NAVARMS – 2013

INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR CUM EXHIBITION ON

NAVAL ARMAMENT

1. Background. Indian Navy (IN) has been in forefront in indigenisation of its

platforms, systems, sensors and weapons. As a fall out of the capabilities, our yards

are now being recognised world over. In the field of indigenous development of naval

armament, IN had adopted a two pronged approach. Firstly, it is self-reliance which

has helped in harnessing potential of our DRDO establishment and industries.

Secondly, wherever technology was readily available and collaboration was possible,

IN has considered the option of partnership in the form of either Transfer of

Technology (TOT) or Joint Venture (JV) between the appropriate players and the

national industry. This has resulted in bridging the time gap between development

and exploitation of a weapon system.

2. Aim. The aim of the seminar cum exhibition was to provide an opportunity to

exchange ideas, create awareness and identify the emerging opportunities for greater

participation of Indian and foreign defence industry in the field of naval armament.

3. Conduct of Seminar. As a continuum to IN’s thrust on indigenisation and

self-reliance in the field of naval armament, the two days international seminar cum

exhibition on naval armaments NAVARMS 2013 was organised by Indian Navy in

association with Confederations of Indian Industries (CII) at India Habitat

Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi on 31 Jan – 01 Feb 13. The seminar was sponsored by

CII. The theme of the seminar was “Armament Indigenisation through

Collaborative Approach”. This seminar was primarily conducted to facilitate

interaction between armament manufacturers, R&D Organisations and the Indian

Navy.

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4. Inauguration of Seminar. Shri AK Antony, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri was the

Chief Guest during the inaugural function of NAVARMS 2013 seminar.

5. Inaugural Session. The welcome address

for NAVARMS-13 was delivered by Shri Nikhil

Gandhi, Chairman CII defence Core Group on

Strategic Projects. He brought out that the

Indian defence industry feels encouraged by the

MoD initiatives and very keen to support IN’s

effort to realise the goal of self-reliance and

indigenisation. Vice Admiral RK Dhowan,

then Vice Chief of Naval Staff in his theme address brought out that the complexity of

indigenisation process requires induction of

technology, meeting staff requirements of

services, setting up of infrastructure of after

sales support and maintenance, catering for

development & production delays and to have a

project which is sustainable as well as

economically viable. He also brought out that to

progress on path of self-reliance and

indigenisation, all stake holders would need to tap the potential of our public and private

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sector for induction of cutting edge of

technology within a time bound schedule

and at optimal cost. Admiral DK Joshi,

then Chief of Naval Staff in his keynote

address stated that indigenisation in defence

not only spurs growth of our domestic

military-industrial sector, but also becomes

one of the enablers for India to gain true

strategic autonomy as a nation. He stated that the IN requirements of high end

technology is presently being met through import routes where the import to

indigenous ratio is 70:30 which needs to be remedied. He emphasised that our quest

for self-reliance in defence underlies the growing importance of private sector

participation of one hand and revitalising the public sector on the other. The Hon’ble

Raksha Mantri in his inaugural address brought out that while considerable time and

effort has been invested in defence R&D by the Private Sector, the Government, on its

part has constantly endeavored to increase levels of transparency and accountability

in the defence acquisition process. The Technical Journal and Compendium of

Papers for the seminar were released by the Chief Guest. The inaugural session of

the seminar was attended by more than 235 delegates from three services, industry,

DRDO and media.

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6. Inauguration of Exhibition. The NAVARMS 2013 exhibition on defence

technology was inaugurated by Hon’ble Raksha Mantri.

7. Participation from the Industry. 111 delegates including 11 foreign

nationals participated in the seminar representing 67 firms, 21 of which were foreign.

The firms participated were from various walks of armament production, viz. Guns,

missiles, torpedoes, decoys, ammunition, pyrotechnics, explosives, explosive disposal,

heavy duty batteries, electronic instrumentation, polymers, forgings, heavy

engineering applications, controls and switch gears, IT/ networking solutions, sensors,

test equipments, cables and consultancy.

8. Plenary Sessions. The seminar comprised of following five plenary sessions:-

(a) User needs and concerns.

(b) Opportunities and insight – Role of industry.

(c) Modern trends and technology in naval armaments.

(d) Transfer of Technology and Joint Venture – Challenges.

(e) Up gradation, life assessment/extension & life sustenance of naval

armaments.

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Plenary Session - I : User Needs and Concerns.

9. The session titled “User Needs

and Concerns” was chaired by Vice

Admiral MT Moraes, AVSM, Inspector

General Nuclear Safety, IHQ-

MOD(Navy). The aim of the session was

to focus/highlight the concerns/

requirements of Indian navy in terms of

naval armaments. The topics presented by distinguished speakers during the session are given in the succeeding Paragraphs. 10. Need and Concerns of Surface Navy – Rear Admiral AK Chawla, NM,

VSM, ACNS(P&P). The speaker emphasised that IN has always supported and facilitated

indigenisation and self-reliance as it is the

only long term solution to ensure

uninterrupted force modernisation,

equipment maintenance and ordnance

requirements. However, in cases where development and production of sub-systems/equipment/components is neither

technologically feasible nor economically viable, the import option is being resorted to

so that the 'fighting efficiency' of the Navy is not impeded. He brought out that the

developments in the field of defence systems are inherently technology intensive and

require substantial investment of time and resources. The IN therefore, seeks to

minimise the number of procedures, processes, physical parts, components and

equipment necessary to manufacture, operate and maintain a system. The access to

technology and the ability to absorb and exploit it will have a vital impact on the

effectiveness of Navy. It will therefore be the IN's endeavor to constantly reinvigorate

our technology induction programs and practices in order to prepare for future

challenges in ways that are rewarding for both IN as well as the industry.

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11. Need and Concerns of Submarine Arm – Rear Admiral LV Sarat Babu,

NM, ACNS(SM). The speaker brought out that the Submarine Arm is rapidly evolving

with modern machines and technology

replacing the earlier vintage. The submarine

armament though limited in types, have

always had a multiplier effect in the warfare of

yester years owing to the inherent advantages of the platforms giving it the additional potential. The armament for the submarine

has also seen many improvisations and refinement to produce some of the most lethal

weapon array in the world over. Our country probably has a lot to catch up to do in so

far as the Submarine armament is concerned. The Submarine Arm today operates

three classes of submarines with yet another one slated to join the pack soon and

there is tremendous potential in the field of submarine armament for our industry to

gain and contribute towards the overall national security.

12. Need and Concerns of Naval Aviation – Rear Admiral DM Sudan,

ACNS(Air). The speaker brought out that the naval aviation, operating a significant

number of aircraft and helicopters, is an

important arm of the Indian Navy and is

central to all naval operations. Further, naval

aviation today, is at the threshold of future

expansion wherein a quantum increase in aviation capability is envisaged – both in terms of platforms and weapon systems. As

future generation aircraft and helicopters are inducted, the requirement for induction

of more capable air armament also arises. For naval Aviation to consolidate its

capabilities to operate across the full spectrum of conflict, continuous up gradation of

the weapon capabilities and combat readiness is an inescapable requirement. This

goal cannot be achieved without embarking on the path of self-reliance, which

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requires the seamless and effective interface among the Navy, the DRDO, the Public

sector and the Private sector. Considering the envisaged growth of naval aviation,

India needs effective indigenous airborne weapon manufacturing programs.

13. Need and Concerns of Maintainer – Cmde SK Nair, NM, PDWE. The

speaker emphasised that the primary

concerns of IN include inadequate

understanding of Naval requirements,

delivery of indigenised system on schedule,

life time product support and most

importantly, the specified quality controls

should be implemented in totality. The

major concerns of the Industry include

gaps between the specifications mentioned in the SQRs and technology available in

the world market, changes in SQRs leading to delays in production, inadequacy of

assured order quantities etc. There is a need to make conscious effort towards a

paradigm shift from the “Buyer-Seller” relationship to a healthy “Partnership” between

the industry and the Navy and a greater synergy amongst all stake holders i.e. the

Navy, the Private Industry, DRDO, DGQA and the Government.

14. Comments on Plenary Session – I. During the plenary session-I, the

impetus to the seminar was provided by representatives of the surface, aviation,

submarine arms and weapon systems who

voiced their Needs and Concerns. It emerged

that though satisfactory indigenisation

content in the float and move category

exists, efforts in the fight segment needs

to be enhanced. The areas of concern include delays in fructification of important

projects, life time product support, implementation of quality control as well as the

existence of a broad spectrum of equipment and systems leading to issues of

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inventory management. The requirement of seamless and effective interface among

the Navy, the DRDO, the Public Sector and the Private Sector to gear up to the

envisaged quantum increase in capability by the end of this decade was also brought

out.

Plenary Session–II : Opportunities and Insight–Role of Industry.

15. The session titled “Opportunities

and Insight – Role of Industry” was

chaired by Shri JD Patil, Vice President, M/s

L&T. In line with the Navy's endeavor of

self-reliance through indigenisation, greater

involvement and participation of industry

both public and private sector is the need of the hour. Accordingly, the second session was structured to understand the

'Opportunities and Insight’ with emphasis on 'Role of Industry'. The session started

with brief introduction by the chair person on the role of Indian industries making the

country self-reliant. The session included technology absorption and indigenisation,

steels and light weight armoured solutions for defence applications. The topics

presented by distinguished speakers during the session are given in the succeeding

Paragraphs.

16. Self-Reliance in Armament Development – Need of the Hour by

Commodore(Retd) Anil Jai Singh, Pipava Defence & Offshore Engineering

Co. Ltd. The speaker evinced that it is essential to be a builders Navy, if we are to

reflect the country’s regional posture in the

maritime domain. The indigenisation and self-

reliance across the entire equipment fit on

board including armament is paramount.

Indian industry has come of age in the 21st century and has made its presence felt on the global stage in various high technology

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areas. It is therefore time for the decision makers in the MoD to utilise the capacity

and capability of industry to address issues of concern in defence indigenisation and

create an ecosystem conducive to broadening the national defence industrial base.

Industry on its part has to sense the opportunity and make a positive contribution.

17. ESSAR Steel plates for Defence Applications - Dr M Venkatraman, Sr

Vice President & Head Product Dev, ESSAR Steel. The speaker discussed the

latest trends in special alloy design for

developing ballistic and naval steels through

advanced metallurgical processes. He brought

out that ESSAR steel has reviewed the

microstructural control and rolling practices to

achieve ultra-high strength and tough steels for

indigenous production of special alloy plates for

Indian Defence. The presentation given by the speaker also highlighted the

indigenisation efforts made ESSAR so far in developing steel for Warships and

substantial cost saving in terms FOREX for the nation.

18. Light Weight Armored Solution by Shri Rajesh Gupta, GM, M/s MKU

Technologies. The speaker brought out the developments undertaken by the firm in the

field of light weight and ballistic armour

solutions for ships, hellos and vehicles which

are vulnerable to terrorist/piracy attacks. The

speaker informed that the firm has already

supplied the armour solutions to foreign firms for use in their ships/vehicles and expertise exists with M/s MKU Technologies to

deliver wide range of hardware to defence forces.

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19. Comments on Plenary Session – II. The speakers during this session

have brought out the capabilities of their

respective industries, various current

development programs with IN and their latest

developments. The Chairman appreciated the role

of the industry towards self-reliance in armament

development and thanked the speakers for their

views and efforts towards armament

indigenisation.

Plenary Session–III : Modern Trends & Technology in Naval Armaments.

20. The session titled “Modern Trends

and Technology in Naval Armaments” was

chaired by Vice Admiral NN Kumar, AVSM,

VSM, Chief of Material, IHQ-MOD(Navy). The

aim of the session was to provide a forum for

both Indian and overseas armament industry

to project their core capabilities / innovative technology. The topics presented by distinguished speakers during the session are

given in the succeeding Paragraphs.

21. Eco Friendly Munitions and Disposal by Dr Chitra Rajagopal, Sc'G',

Associate Director, CFEES. The speaker emphasised on replacing the existing

conventional explosives with eco-friendly or

green explosives to obviate the concerns of

health and safety of own forces, as most of the

explosion/launches/firings are undertaken

during training. However, she also brought out

that, though powerful green explosives are available through worldwide research, the

same are 100 times more expensive to produce than conventional ones.

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Scientists have predicted that even at best, the new generation materials will be

double or triple the price. She also emphasised for environment friendly

demilitarisation of excess and obsolete ammunition and explosive products. She also

brought out various methods of alleviating the danger posed by life expired munitions

to the environment.

22. Transformation in ASW - A Submariners View by R Adm (Retd) Mark

Anderson, Director, M/s Ultra Electronics, UK. The speaker highlighted the

developments undertaken by M/s Ultra

Electronics in the field of Anti-Submarine

warfare. He enumerated various developments

that his firm is engaged in, that have the

potential to transform the practice of ASW,

thereby making the submariner’s mission more

difficult.

23. L&T in Indian Navy's Journey towards Indigenisation & Future by Shri

Satish Bharatan, Sr DGM, L&T. Shri Satish Bharatan covered the systems delivered to the

Navy by M/s L&T and the initiatives being

taken towards increasing indigenisation as

well as providing life cycle support to IN for

these systems.

24. Comments on Plenary Session – III. The third session on modern trends

and technology in naval armament covered ecofriendly munitions and their disposal,

latest technological developments in the field

of Anti-submarine warfare. The latest

development by the M/s L&T for the IN was

covered during the session. The Chairman

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appreciated the view points of the three speakers towards trends and technology in

eco-friendly munitions & disposal, development in anti-submarine warfare by M/s

Ultra, UK and the initiatives of M/s L&T towards indigenisation & life cycle support to

Navy.

Plenary Session– IV : Transfer of Technology & Joint Venture– Challenges.

25. The session titled “Transfer of Technology & Joint Venture –

Challenges” was chaired by Dr. Avinash

Chander, Distigushed Scientist &

CCR&D(MSS). The aim of the fourth session

was to address the challenges in TOT and JV

confronted by the industry as a good number of TOTs and JVs have fructified ever since provisions in DPP/DPM facilitated opening

up of defence sector. The topics presented by distinguished speakers during the

session are given in the succeeding Paragraphs.

26. Efficacy of JV During Design & Development by Shri S Radhakrishnan,

Director, IITM. Mr S Radhakrishnan, Director, Industry Interface & Technical

Management enlightened the audience with

his talk on efficacy of joint venture during

design and development. He brought out

that the transfer of technology will depend on the complexity of the system. DRDO has evolved Different types of technology

transfer models such as Consortium model, Concurrent Engineering model, Joint

Venture model, multi-lab-multi-organisational model, Joint Development model

(LRSAM) and conventional TOT model. The DRDO has also evolved the process of

development through the limited series production and DRDO owned-company

operated systems.

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27. Challenges in TOT during Manufacture by Shri Pankaj Gupta, Addl GM

(Def Projects), BHEL. The speaker brought out that the foray of hi-tech, sophisticated and

high end equipments, weapons and systems in

defence and with the prevailing era of

liberalisation, has posed tremendous challenge

and opportunities for private/public sector to

come forward and opened vistas for assimilating their capabilities, competency and resources in the area of defence production in a big

way. He acknowledged the difficulties in starting or changing from

industrial/commercial production to defence/military grade production. He mentioned

that, although core competencies in engineering and technology are available with

Indian industry but there is a need for reorientation/ adaptation of industry to cater

for stringent requirements of defence standards pertaining to practices, components,

and testing standards.

28. Challenges In Adaptability Of TOT – Way Ahead by Shri SK Rath,

General Manager, OFK(Jabalpur). Shri SK Rath brought out that Transfer of

Technology has become the preferred route for infusion of critical technologies into the

Indian defence industries and Ordnance

Factory Board(OFB) has entered into several

TOT agreements with foreign vendors. He

highlighted the experiences of OFB in

execution of the TOT agreements, challenges

faced and the solutions found to successfully execute the TOT agreements for future

TOTs.

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29. Challenges in TOT during Manufacture by Shri BS Prasad, General

Manager (Marketing & Business Development). The speaker showcased the

challenges that need to be dealt during technology transfer such as inadequate

documentation, language of documentation,

issues with the manufacture of BTP and BTS

items either by the recipient or its sub-

contractor. The other issues highlighted were

supplies from OEM for the items for which no technology transfer is offered, political relations between the countries etc. He

brought out that the latest changes to offset policy guide lines by MoD will equip the

industry with state of the art technology and the joint development programs may

become preferred option to technology transfer agreements.

30. Comments on Plenary Session – IV. The challenges faced during design

and development, during manufacture and execution of TOT agreements by DRDO, OFB

and public sector (BHEL & BDL) during the

JVs and TOTs were highlighted during the

session. The solutions/ suggestions to

successfully execute future TOT agreements

were brought out during the session. The Chairman appreciated the four speakers for their views towards efficacy of ToTs &

JVs, various challenges during the process of ToTs & JVs and the suggested way

ahead.

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Plenary Session – V : Upgradation, Life Assessment / Extension and Life

Sustenance of Naval Armaments.

31. The session titled “Upgradation, Life Assessment/Extension and Life

Sustenance of Naval Armaments” was

chaired by Shri GS Bhatnagar, DGONA. The

aim of the fifth session was to dwell upon

the life cycle maintenance needs such as

life assessment/extension and life

sustenance of naval armaments. The topics presented by distinguished speakers

during the session are given in the succeeding Paragraphs.

32. Future Trends in Armament Technology by Dr V Bhujanga Rao,

CCR&D (NS), DRDO HQ. The speaker brought out the development undertaken by

the DRDO specifically NSTL in the field of underwater weapons such as Torpedoes and

Mines. He also highlighted the R&D

undertaken in the field of underwater

decoys, stealth technology, Air Independent

Propulsion system for submarines, rail gun

technology, all electric ship, unmanned

underwater vehicles, underwater directed energy weapons, amiable/ directional

warheads, glider based torpedo delivery system, GPS based floating recorder, super

cavitation underwater projectiles/torpedoes, etc. The developments in the batteries to

be used for modern torpedoes and mines were also covered by the speaker.

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33. Maintenance Philosophy of Naval Armaments by Shri Laxman Singh,

Chief General Manager, NAD(Alwaye). The speaker brought out that the armament

inventory is required to be maintained for its

serviceability, safety in storage, handling,

operation and disposal when no longer required

in service either due to obsolescence or expiry

of its useful life.

34. Revision of Air Launched Missiles & Guided Bombs by Indian Air Force

by Air Commodore AK Gupta, VSM, PD(DASE). The speaker in his presentation

covered the methodologies followed on life revision of various weapons held with IAF and

brought out that the life assigned by OEM is

invariably conservative in nature due to

commercial interests. Therefore, scope exists

for life revision of these stores by following a

structured approach through scientific analysis, without compromising on safety and performance. He brought out two life revision

methodologies which are relative and absolute. The former involves generation of

benchmark using missiles of latest make available with IAF and measurement of

performance parameters of the life expired missiles through comprehensive tests. In

the later method, parameters are compared with the design data. This data is

generally not shared by OEM with users. Thus OEM is required to be mandatorily

approached for undertaking such life revision. Once benchmark has been established,

samples of the missiles under life extension per vintage are inducted for similar

comprehensive tests and results compared with the benchmarks. If results are found

within acceptable limits, life extension is granted by the life extension committee.

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35. Comments on Plenary Session - V. A vivid presentation on in-service

maintenance philosophy of NA stores encompassing the maintainer’s perspectives on

the need for reliable and maintainable naval

armaments was discussed during the session.

The necessity and methodology of life

extension/assessment and sustenance and

their revision pertaining to armaments were also discussed during the session. The Chairman in his concluding remark thanked all

speakers for their views on future trends in naval armaments, maintenance

philosophies at Naval Armament Depots and life revision philosophy adopted by IAF.

Valedictory Session

36. Shri Jitendra Singh, Honb’le Raksha Rajya Mantri was the Chief guest for the

valedictory session. Admiral D K Joshi, then Chief of Naval Staff also graced the

occasion. The valedictory session was

conducted in the Jakaranda Hall, India

Habitat Center and attended by approx 235

delegates from Services, DRDO and

Industries (Indian & Foreign).

37. The summing up and concluding address of the seminar was delivered by

Rear Admiral Brijesh Jhang, DGNAI. He brought out that the deliberations during

the two day seminar highlights that

technology & ample resources are available

in our country and it is the keenness &

opportunity for the private sector to tap the

potential. He also said that what is needed is to put to pen the processes and procedures through which the much desired

NAVARMS – 2013 18

metamorphosis can be brought out. This mandates a Navy – Industry partnership with

regular interaction and increased role of CII.

38. Shri Jitendra Singh, Honb’le Raksha Rajya Mantri in his valedictory address

brought out that a large percentage of armed forces requirements are met

through import which makes it imperative

to formulate a way ahead to achieve our

objective of self-reliance through public

and private sector partnership. He also

highlighted the initiatives taken by the

Government to encourage both private and public sector to develop and manufacture products for our Armed forces.

39. Shri Gurpal Singh, Principal Adviser

and Head, CII (Defence, Aero and security)

delivered the vote of thanks.

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40. The DGNAI and his team associated with CII for smooth conduct of

NAVARMS-2013.