SOURCE: AFI
A recent analysis comparing the construction timelines of naval ships in various countries has spotlighted a significant lag in India’s warship building pace. According to the data, Indian shipyards take an average of 85 months from the block erection phase to the commissioning of a warship, a stark contrast to other nations in the region.
For instance, Japan, known for its efficiency in shipbuilding, completes the same process in just 27 months. This remarkable speed is attributed to advanced shipbuilding techniques, stringent project management, and a well-integrated supply chain. Meanwhile, France, another major player in naval construction, takes around 46 months to commission its warships, offering a middle ground but still far quicker than India.
This extended timeline for Indian warships has raised concerns about the competitiveness and operational readiness of the Indian Navy. The slow pace of construction can be attributed to several factors:
- Infrastructure and Technology: Indian shipyards often rely on older technology and infrastructure compared to those in Japan or France. Modernization efforts are underway, but the transition is slow.
- Dependence on Imports: A significant portion of components and systems are imported, leading to delays due to supply chain issues, customs, and the complexities of international procurement.
- Design Changes: Frequent modifications in design during the construction phase can extend timelines. This often happens as India seeks to incorporate the latest technology or address new operational needs.
- Financial and Bureaucratic Delays: Funding issues and bureaucratic red tape within India’s defense procurement system can further push back project timelines.
- Manpower and Skill Development: There’s a continuous need for skill upgrading among the workforce to match international standards, which impacts efficiency.
The implications of this slow construction pace are multifaceted. It affects the Indian Navy’s ability to keep its fleet modern and operational, facing challenges in matching the pace of regional naval expansion, particularly with neighbors like China rapidly expanding their naval capabilities. The long construction times also mean higher costs due to inflation, extended labor periods, and the maintenance of shipyards over prolonged project durations.
However, there are signs of improvement. The Indian government has initiated several reforms under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, aiming to boost local manufacturing, reduce dependency on imports, and streamline the defense procurement process. Private sector participation in defense manufacturing has been encouraged, which could potentially speed up the process through competition and innovation.
Additionally, Indian shipyards like Mazagon Dock Limited, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, and Cochin Shipyard Limited are investing in new technology and processes to cut down construction times. The recent commissioning of INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, although delayed, has provided valuable lessons in accelerating future projects.
NOTE: Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes. Websites doing illegal reproductions will get DMCA and Legal Notices.