Naval Technology

Charting India's Maritime Prowess: Explore the cutting-edge ships, submarines, and systems defining modern sea power and India's 'Atmanirbhar' journey.

Introduction & Summary

Naval technology is the backbone of maritime power, enabling nations to secure their sea lanes, project influence, and deter aggression across vast oceanic stretches. For a peninsular nation like India, with extensive coastlines and growing strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), a strong and modern navy is indispensable.

This module explores the cutting-edge of naval technology, dissecting the capabilities of modern warships (aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates), the strategic importance of submarines (conventional and nuclear), and the crucial role of naval aviation. It also delves into emerging technologies like Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and the sophisticated weapon and sensor systems that define contemporary naval warfare.

India's relentless pursuit of indigenization in naval technology is a recurring theme, reflecting its commitment to 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' in defence.

Warships: Titans of the Surface

Warships are the primary surface combatants of a navy, designed for specific roles in naval warfare. India's shipbuilding industry has made significant strides towards indigenization.

Aircraft Carriers

INS Vikramaditya

Origin: Modified Kiev-class (Russia), commissioned 2013.

Aircraft: MiG-29K (STOBAR).

Displacement: Approx. 45,000 tonnes.

Significance: Crucial capability gap filler for a decade.

INS Vikrant (IAC-1)

Origin: Indigenous (CSL), commissioned Sep 2022.

Aircraft: MiG-29K, Kamov-31, MH-60R (STOBAR).

Displacement: Approx. 45,000 tonnes.

Significance: Major 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' milestone.

IAC-2 Plans (Vishal)

Future Vision: Potential 65,000 tonnes, CATOBAR operations. Still under deliberation.

Significance: Aims for enhanced force projection with heavier aircraft capabilities.

Destroyers

Project 15A (Kolkata Class)

Features: Stealth, VLS for BrahMos & Barak-8.

Ships: INS Kolkata, Kochi, Chennai (2014-2016).

Significance: Enhanced naval power with modern stealth.

Project 15B (Visakhapatnam Class)

Features: Advanced P15A, improved stealth & automation.

Ships: INS Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal (2021-2023). INS Surat (u/c).

Significance: Cutting-edge platforms for blue-water ops.

Frigates

Project 17 (Shivalik Class)

Features: First indigenous stealth frigates.

Ships: INS Shivalik, Satpura, Sahyadri (2010-2012).

Project 17A (Nilgiri Class)

Features: Advanced P17, BrahMos & Barak-8.

Ships: INS Nilgiri, Himgiri, Mahendragiri (launched), others u/c.

Significance: Next-gen frigates, enhancing maritime security.

Corvettes & Other Vessels

Project 28 (Kamorta Class)

Features: Indigenous ASW corvettes, stealth design.

Ships: INS Kamorta, Kadmatt, Kiltan, Kavaratti (2014-2020).

Significance: Addresses growing submarine threat.

Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs)

Role: Coastal surveillance, EEZ protection, anti-piracy.

Significance: Crucial for maritime security and law enforcement. Indigenously built.

Amphibious Warfare Ships

Role: Transporting and deploying land forces, HADR.

Example: INS Jalashwa (US procured), indigenous designs pursued.

Submarines: Masters of the Deep

Submarines provide covert operations, reconnaissance, and crucial second-strike capability in nuclear deterrence.

Conventional (SSK)

Sindhughosh Class (Kilo): Russian origin, form bulk of conventional fleet. Undergoing modernization.

Shishumar Class (HDW Type 209): German origin, some being fitted with AIP.

Limitations: Need to surface/snorkel to recharge batteries.

Nuclear Ballistic (SSBN)

Arihant Class: India's indigenous SSBNs.

  • INS Arihant: Commissioned 2016. First deterrence patrol 2018.
  • INS Arighaat: Second in class, trials ongoing.

Weapons: K-15 (750km), K-4 (3500km) SLBMs.

Significance: Sea leg of nuclear triad, credible minimum deterrence.

Nuclear Attack (SSN)

Role: Anti-ship/submarine warfare, intel gathering, special ops.

India's Plans: Pursuing indigenous SSN development (Project P76). Potential foreign collaboration (e.g., France).

Importance: Enhances conventional offensive capability and underwater endurance.

Indigenous Submarine Projects

Project 75 (Kalvari Class)

Origin: French Scorpene design, built by MDL.

Type: Conventional Diesel-Electric Attack Submarines (SSK).

Ships (6 total): INS Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj, Vela, Vagir (commissioned). INS Vagsheer (sea trials).

Significance: Modernizes conventional submarine fleet with stealth & advanced combat systems.

Project 75I

Objective: Next 6 conventional submarines (SSK).

Key Tech: Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) for significantly enhanced submerged endurance and stealth.

Status: Procurement ongoing. DRDO developing indigenous AIP.

Significance: Crucial for enhanced underwater stealth and combat effectiveness.

Emerging Frontiers: UUVs & AUVs

Unmanned Underwater Vehicles

Underwater vehicles operating autonomously for tasks like surveillance, mapping, mine countermeasures (MCM), and reconnaissance.

Applications:
  • ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance)
  • Mine Countermeasures (MCM)
  • Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
  • Oceanography & Mapping
  • Harbour Security

India's Efforts & Significance

DRDO and startups are developing indigenous UUV/AUV technologies (e.g., Varunastra torpedo components, small UUVs for MCM). India is increasing focus on naval autonomy.

Significance:
  • Enhance underwater capabilities
  • Reduce risk to human personnel
  • Provide cost-effective solutions

Arsenal & Awareness: Weapons & Sensors

Modern naval warfare relies heavily on advanced weapons and sophisticated sensor systems.

Naval Weapons

Anti-Ship Missiles: BrahMos (supersonic), Harpoon, Barracuda.

Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs): Barak-8 (MRSAM), indigenous short-range SAMs.

ASW Weapons: Varunastra (indigenous heavyweight torpedo), lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets/mortars, depth charges.

Naval Guns: For surface engagements and shore bombardment.

Sensor Systems

Sonars (Sound Navigation and Ranging): Hull-mounted, towed array, dipping. Indigenous: USHUS, HUMSA. Crucial for ASW.

Radars (Radio Detection and Ranging): Air search, surface search, fire control. Indigenous: Revathi, Rohini, Uttam AESA.

Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems: Detect, identify, jam enemy signals.

Electronic Support Measures (ESM): Passive listening for intelligence.

Prelims Quick-Reckoner

Key Naval Assets & Projects
  • Aircraft Carriers: INS Vikramaditya (Russian, MiG-29K STOBAR), INS Vikrant (IAC-1, indigenous, CSL, MiG-29K, MH-60R), IAC-2 (planned, CATOBAR).
  • Destroyers: P15A Kolkata (stealth, BrahMos, Barak-8), P15B Visakhapatnam (advanced stealth, P15A follow-on, INS Imphal 2023).
  • Frigates: P17 Shivalik (first indigenous stealth), P17A Nilgiri (advanced stealth, INS Mahendragiri Sep 2023).
  • Corvettes: P28 Kamorta (ASW).
  • Submarines (SSK): Sindhughosh (Russian Kilo), Shishumar (German HDW).
  • Submarines (SSBN): Arihant class (INS Arihant, Arighaat), K-15/K-4 SLBMs. Nuclear triad.
  • Submarines (SSN): Indigenous plans.
  • Project 75 (Kalvari): Scorpene (French), MDL built (6 subs). INS Vagir comm., INS Vagsheer launched.
  • Project 75I: Next 6 SSK, focus on AIP.
  • Naval Aviation: MiG-29K, LCA Navy (TEDBF), Rafale-M. MH-60R Seahawk, Kamov Ka-31, Dhruv. P-8I Neptune.
  • UUVs/AUVs: For ISR, MCM, ASW.
  • Weapons: BrahMos, Barak-8, Varunastra (indigenous torpedo).
  • Sensors: Sonars (USHUS, HUMSA), Radars (Revathi, Rohini, Uttam).

Recent Milestones & Developments

Commissioning of INS Imphal (P15B)

December 2023

Third Visakhapatnam class stealth destroyer commissioned, boosting blue-water capabilities.

Launch of INS Mahendragiri (P17A)

September 2023

Seventh Nilgiri class stealth frigate launched, showcasing indigenous shipbuilding progress.

MH-60R Seahawk Deliveries

Ongoing 2023

Continued deliveries of advanced multi-role ASW helicopters from the USA.

Progress on Project 75 Subs

Early 2023 - Ongoing

INS Vagir commissioned; INS Vagsheer (final Scorpene) commenced sea trials.

Indigenous SSN & AIP Development

2023-2024

Continued discussions and DRDO progress on indigenous SSNs and AIP modules for P75I.

INS Vikrant Operationalization

Ongoing post-Sep 2022

Continued flight trials and integration, moving towards full operational capability.

UPSC Insights: PYQs & Trends

Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

UPSC Prelims 2022: Project 75I

Q. With reference to 'Project 75I', consider: 1. It is for conventional subs with AIP. 2. JV between India & Russia. 3. Aims to enhance strategic nuclear deterrence. Correct?

Answer: (a) 1 only

Hint: AIP conventional subs, competitive procurement, not nuclear deterrence.

UPSC Prelims 2019: INS Arihant

Q. Significance of 'INS Arihant'?

Answer: (b) Sea-based component of India's nuclear triad.

Hint: India's first indigenous SSBN.

UPSC Prelims 2017: Blue-water Navy

Q. 'Blue-water Navy' refers to a navy that:

Answer: (b) Capable of sustained operations across open oceans.

Hint: Core naval strategy concept.

Previous Year Questions (Mains - Directions)

UPSC Mains 2023: Indigenous Naval Tech & Maritime Security

Direction: Discuss recent advancements in indigenous naval technology (Vikrant, P15B/17A, P75, AIP, SSBNs, LCA Navy, MH-60R) and impact on security, force projection, 'Atmanirbharta'.

UPSC Mains 2018: 'Make in India' Impediments

Direction: Naval shipbuilding (INS Vikrant, P15B) can be a case study for 'Make in India' successes, then discuss general impediments.

Trend Analysis

Prelims Focus

  • Indigenization ("first indigenous", self-reliance projects).
  • Specific Vessel Names/Classes (INS Vikrant, Arihant, Kolkata, Scorpene).
  • Key Technologies (AIP, nuclear triad, STOBAR/CATOBAR).
  • Current Affairs Linkage (commissions, deliveries, trials).

Mains Focus

  • Strategic Importance (maritime security, force projection, IOR).
  • "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (successes & challenges of indigenization).
  • Emerging Technologies (UUVs, naval drones, AI).
  • Challenges (modernization needs, budget, tech gaps).

Test Your Knowledge

Original MCQs for Prelims

1. Consider the following pairs regarding Indian naval vessels:

  1. INS Vikrant: India's first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier.
  2. INS Imphal: A nuclear-powered attack submarine of the Arihant class.
  3. INS Mahendragiri: A stealth guided-missile frigate of the Project 17A class.

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Answer: (b) Only two

Explanation: Pair 1 & 3 correct. INS Imphal is a P15B destroyer.

2. Which technology is the primary focus of India's Project 75I for its next generation of conventional submarines, aimed at significantly enhancing their underwater endurance and stealth?

  • (a) Nuclear Propulsion
  • (b) Air Independent Propulsion (AIP)
  • (c) Magnetohydrodynamic Propulsion
  • (d) Cryogenic Propulsion

Answer: (b) Air Independent Propulsion (AIP)

Explanation: P75I seeks AIP for enhanced non-nuclear submarine stealth and endurance.

Original Descriptive Questions for Mains

1. "India's growing strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region necessitate a modern, potent, and self-reliant naval force." In light of this statement, critically analyze the recent advancements in India's indigenous naval shipbuilding program, highlighting their impact on the Indian Navy's force projection and blue-water capabilities. (15 marks, 250 words)

Key Points/Structure:
  • Intro: India's maritime strategic importance.
  • Recent Indigenous Advancements: IAC-1 Vikrant, P15B (Imphal), P17A (Mahendragiri), P75 (Kalvari), P75I (AIP focus), Arihant class.
  • Impact: Force projection (carriers), multi-role capabilities (destroyers/frigates), underwater dominance (subs), 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.
  • Challenges/Way Forward: R&D, budget, induction speed, tech gaps (SSNs, CATOBAR).
  • Conclusion: Indigenous tech vital for security and blue-water navy status.

2. Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and advanced sonar technologies are poised to transform anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and underwater surveillance. Discuss the operational advantages offered by these technologies and evaluate India's efforts in their indigenous development for enhancing its naval capabilities. (10 marks, 150 words)

Key Points/Structure:
  • Intro: UUVs/Advanced Sonar as game-changers.
  • Advantages of UUVs: Covertness, endurance, risk reduction, data collection, cost-effectiveness.
  • Advantages of Advanced Sonars: Improved detection, classification, active/passive modes, AI integration.
  • India's Efforts: DRDO R&D (UUVs, USHUS, HUMSA), naval startups.
  • Conclusion: Investment critical for qualitative edge in underwater warfare.