By Staff Correspondent
In a move signalling a notable stride towards self-reliance in defence, the Indian Navy has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to procure 12 state-of-the-art Counter Mine Warfare Vessels (MCMVs) after a protracted delay. The RFI, released on 3 August 2023, follows several failed attempts over the past 15 years to bolster these critical capabilities. It comes as the Service lacks such minesweepers. The last of its fleet of six such vessels, acquired from the Soviet Union in the late 1970s, was decommissioned four years ago. The absence of dedicated mine-countermeasure vessels has created a significant lacuna in India’s naval fleet, necessitating urgent modernisation.
Building The Fleet
The tender outlines an eight-year construction period for the 12 MCMVs, with the order being divided between the lowest and second-lowest bidding shipyards. The envisaged delivery timeline spans from 2030 to 2037. These state-of-the-art vessels will be integral in various operational roles, including mine counter-measure operations, route surveys, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. Operating effectively in the Indian Ocean region (IOR), they will become a bulwark for vital maritime interests.
Advanced Capabilities
The MCMVs are planned to feature cutting-edge technologies tailored to combat various threats in both anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and naval mine counter-measures (NCM) domains. Key features include an Unmanned Mines Counter-Measure (MCM) suite, deploying the latest in underwater drones and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). The autonomous systems will be crucial in detecting, identifying, and neutralising underwater mines, thereby mitigating risks to the crew.
Armaments will include advanced weapons systems such as a 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) with an Autonomous Fire Control System (FCS) and very short-range defence (VSHORADS) provided by 12.7 mm Stabilised Remote-Controlled Guns (SRCG). Additionally, the MCMVs will be equipped with state-of-the-art communication and electronic suites, including radar and electronic warfare (EW) systems, along with advanced sonars for efficient submarine detection and tracking.
Aligning With Make In India
The MCMV procurement is a prominent facet of India’s commitment to the Make in India initiative, encouraging indigenous shipbuilding capabilities. It marks a transformative phase in the nation’s naval modernisation, consistent with the government’s vision of self-reliance in defence and naval procurement. The project underscores India’s determination to strengthen its naval fleet with advanced Mine Counter Warfare Vessels. While it faces a lengthy timeline, successfully implementing this initiative will significantly enhance India’s maritime defence capabilities, offering a much-needed technological boost and aligning the navy with modern warfare requirements.
