How is the Coast Guard Chief Supporting Indigenisation and Innovation in Shipbuilding?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Indigenisation is crucial for enhancing operational readiness.
- The signing of the MoU fosters collaboration for innovation.
- The 200th indigenously built vessel showcases engineering excellence.
- Cybersecurity is a priority alongside digital expansion.
- Partnerships with local industries strengthen the defence sector.
New Delhi, Nov 27 (NationPress) In a bid to enhance the defence innovation ecosystem and expedite the process of indigenisation, the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Paramesh Sivamani, emphasized the importance of shipbuilding through indigenous design, a strong digital infrastructure, and resilient supply chains, as reported on Thursday.
During the inaugural Shipbuilding, Indigenisation and IT Conference held in Madikeri, Karnataka, the DG lauded the unwavering support from Indian shipyards and equipment manufacturers in augmenting the operational readiness of the ICG.
He pointed out the significant milestone of the 200th indigenously constructed vessel (the fourth Pollution Control Ship), which is presently undergoing sea trials.
This vessel stands as a testament to the technical skill and engineering excellence of the ICG's experts.
A noteworthy aspect of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the ICG and the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association along with the Defence Innovation and Atal Incubation Centre.
This collaboration aims to bolster the defence innovation ecosystem and fast-track indigenisation efforts through the Defence Innovation Hub situated in Coimbatore.
The DG ICG elaborated on the advancements of the Project Digital Coast Guard, a long-term initiative designed to establish a secure, scalable, and resilient digital framework for all ICG units, stressing that digital progress must be complemented with robust cybersecurity measures, according to a statement.
At the conference, he also unveiled three key documents: the teaser for the e-book titled ‘History of Shipbuilding in the Indian Coast Guard’, the Roadmap for Artificial Intelligence in ICG, and the ICG Cyber Crisis Management Plan-2025, each reinforcing the organization’s dedication to technological advancements, capacity building in the digital realm, and readiness for future challenges.
The conference provided a valuable platform for dialogue among stakeholders, aligning viewpoints, and fostering collaboration to shape the future needs of the ICG. It represented a significant step towards establishing a technologically advanced, operationally superior, and completely indigenous maritime force, as stated.
By gathering senior dignitaries, prominent shipyards, equipment manufacturers, classification societies, and experts from the maritime sector, the conference aimed to propel Aatmanirbhar Bharat, encourage technological innovation, and hasten the ICG’s digital transformation.