7 minute read
The Aim is to be a Fully-Atmanirbhar Navy by 2047: CNS
by Aeromag
The Aim is to be a FullyAtmanirbhar Navy by 2047: CNS
Advertisement
Over these years, the Indian Navy has been able to establish itself as the ‘frontrunner’ and first responder in various Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in the Indian Ocean Region. IN’s participation in multi-lateral initiatives like the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) helped us further enhance Navy’s inter-operability with regional navies and further enhance understanding of the dynamics in the region. As India transits the Amrit Kaal, the 25-year-long lead up to India@100, the Indian Navy aims to evolve as a 100% Atmanirbhar self-reliant maritime power through indigenous warships, aircrafts and submarines, and also to become the fulcrum for maritime information in the Region. “The Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring comprehensive maritime security towards protecting, preserving and promoting India’s national interests, wherever they may lie. We will do this by according priority to developing our capabilities, enabling our personnel, adopting futuristic technologies, exploring new ideas, and retaining unwavering focus on Nationbuilding – Rashtra Nirmaan,” said Admiral R Harikumar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, Chief of the Naval Staff. In an interview with Aeromag on the occasion of the Navy Week 2022, the admiral speaks about Indian Navy’s vision and priorities for the next 25 years and the commitment to be a fully Atmanirbhar Navy by 2047.
Since the Agnipath scheme in the Navy too has started, are there any changes in terms of the training procedures of the Agniveer considering the changing dynamics of modern warfare?
Indian Navy provides training to personnel recruited as sailors at various stages of their career to transform aspiring youth into technologically proficient, men and women to be resilient in the face of every challenge, self-assured and deeply instilled with the Core Naval Values of Duty, Honour and Courage. Post implementation of the Agnipath scheme the duration of training for Agniveers has been rationalised. The training for Agniveers is a balance of theory and practical sessions which would prepare them for meeting all tasks assigned to them. Further, in keeping with the advancements in technology, modern and sophisticated training aids including working models of real equipment, modern simulators/ emulators for ships, submarines and aviation systems have been included in the training curriculum.
Being the 25th Chief of the Naval Staff, what are your visions and priorities for the comprehensive growth of the Navy over the next 25 years?
Our vision and priorities for the next 25 years are inspired from our achievements over the last 75 years, as we celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. These include, transforming from a 33-ship to-175 ship navy; graduating from a Buyers Navy to a Builders Navy; playing pivotal role in the 1971 war, and during Op Parakram; or being the founding partner of IONS – Indian Ocean Naval Symposium. None of this would have been achieved, without focussed efforts of my predecessors. I have no hesitation in declaring that the three dimensional networked, forward deployed, combat ready, credible and cohesive Indian Navy of today is the result of the vision, perseverance and hard work of our veterans.
Coming to the vision and priorities for the next 25 years, as we transit the Amrit Kaal, the 25-year-long lead up to India@100, the Indian Navy aims to evolve as a 100% Atmanirbhar self-reliant maritime power through indigenous warships, aircrafts and submarines, and also to become the fulcrum for maritime information in the Region. With that in mind, as we chart a course towards becoming a developed Nation by 2047, the Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring comprehensive maritime security towards protecting, preserving and promoting India’s national interests, wherever they may lie. We will do this by according priority to developing our capabilities, enabling our personnel, adopting futuristic technologies, exploring new ideas, and retaining unwavering focus on nation-building – Rashtra Nirmaan.
Considering the current geopolitical situation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), including China’s growing presence in the area and the Sri Lankan crisis, how does the Indian Navy play an effective strategic role in the region and expand its three-dimensional operational reach?
The Indian Navy has used its concept of Mission-Based Deployments as its foundation to ensure India’s National Security. The nation’s maritime interests are safeguarded and we continue to play an effective role in our areas of interest, which encompasses the entire Indian Ocean Region and the South China Sea.
The Mission-Based Deployments have accrued manifold dividends. It has augmented our Maritime Domain Awareness across the IOR, through sustained deployments of Indian Naval ships and aircraft in areas of significance, which includes the Sea Lines of Communication and the major ‘choke points’. We are now better placed to monitor our primary areas of interest. Mission-Based Deployments have facilitated better monitoring of Extra Regional Forces deployed in the IOR. It has also enhanced our capability to operate away from our shores for longer durations and extended our footprints in the IOR. The recent deployment of Indian Navy ships across six continents for celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is a prime example of the reach and sustenance of the Indian Navy.
Additionally, it has facilitated better operational interaction and operability through capacity building and capability enhancement initiatives with our maritime neighbours in the IOR, which includes Exclusive Economic Zone surveillances, Coordinated Patrols (CORPATs), maritime exercises and bilateral engagements. With Mission-Based Deployments, Indian Navy has been able to establish itself as the ‘front-runner’ and first responder in various Humanitarian and Disaster Relief operations in the IOR.
Our participation in multi-lateral initiatives like the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) helps us further enhance out inter-operability with regional navies and further enhance our understanding of the dynamics in the region.
The debate over the need for a third aircraft carrier after INS Vikrant is often
countered with the need for boosting submarine arm considering cost of making and maintenance and even vulnerability to threats. What are your thoughts on it?
We need a balanced Navy and that is what we are working towards. A Carrier and submarine do totally different things and cannot be compared. Shipbuilding programmes take long, therefore, Perspective Planning is very important to have a balanced force. Our focus, therefore, in the medium and long term would remain on induction of platforms to achieve a balanced ‘force mix’ for undertaking Roles, Missions and Objectives in our primary and secondary areas of interest, and also facilitate Out-ofArea Operations. This includes acquisition of both Aircraft Carriers and submarines in the scheme of things.
The war-fighting structure of the Armed Forces is being reorganised into Theatre Commands to promote synergy and streamline joint operations. How do you look at this move? Does the Navy have any reservations with respect to the structures?
The Navy has been a strong proponent of the proposed Theatre Commands. The Navy is working towards positive outcomes from the ongoing deliberations and has submitted the findings towards formulation of Theatre Commands. Similarly, all the Services have undertaken studies and the plan is under deliberation at DMA, so as to implement in a methodical manner.
India is primarily a Maritime Nation, and addressing vital threats and challenges in the maritime domain necessitate an integrated approach and high levels of synergy in terms of strategy, planning and application of force. This would require a robust integrated force structure such as the Maritime Theatre Command, which would amalgamate core competencies of the three Services and the Coast Guard in the maritime domain.
Considering the Ukraine-Russia conflict, which affected global supply chain in all sectors, don’t you think India Navy’s transformation into a completely indigenous navy should be faster? Is indigenisation a complete answer to the ongoing naval modernisation?
IN has always been at the forefront of Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative of the government and is also fully committed to indigenous shipbuilding programmes. This can be evidenced with the fact that, till date over 130 ships have been built and commissioned in India. In the last 10 years, an average of 65% of the total expenditure has been focused towards Indigenous procurement. In the next 5 to 7 years, the share of expenditure would increase to about 70% and will go up to about 80% in the next 10 to 15 years. We are committed to be a fully Atmanirbhar Navy by 2047.
Indigenisation remains the best option available to reduce Foreign Dependency for Defence equipment. The spares of all foreign origin equipment are also being progressively indigenised. IN is aiming to achieve 100% indigenisation of Naval Ammunition, wherein, Conventional Ammunition by type have been indigenized by 90%. The balance, which includes niche technologies such as fuse, primers, etc, are being sourced from Indian industry. With regards to guided weapons, such as missiles and torpedoes, indigenisation is being taken up progressively through DRDO and Indian production agencies. Wherein, as part of the modernisation process of the IN, three Visakhapatnam class destroyers (Project 15B), are being constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, Mumbai. (The first ship of the class, INS Visakhapatnam was commissioned on 21 Nov 21).
We are confident that the defence forces will become fully Atmanirbhar over the coming years, through extensive R&D, innovations and indigenisation measures through all stakeholders.
