Anchored in Strength: India’s shipbuilding industry rises
India’s Shipbuilding Milestone: A New Era Begins
India recently achieved a remarkable milestone in its indigenous shipbuilding journey. Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) delivered two frontline combatants to the Indian Navy on the same day. This significant event took place last week and included the delivery of INS Surat, the last of the Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, and INS Nilgiri, the first Type 17A stealth frigate. These deliveries signify a turning point in India’s warship-building capabilities. Additionally, MDL is set to deliver INS Vagsheer, the final submarine in the Kalvari-class series, in the near future. Such accomplishments underscore the maturation of India’s warship-building industry into a world-class enterprise.
Tracing the Journey of Indian Warship Construction
India’s journey in indigenous warship construction began in 1961 with the commissioning of INS Ajay, an anti-submarine warfare patrol boat built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. This initial effort laid the foundation for future advancements. A decade later, the country took a significant leap forward with the construction of the Nilgiri-class frigates. These vessels were license-built versions of the British Leander-class ships and were constructed between 1972 and 1981. The average delivery time for these ships was about 18 months, setting the stage for more complex projects.
The 1990s marked another pivotal moment with the introduction of the Delhi-class destroyers. These 6,700-ton vessels were the largest and most sophisticated warships designed and built in India at that time. Equipped with advanced radar, sonar, and weapons systems, they represented a significant move towards self-reliance in defense capabilities. However, challenges persisted, as MDL delivered only three Delhi-class destroyers over four years, with many systems becoming operational only after commissioning.
Today, Indian shipyards have made remarkable progress. In the past decade alone, MDL has delivered seven Kolkata/Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, six Kalvari-class submarines, and one Nilgiri-class frigate. Unlike earlier decades, these platforms are combat-ready upon delivery, showcasing a significant improvement in efficiency and capability.
Public Sector Shipyards: A Collaborative Success
Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd is not the only player in India’s shipbuilding transformation. Other Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) shipyards have also significantly enhanced their capabilities. For instance, GRSE is currently constructing three Type 17A stealth frigates, two Survey Ships (Large) in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and eight ASW Shallow Water Craft. Meanwhile, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) is working on two Diving Support Ships and five Fleet Support Ships with L&T.
Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) is nearing completion of the last two advanced Talwar-class frigates, while Cochin Shipyard is building eight ASW Shallow Water Craft and has secured a contract for six Next-Generation Missile Vessels. These achievements highlight the maturation of India’s warship-building ecosystem, which is supported by improved project management, technological integration, and a skilled workforce.
The collaborative efforts among these shipyards demonstrate a unified approach to enhancing India’s naval capabilities. This synergy not only boosts the efficiency of shipbuilding but also fosters innovation and self-reliance in defense manufacturing. As these public-sector shipyards continue to evolve, they are setting the stage for India to become a formidable player in the global maritime landscape.
The Strategic and Economic Significance
Warship construction is not just a military endeavor; it reflects a nation’s industrial and technological capabilities. Designing and building sophisticated naval platforms involves advanced metallurgy, propulsion systems, radar, sonar, weaponry, and electronic warfare technologies. It also requires a highly skilled workforce, from engineers to technicians, showcasing a country’s progress in education and technical training.
Despite these advancements, India’s shipbuilding sector still lags behind global leaders like China. China produces around 20 warships annually, benefiting from a robust commercial shipbuilding industry. This dual-use capability allows China to build warships at an unprecedented pace. In contrast, India’s commercial shipbuilding industry has received limited attention for decades, which has hindered its warship-building efforts.
Nevertheless, India has made remarkable strides in recent years. The Indian Navy’s proactive support for indigenous shipbuilding has played a crucial role in this transformation. By committing to locally built platforms, the Navy has fostered an ecosystem that encourages innovation and self-reliance. Recent policy measures, such as the proposed ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund, aim to enhance shipbuilding capabilities further. This initiative is expected to benefit both commercial and warship-building sectors.
As India continues to strengthen its shipbuilding capabilities, it is not only reducing reliance on foreign suppliers but also asserting its sovereignty. The rapid turnaround in Indian shipyards contrasts sharply with the struggles faced by American and European shipbuilders, who often grapple with delays and cost overruns. With continued government backing, technological advancements, and a skilled workforce, India is poised to emerge as a maritime power capable of shaping the security architecture of the Indo-Pacific region.
