‘An Ocean of Opportunities’
VAYU Interview with Admiral RK Dhowan PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC, Chief of the Naval Staff
In Vayu RK Dhowan, Chief of the Naval Staff reviews the Indian Navy’s determined modernisation process and projected capabilities. The CNS highlights the India’s aspiring classes looking to the Navy for a way of life.
: In its determined modernisation process, the Indian Navy continues to induct assets such as multi-role destroyers, stealth frigates, replenishment tankers and so on. Yet there remain shortfalls in certain areas: what is the Navy’s immediate ‘wish list’ essential for it to become a veritable ‘blue water’ force to face future challenges?
CNS: The Indian Navy is already a blue water force, as may be seen in its wide operational footprint and full- spectrum capabilities. Today, the Indian Navy operates a balanced force comprising aircraft carriers, multi- role destroyers and frigates, fleet tankers, offshore patrol vessels, amphibious ships and a multitude of aviation and underwater combatants, capable of both blue water and littoral operations. These enable the Navy to undertake multiple activities under its military, diplomatic, constabulary and benign roles, to promote and protect India’s maritime interests.
The Navy’s roles and responsibilities have expanded significantly over the years, in response to changing geo- economic and geo-strategic circumstances. In order to meet the entire spectrum of challenges, our force structure planning is dictated
primarily by capabilities to be achieved, threat perceptions in the prevailing maritime security environment, emerging technologies, and the availability of funds.
In overall terms, our fleet is young, while there are some gaps in certain niche areas such as minesweepers, submarines, and multi-role and utility helicopters. The Government is seized of these issues and impetus has been accorded to overcome the delays and progress all pending cases in a time-bound manner. We have 47 ships and submarines under construction, which will be inducted progressively into the Navy.
: In the context of nearer-term programmes, have there been any significant developments with regard to design and configuration of the second indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-2)? Can any details be shared from the Carrier Working Group that toured facilities in the USA this summer?
CNS: IAC 2 is still in its conceptual stage and various facets of the aircraft carrier and newer technologies are still being evaluated. The Joint Working Group for Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation, formed under the ambit of the US-India Defence Technology and Trade Initiative framework, aims at information exchange on such technologies. In addition, the Joint Working Group is also exploring other areas of cooperation such as carrier design and construction. The Indian delegation that toured US facilities in August this year benefited from the exchange of views with their US counterparts on these issues.
: Even though there has been some headway with Project-75(I), the DAC has repeatedly deferred decisions on the programme. Is this a financial issue or a technical one? Has the Navy formally identified suitable Indian yards with the capability to execute this ambitious project, and if so, which are these?
CNS: A case for procurement of six state-of-the art conventional submarines with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) under Project 75(I) is being progressed by the Indian Navy. All six P75(I) submarines will be constructed at a suitable Indian yard, in collaboration with an identified foreign collaborator under Transfer of Technology. A core committee was constituted by the MoD for identification of suitable Indian shipyards, both public and private, for construction of the six submarines. The core committee has submitted its