New Delhi: Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) and Cyient DLM have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop and manufacture indigenous navigation, communication and ship electronics systems for India’s maritime and defence sectors.
The partnership aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities, increase the use of locally developed technologies in Indian-built ships and reduce the country’s dependence on imported maritime equipment.
The MoU was exchanged by Capt. Ganti Venkateswarlu, Director (Shipbuilding), HSL, and Rajendra Velagapudi, Managing Director and CEO of Cyient DLM, during the CII Partnership Summit.
The event was attended by Nara Lokesh, Andhra Pradesh Minister for IT, Electronics and Communications, and Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister for Civil Aviation.
HSL and Cyient DLM to Develop Indigenous Maritime Technologies
Under the proposed collaboration, HSL and Cyient DLM will explore the indigenous design, development and manufacturing of a range of critical shipboard systems.
The key equipment and technologies covered under the partnership include:
- Navigation and solid-state radars
- Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS)
- Autopilot systems
- Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems (GMDSS)
- Fleet Broadband communication systems
- Voyage Data Recorders (VDRs)
- Weather monitoring systems
- Helicopter landing aids
The collaboration will focus on developing domestic alternatives for these critical systems and integrating them into ships constructed by HSL.
Initial Deployment Planned on 18 Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels
The first phase of the partnership is expected to cover 18 Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels (NGFPVs). These vessels will serve as the initial platforms for integrating the jointly developed indigenous navigation, communication and electronic systems.
Before deployment, the two companies will identify priority equipment and establish joint design and testing teams.
The proposed systems will also undergo the necessary naval and classification-related qualification processes to ensure they meet the required technical and operational standards.
Partnership to Strengthen India’s Domestic Defence Manufacturing
The HSL-Cyient DLM partnership is expected to increase the domestic content of ships built by HSL and strengthen India’s maritime electronics supply chain.
The initiative is also expected to deliver several benefits, including:
- Reduced dependence on imported maritime equipment.
- Improved security and reliability of domestic supply chains.
- Shorter equipment procurement lead times.
- Lower equipment lifecycle costs.
- Increased participation of Indian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
- New business opportunities for domestic deep-tech and maritime electronics companies.
By encouraging indigenous development and manufacturing, the collaboration is expected to support the growth of India’s domestic maritime and defence technology ecosystem.
HSL and Cyient DLM Leadership on Strategic Collaboration
Commenting on the partnership, R Adm C Raghuram, VSM (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director of HSL, said the collaboration would help ensure that ships built by the company increasingly incorporate indigenously developed radar, navigation and communication technologies.
Rajendra Velagapudi, Managing Director and CEO of Cyient DLM, said the partnership would bring together the complementary strengths of both companies to develop indigenous technology and manufacturing capabilities for India’s maritime and defence ecosystem.
MoU Aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat Initiative
The strategic collaboration aligns with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and its broader efforts to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing.
By promoting the localisation of critical maritime technologies, the partnership aims to reduce India’s reliance on imported equipment and encourage greater participation of Indian companies in the development of advanced defence and shipboard systems.
The initiative also represents a step towards building a stronger domestic supply chain for India’s maritime and defence requirements.
About Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL)
Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) is a public sector shipbuilding and ship-repair company under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Headquartered in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, HSL is engaged in the construction, repair and refit of ships and submarines. The company plays an important role in supporting India’s maritime and defence requirements through indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.
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