Indian Navy is a technology intensive force which has invested significant efforts to remain abreast of technological developments. Towards this end, IN endeavours are founded in the MoD’s AI Task Force Report of 2018, in partnership with industry, academia and DRDO/ R&D laboratories.
The release of Unmanned Systems Roadmap is a key enabler towards this end. This roadmap provides a clear plan for induction of autonomous systems, including indigenous developments.
Data is an important starting point for AI driven technologies. Towards this end, the navy has promulgated a Policy on Data Governance and Management including a Common Data Framework in May this year. This policy sets into motion enterprise level Data Unification and Analytics in all spheres of its activities for creating trusted data sets, which can be used for both analytics and AI/ ML.
We have made considerable progress with respect to digitisation and new technologies. We are in the process of releasing our Digital Vision 2.0.
While the RFP for P-75(I) programme has been issued, analysts believe that it is the case of too little too late. The technology would be obsolete by the time it is inducted, hence navy should instead invest in nuclear-powered submarines. What do you think about this?
Submarine construction is a complex activity, wherein the equipment envisaged for induction on-board are selected considering the present technology, availability of product support and feasibility of up-gradation in future. Thereafter, regular upgrades or replacement of the equipment is undertaken as part of obsolescence management to remain abreast of developments and emerging technologies.