India’s Naval Eyes Go AI: Navy-BEL Pact Launches Next-Gen Coastal Surveillance

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As a strategic step towards Indian naval defense, the Indian Navy signed a landmark agreement with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to implement the National Maritime Domain Awareness (NMDA) project. The project will transform India's coastal surveillance system through AI-based intelligence and multi-agency coordination.

Major Developments:

The NMDA project will transform the existing NC3I (National Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence) infrastructure into an AI-generated, real-time surveillance network.

BEL will execute the project on turnkey basis and be the prime integrator of software and hardware systems.

The current Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC) in Gurugram will be upgraded to a Multi-Agency NMDA Centre, where the Navy, Coast Guard, Intelligence Bureau, Customs, and Port Authorities will have representation.

Strategic Importance:

India's 7,500 km long coastline and 2 million sq km Exclusive Economic Zone require vigilant, real-time blue water observation.

NMDA network will combine data from satellites, coastal radars, AIS, and other sea sensors to detect threats like infiltration, smuggling, piracy, and illegal fishing.

The initiative is consistent with India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and invites Indo-Pacific maritime engagement.

BEL's Contribution:

As a dependable defence PSU, BEL will employ AI-enabled software for anomaly detection, tracking of ships, and predictive threat evaluation.

The project also consolidates BEL's leadership role as a key enabler of India's digital defence revolution.

Sources: Business Standard, The Internal News, Bharat Shakti, Groson Advisors, The Hindu