“Poised for Quantum Growth”
Vayu :Congratulations on your taking over as the 24thCNS, and the fourth Naval Aviator to do so. With your flying background and vast operational experience, would you kindly enumerate on priorities for the Navy’s expansion and modernisation over the next few years, including its air arm.
CNS : Thank you. The Indian Navy’sAir Arm is poised for a quantum growth over the next few years.
There is a comprehensive plan to augment the number and enhance the capability of ship-borne helicopters through midlife upgrades and role enhancement on the existing fleet of Kamov 28 and Sea King 42B. Procurement of eightChetak and sixteen ALH helicopters to enhance Coastal Security has commenced. Further, we also have plans to procure additional multirole helicopters to meet ship-borne helicopter requirements.
To meet Deck Based Fighter requirements, a RFI for MRCBF (Multi Role Carrier Borne Fighter) has been hosted on the MoD website. The case is being progressed in accordance with DPP-16. Further,a case for MiG-29K midlife upgrade is being progressed.Delivery of four additional P-8Is will commence from April 2020 onwards. The Government has also accorded AON for 6 additional P-8Is.
We have added four new Dornier 228 aircraft ex HAL, four are scheduled to be inducted by end of this year. We have also commissioned new Dornier Air Squadrons at Meenambakkam(Chennai) and Porbandar(Gujarat). At the same time, we are progressively upgrading our air infrastructure at Naval air bases across the country, as well as on the island territories.
In addition to Dornier aircraft, we are extensively utilisingRPAs for coastal surveillance. Three RPA Squadrons have been commissioned at Kochi, Porbandar and Ramnad. Procurement of HALE RPAS as a joint tri-Service case is also on the cards.
Vayu :At a recent FICCI Seminar, you were careful in reacting to the PLA Navy’s White Paper on its expansion,with India “watching this carefully and responding within our budget and constraints”. Could you kindly elaborate in broad terms on how this will impact ontheIndian Navy’s own long term planning.
CNS :We are closely watching developments in relation to China in the region. The commissioning of the Chinese Military Base at Djibouti in 2017 has augmented their sustenance capability in the Indian Ocean. In 2018, an average of seven PLA(Navy) ships and submarines were deployed in the Indian Ocean Region every month. Chinese investments in various projects across IOR are also known.
The Indian Navy is aware of the security implications of the enhanced presence of Chinese ships and submarines in the Indian Ocean Region and maintains a constant and close watch on such developments. We are assessing our concept of operations and acquisition plans to meet the challenges. The operational outcomes of developing strategic imperatives in the IOR are factored in our planning to ensure that the Indian Navy remains poised to meet all maritime contingencies.
Vayu :You have stressed on the Indian Navy’s shipbuilding initiatives and its linkage to nation building. Of the 51 ships and submarines currently on order, 49 are being constructed indigenously. However, what are your views on future ‘strategic partnerships’ and the present arrangement where state-owned shipyards receive more favourable consideration?
CNS :The Indian Navy has always encouraged mutually beneficial partnerships with industry. There has also been a constant endeavor to encourage indigenisation and self-reliance. Wherever feasible we have opted for indigenous defence products, provided they meet the SQRs.
The Strategic Partnership (SP) model has been promulgated by the Government to progressively build indigenous capabilities in the private sector to design, develop and manufacture complex platforms for the future needs of the Armed Forces. This is an important step towards meeting broader national objectives, encouraging self-reliance and aligning the defence sector with the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government. The cases being progressed by the Indian Navy under SP Model, include six Project 75(I) submarine, and the Naval Utility Helicopter projects.
However, the experience and challenges faced in Survey Vessels, Cadet Training Ship (CTS) and Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV) projects awarded to private shipyards in the past have not been very encouraging. Therefore, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has recently revised norms for capacity and financial assessment of shipyards while facilitating enhanced competitiveness in Naval warship building.
As on date, there are 10 AoN accorded and shipbuilding casesat various stages. Of these,most are being progressed on competitive basis involving private shipyards. Further, no shipbuilding case has been accorded AoN on Nomination basis since March 2015.
Vayu :On the indigenous aircraft carrier II (IAC-II), it is understood that this will be of the 65,000 tonnes class, with electric propulsion and EMALS for conventional launch and recovery of aircraft. What is the forecast for its ‘go ahead’, even as IAC-I is expected to be delivered in early 2021.
CNS :Indian Navy envisages IAC-2 to be a, 65,000 tonnes carrier with Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) employing Catapult Assisted Take-off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) concept of flying operations. At present, the case for IAC-2 is being deliberated at MoD.
Vayu :Recently confirmed is an order for 24 MH-60R multi-mission helicopters but the requirement is for multiple times this number. Are there any plans for this or any other Type to be licence-built in India?
CNS :Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 24 Multirole Helicopters was accorded by DAC and Letter of Acceptance (LoA) is likely to be signed in the near future. In addition, Indian Navy also plans to procure Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH) through the Strategic Partnership Model to boost Make in India. The NUH are likely to be inducted in a phased manner commencing 2025. The most significant aspect of the Strategic Partnership is that it will facilitate absorption of niche technologies by private industries in helicopter manufacturing segment.
Vayu :The Japanese ShinMaywaUS2i amphibian aircraft has been offered to the Indian Navy for some years and the Japanese Government is reportedly keen to progress this case. What is the status of this programme and do such amphibian aircraft play a role in the Indian Navy’s blue water projections?
CNS :The induction of amphibious aircraft would significantly enhance Indian Navy’s capabilities in terms of Operational Logistics (provision of technical assistance and supply of spares to the fleet at sea), long range Search and Rescue (SAR), Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC), and HADR missions. The proposal for the procurement of six amphibious aircraft from Government of Japan is under deliberation.
Thank you Sir !