Future of Indian navy anchored in self reliance: Navy chief

Stressing that the future of Indian Navy is anchored in self-reliance, its chief Admiral R K Dhowan today said in times to come all ships, submarines, aircraft and helicopters of the force will be manufactured domestically either by Indian companies or in collaboration with foreign players.
"All our 46 ships and submarines, under construction, are being build in Indian shipyards, both private and public. But this is only scratching the surface," he said inaugurating a international seminar on Navy and 'Make in India' organised jointly by the force and FICCI.
He said under the Maritime Security and Perspective Plan of the Indian Navy till 2027, "all our ships and submarines are intended to be build in India.

"There is a large scope for public and private sectors," he said.
Dhowan also said Navy is focused on indigensation of its aviation wing.
"Indian Navy has 224 aircraft and helicopters and the naval aviation is on the threshold of transformation because future aircraft and helicopters will be made in India with collaboration," he said.

He said the next generation of multi-role helicopters for Indian Navy will also be manufactured through the Make in India route.
Asked about the much delayed P75-I project to build the the next six conventional submarines with enhanced features, the Navy chief said the matter is pending with the Defence Ministry which has given it "top priority".

Replying to queries about plans to get heavy weight torpedos for Scorpene submarines, from a subsidiary of scandal-hit Italian firm Finmeccanica, he said the Defence Ministry will take the final call.
Asked about alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, a former Indian Navy officer arrested by Pakistan, the Naval chief said, "I don't remember anything of him. I only know he had served the Navy and after he left, we have no contact with him".
Meanwhile, NITI Ayog CEO Amitabh Kant said for a growth of 9-10 per cent over three decades, Indian manufacturing sector needs to grow at 14-15 per cent and defence needs to be the frontrunner.

Citing the example of the US, he said, if India has to become a great innovative society, private manufacturers need to come forward and flourish.
No doubt in my mind that defence and aerospace will be the harbinger of 'Make in India' initiative, he said.