Indian Navy tries again to procure minehunters, but this time it goes futuristic
INS Kozhikode was the last minesweeper vessel in the Indian Navy, with the Russian-built Karwar class all retired from 2017-19. (Photo: IN)
The Indian Navy is looking to the future with MCMVs that integrate a lot of autonomous technology. Meanwhile, other construction projects, such as ASWSWCs and survey vessels, are proceeding.
India’s MoD issued a 115-page RfI for a dozen mine countermeasures vessels (MCMV) for the Indian Navy (IN) in August. This is the latest act in a string of fizzled efforts to obtain such vessels.
The IN is currently without a single MCMV due to the retirement of older vessels and failed tenders. In fact, the IN has not had any MCMVs since it retired its last Karwar-class vessel on 13 April 2019.
The new RfI decrees that the 12 MCMVs will be built by two Indian shipyards, split in a ratio of eight for one and four for
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Will the US Navy surge production for OTH-WS missile?]()
Will the US Navy surge production for OTH-WS missile?
The USN is conducting a market search seeking additional sources capable of supplying 516 units of Over the Horizon – Weapons System Encanistered Missiles.
-
![How will SAFE shape naval procurement for Canada and its highest-receiving members?]()
How will SAFE shape naval procurement for Canada and its highest-receiving members?
Canada’s inclusion on the EU’s Security Action for Europe initiative is set to enhance the country’s defence procurement strategy with important implications for some of its naval programmes, while Poland and Romania have also secured significant SAFE funding.
-
![Thales wins DE&S contract for portable autonomous command centres]()
Thales wins DE&S contract for portable autonomous command centres
The agreement to provide portable autonomous command centres to the UK Royal Navy will enhance the service’s Mine Counter Measure operations and further integrate autonomous and uncrewed systems into its fleet.
-
![Maritime defence in the Mediterranean faces challenges from vulnerable land power]()
Maritime defence in the Mediterranean faces challenges from vulnerable land power
As an indispensable energy crossroads, the Mediterranean is at serious risk from grey zone disruption. As navies increasingly employ AI data centres, what happens when cutting-edge defence technologies rely on the very infrastructure most susceptible to hybrid tactics?
