We Are Looking at Building a Coalition of Partners in India: Khalil Rahman
Germany is participating in the Indian Navy’s efforts to equip itself against threats from the Chinese as well as Pakistani submarines in the Indian Ocean. Germany-based Atlas Elektronik is participating in Indian Navy’s key upgrade programs for its existing surface and underwater target torpedoes and will be delivering active towed array sonars. Atlas Elektronik, which set up a wholly-owned subsidiary in India in 2013, has so far won the two medium-sized contracts including the upgrade of 64 SUT (surface and underwater target) torpedoes and for supplying six Active Towed Array Sonars (ATAS). Huma Siddiqui spoke with Khalil Rahman, CEO, Atlas Elektronik India. Excerpts:
Your company has been working with the Indian Navy—how do you now plan to be part of our Prime Minister’s Make In India & Skill India initiatives?
Make in India campaign is a right step towards boosting India’s manufacturing sector. It is no secret that the Indian government wants to create a large indigenous manufacturing base in the country. One of our aims in the country is to develop an indigenous solution in different areas, which enables us to compete in the Indian market. Atlas’s strategy of expanding its industrial footprint in India is in line with the Indian government’s Make in India policy.
Atlas Elektronik India is looking at building a coalition of partners in India that will include both the public sector and the private sector, the shipyards and indeed organizations like DRDO to help the Indian industry to develop localized solutions or solutions that are adapted to the needs of the Indian market.
Which are the programs you are involved in?
Atlas Elektronik GmbH is looking forward to compete on some of the ambitious Indian navy programs in the areas of sonars and torpedoes apart from the long-term expansion programs.
The MCM program with 12 ships to be built by GSL is of particular interest to Atlas Elektronik. Atlas is one of the global leaders in Mince Counter Measures and have supplied our equipment to various Navies, even where an Indigenous capability exists. (Eg USA, Sweden).
In the ASW area we will be bidding for the buy and make Indian program of IADS. This which is an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) suite consisting of a sonar, a decoy and a fire control system, it will equip P15B and P17A ships. The RFP is not yet released, but is expected soon, according to the Navy.
We are also bidding for 16 shallow watercraft. Atlas Elektronik has provided offers for the sonar systems for 16 shallow water ASW craft to the various Indian Shipyards that are bidding for the project. Each of these 16 ships will be equipped with a hull mounted sonar and low frequency variable depth sonar (LFVDS). This is a specialized ASW craft designed to operate in littoral waters. The project is undergoing and we the Indian Navy will be undertaking trials shortly.
What opportunities do you see for Atlas Elektronik in India?
ATLAS is focusing on the long-term torpedo market and is working towards producing an indigenized version of the Sea-Hake In conjunction with Indian public and private entities, Atlas Elektronik will be happy to offer the Indian Navy an indigenized heavy weight Torpedo.
Besides, AE invests heavily in R&D. Some of the latest developments include the new ISUS 100 integrated Submarine suite and Mine Counter Measure Systems. AE is the undisputed technology and world market leader in command and weapon control systems for non-nuclear submarines. Our “Integrated Sensor Underwater System” (ISUS®) is based on many years of experience and can easily be adapted to suit individual customer requirements and diverse operational scenarios. It enables the submarine crew to fully perceive their surroundings and to analyse the situation in detail, permitting a rapid and reliable response.
Have you identified any programs which could be produced jointly here in India?
We have various partnerships for “Buy and Make Indian programs” whereby the products will be produced in India. The Portable Diver Detection sonar and IADS are two examples. In the Torpedo our goal is the provision of an indigenous Heavy Weight Torpedo and in this regard we are talking to Indian Industry.