Indian Navy Boosts Indigenous Defense: Two Task Forces Initiated

The Indian Navy, under the leadership of Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, has established two task forces to engage with local manufacturers for weapon systems and equipment. With ambitious plans for indigenous submarines and warships, the move aims to counter regional threats and support domestic industry.

The Indian Navy is taking significant strides to promote indigenous industry by forming two task forces led by Rear Admiral-rank officers. Their mission is to engage with Indian manufacturers to address the Navy's needs for weapon systems and equipment.

According to defense officials, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi has spearheaded the initiative, assigning one task force from the operational branch and another from the technical side. These officers are actively visiting local industries to evaluate their production capabilities and potential contributions to the Navy's requirements.

In a comprehensive review, Admiral Tripathi is himself visiting various manufacturing facilities alongside Navy teams. Notably, all new Indian Navy warships and submarines, barring two, are being constructed in domestic shipyards, showcasing a strong commitment to indigenization.

The Navy plans to place substantial orders worth lakhs of crores with Indian industries and shipyards in the coming years. An immediate focus will be on orders valued at Rs 1.6 lakh crore for different types of submarines to counter threats from China and Pakistan.

Furthermore, the Navy is set to commission the last two warships being built in Russia, aiming to integrate them with indigenous systems and equipment. Despite delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine, the Tushil and Tamal class warships will be commissioned by February next year.

(With inputs from agencies.)