operation systems used by Indian Navy warships.

As per the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two companies, the partners will work together on navigation and solid-state radar, Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), autopilots, Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), fleet broadband, and voyage data recorders. Additionally, weather reporting and helicopter landing aid equipment have also been included in this list.

The companies stated that national pride is not the only reason for this. This agreement will lead to increased use of Indian content in HSL's ships and reduce dependence on foreign vendors. This could accelerate the procurement process, strengthen the local supply chain, reduce lifecycle costs, and optimise time for maintenance and refit. Furthermore, Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and deep-tech companies providing components for the defence and maritime sectors could also gain more business.

R. Admiral C. Raghuram (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Shipyard Limited, stated that this deal will bring more indigenous technology to the yard's ships. He said that every ship leaving our yard emerges with the pride of the nation. He further added that this MoU will equip ships with Indian intelligence in radar, Indian precision in navigation aids, and an Indian voice in radio. He described this step as 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' moving forward with determination.

Rajindra Velagapudi, Managing Director and CEO of Scient DLM, stated that this partnership will help India build its technology and manufacturing base in the maritime and defence sectors.

The roadmap for this project is straightforward. First, both companies will select high-priority systems and form teams to design and test them together. Subsequently, their focus will be on obtaining naval and classification qualifications.

Hindustan Shipyard Limited was a Miniratna defence public sector undertaking involved in the construction and repair of warships and other maritime vessels.