India has restarted its plan to build 12 specialized warships that can detect and destroy underwater mines. These ships are critical to protect ports and maritime trade from enemy forces. 

The defence ministry is likely to present the proposal, worth around ₹44,000 crore, to the Defence Acquisition Council led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for approval, a TOI report stated.

Tender to be issued soon for Indian shipyards

According to defence ministry sources, the procurement will move ahead once the “acceptance of necessity (AoN)” is granted.

An open tender or request for proposal (RFP) will then be issued, inviting Indian shipyards to submit their technical and commercial bids.

“It will take at least 7-8 years, if not more, for the first MCMV to roll out after the contract is inked,” a source said.

Urgent need due to rising submarine activity

These mine countermeasure vessels (MCMVs) are considered urgent due to the regular movement of Chinese submarines in the Indian Ocean Region.

Chinese nuclear and conventional submarines can lay underwater mines quietly. Pakistan is also expanding its submarine fleet and is expected to receive eight new Yuan-class diesel-electric submarines from China.

India’s Navy currently has no dedicated MCMV in service. Earlier ships, including six Karwar-class and two Pondicherry-class minesweepers, have been retired.

As a temporary solution, the Navy uses “clip-on mine countermeasure suites” on other ships. However, the Navy needs at least 24 MCMVs to secure India’s 7,516-km coastline, which includes 13 major ports and over 200 minor ones.

Mines pose threat from state and non-state actors

Underwater mines are low-cost and easy to deploy. Both state and non-state actors can use them to damage or destroy warships, merchant vessels, and tankers by blocking access to harbours and ports.

The plan to acquire 12 MCMVs started in 2005. Goa Shipyard had partnered with South Korea’s Kangnam to build the vessels.

But the project, worth ₹32,000 crore, was cancelled by the Ministry of Defence in 2017-18 after disagreements over cost, technology transfer, and build strategy.

New ships to include advanced mine detection systems

Each MCMV will weigh around 900-1,000 tonnes and feature a non-magnetic hull. The ships will use high-definition sonar, acoustic and magnetic sweeps to locate mines.

Remote-controlled underwater vehicles will then detonate the mines from a safe distance.

Part of larger naval expansion plan

The Indian Navy, which has over 130 warships, recently played a key role in Operation Sindoor by forward-deploying the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, other warships, and submarines in the northern Arabian Sea to deter Pakistan.

Currently, 60 warships and vessels are being built in Indian shipyards. The Navy will also commission INS Tamal, its second 3,900-tonne multi-role frigate built in Russia, next month in Kaliningrad.

The Navy has also received initial approvals for 31 more warships, including seven new-generation frigates, eight corvettes, and six stealth submarines.

However, due to delays in shipbuilding and retirement of older vessels, the Navy is expected to reach a fleet size of only around 160 warships by 2030. (Economic Times)

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The Customs Trade Union Alliance today filed a complaint with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) over recent claims that several cargo ships that arrived in Sri Lanka had been reportedly turned back due to delays in container clearance.

Speaking to reporters, President of the Alliance Amila Sanjeeva said that investigations were conducted into the claims, adding that the Harbour Master’s Office which monitors ships has confirmed no ships have been turned away. 

Stating that ships may have been turned away due to logistical issues, which were common occurrences, Amila Sanjeeva said, however, no ship had been turned away due to delays in container clearance.

He further said that the CID has been requested to conduct a comprehensive investigation to identify who had spread such false information, including to the President, and the Minister and Deputy Minister of Ports. (Newswire)

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Indian Coast Guard Ships Samarth, an Offshore Patrol Vessel and Abhinav, a Fast Patrol Vessel have arrived in Sri Lanka.

According to the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, the vessels arrived at Galle on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

The ships will stay till March 01, 2024, and then visit Colombo from 02-05 March 2024 before departing the Island. 

The Commanding Officers of the Indian Coast Guard Ships, Deputy Inspector General P Pradeep Kumar and Commandant (JG) Prabhat Kumar will be calling on the Director General Sri Lanka Coast Guard and other senior officers.

During the stay, the ships will undertake training for the Sri Lanka Coast Guard on VBSS, Fire Fighting and Damage Control, Maritime Pollution Response and hold a few other professional interactions. Further, activities such as yoga, beach cleaning and a walkathon will also be held during the visit. In addition, Passage Exercise (PASSEX) will be conducted with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard Ship, on departure, off Galle and Colombo.

To further the people-to-people connection and awareness about the Indian Coast Guard and its capability, the ships will be open for visit by school children. The ships would host a reception onboard for guests from Sri Lanka including senior officials from defence hierarchy and civil administration.

The visit of these Indian Coast Guard Ships will significantly aid in augmenting the capabilities of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and personnel to efficiently address maritime security challenges in the region.

Indian Naval Ships and Submarines Kora, Kabra and Karanj had visited Colombo in the past few months. Visits by Indian Navy and Coast Guard vessels to Sri Lanka aim to enhance camaraderie and interoperability between the two friendly neighbouring Navies, which is in keeping with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine and ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. (NewsWire)

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