Indigenization of Warship Equipment and Spares - a Naval Field Establishment's Perspective

摘要

Indigenization of warship equipment and spares is a complex activity and has been high on the agenda of the Indian Navy in its path to self-reliance. The indigenization program of the Indian Navy spans over four decades and numerous agencies have been involved in the task of Indigenization since then. Indigenization of major equipments for the successful Leander Project has been the hallmark of the Indigenization brogram of the Indian Navy and has benefited the subsequent programs. Indian Navy has embarked on an ambitious shipbuildingprogram, which includes state- of art submarines and ships to meet its requirement in the 21st century. The technology being adopted is contemporary and will be required to be service for more than three decades after their induction. Though the Shipbuilding is indigenous, a large number of equipments used on board continue to be sourced from foreign countries leading to dependency on these countries for sourcing the spares for supporting such equipment during the life of the Ship. It is therefore essential that such equipments are indigenously manufactured and used on board new construction Ships and submarines prior to their commissioning. India has a large manufacturing base and boasts of Indian companies with multinational stature. These companies have the requisite technology and are exporting a large number of complex equipments to developed countries including their armed forces. It would therefore be prudent to utilize the infrastructure available with such companies for manufacturing Indigenous equipment meeting the exacting standards of the Indian Navy. Further there is an urgent need to take up the indigenization of warship equipment and spares of ships and submarines in commission on a war footing to ensure their operational availability. A self-reliant Indian Navy would be of strategic importance. The disintegration of the erstwhile Soviet Union has given further impetus to the indigenization activity of the Indian Navy. The Indian Industries both in the private and public sector have proved to be useful partners in these programs. The paper attempts to highlight the constructive role that can be played by the Indian Industries both in the public and private sector and suggest measures for these Industries to partner the Indian Navy in its effort of Indigenization. The paper also highlights the benefits to the firms as a spin off from undertaking such indigenization projects and also states the various difficulties they may encounter whilst indigenizing.