Besides inducting technologies from varied sources, the Indian Navy has also built up indigenous capabilities in warship designs and constructions
Since its inception, the Indian Navy (IN) prides in its ability to induct, absorb and exploit technologies from diverse sources. Simultaneously, it has encouraged the build up of indigenous capabilities in warship designs and constructions to such an extent that it has grown to an unenviable stature, despite the many obstacles faced due to red tape and bureaucratic hurdles.
Surface and Sub-surface Ships
Upgradation: Construction, maintenance and operation of submarines, is a highly technical and exacting job. The manuals have details of the frequency and tasks to be covered during the planned maintenance cycles, or refit, as it is called in the navy. Refit can be carried out as early as two years, depending on the type of ships and laid out instructions. Upgradation or modernisation of ships is done as part of the mid life update (MLU) and is generally confined to weapons and sensors. A ship’s life is generally 25 to 30 years, but in Indian conditions it can be stretched beyond the life span usually guaranteed by the manufacturer. Thus, the MLU update can be any time between 12 to 15 years. At present, a comprehensive modernisation package is being undertaken during the MLUs of the SSK/EKM Class submarines, and SNF and Godavari Class ships for the upgradation of weapons and sensors. While the EKM class modernisation package is being carried out at the Russian shipyards, work on the remaining platforms is being done in India.
Godavari Class: Godavari, Gomti and Ganga, that came into service around 1985-1988, are due for MLU, especially for weapons and sensors. The update is being carried out at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai largely with fitment of indigenously developed sonars, radars and communication systems.
Rajput Class Destroyers: This class has five ships—Rajput, Rana, Ranjit, Ranvir and Ranvijay—which came into service in a phased manner beginning from the early 1980s. MLU of Rajput class is being undertaken by Naval Dockyard, Viskhapatnam. While surface-to-surface supersonic missile BrahMos would boost the fire power considerably, long range surface-to-air missile capability with Multi Function Radar to be jointly developed by Indian and Israeli industry is also being considered for fitting out. The new generation Sonars HUMSA and USHUS, along with indigenously developed communications and combat management system, would also be taken up in a phased manner during the MLUs.
SSK Submarines: These submarines are of German origin and were introduced in the mid-1980s. MLUs being carried out in India essentially include indigenously developed surveillance devices like sonars, communication systems and electronic support measures, besides replacement of periscope, fire control system and so on. MLU of two submarines have been carried out successfully.
EKM Submarines: Russia’s Type 877 Kilo Class diesel-electric submarines have the reputation of being extremely quiet boats and are in service in various countries, including India. India’s Type 877EKM Sindhugosh Class submarines were being sent to Russia for modernisation refits since 1997. The package includes torpedo tube-launched missiles, radars, fire control systems, periscope, electronic support measures, and sonar and communication systems. The goal is to bring them at parity with the more advanced Type 636 improved Kilo Class variants; INS Sindhushastra and Sindhurakshak. Some problems relating to intial integration and performance of Russian Klub missiles have since been successfully resolved.
