Strengthening India’s Naval Innovation through Indigenous Design
Dr. RV Hara Prasad, Distinguished Scientist and Director General of Naval Systems & Materials at DRDO, emphasized the importance of indigenous innovation in enhancing India’s naval capabilities at the “Ship Design Workshop to Promote Self-Reliance and Strengthen Indigenous Ship Design Ecosystem.”
The workshop, hosted at the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), aimed to align with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by integrating advanced technologies into naval systems.
The event brought together over 100 participants, including senior officers from the Indian Navy, representatives from Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), private shipyards, and academic institutions.
Dr. Prasad highlighted the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Digital Twin concepts in modern ship design. He also stressed the need for green technologies and energy-efficient propulsion systems to meet global environmental standards.
Key figures such as Rear Admiral Sujit Baxi, Director General of the Warship Design Bureau, and Dr. Abraham Varughese, Director of NSTL, attended the event. Dr. Prasad announced the upcoming Large Cavitation Tunnel facility at NSTL, aiming to enhance India’s global standing in ship model testing and hydrodynamics.
Rear Admiral Baxi lauded the initiative as a crucial step in fostering collaboration within India’s ship design ecosystem. He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to working with DRDO, industry partners, and academia to boost self-reliance in naval systems.
Dr. Varughese emphasized NSTL’s role in advancing ship hydrodynamics, underwater systems, and stealth technologies, noting the importance of the workshop in driving joint research and development efforts.
The workshop concluded with the release of the “Roadmap for Collaborative Ship Design Development,” outlining key areas such as digital design frameworks, AI-driven performance tools, and integrated testing infrastructure. This roadmap aims to unify the ship design sector and drive India’s progress toward greater self-reliance in naval technology.