Indian Navy Installs Homegrown AI Software to Allow Warships to Sail Themselves at Sea

The Indian Navy's first domestic autonomous navigation system, which allows unmanned vessels to operate safely and independently in high-risk maritime zones, is a significant boost to Atma Nirbhar Bharat.

The Indian Navy has effectively created and implemented domestic software that enables unmanned surface warships to function independently at sea.

The Navy's Weapons and Electrical Engineering Systems Establishment (WESEE) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) collaborated to develop the Advanced Autonomous Navigation & Control Software (A2NCS). The software's operational capabilities have been demonstrated by its integration into the Navy's Fast Interceptor Boat (FIB), which has already been used for combat drills and mine countermeasure missions.

BEL claims that the software allows the boat to operate completely independently while guaranteeing safety, especially in areas with heavy marine traffic. Three modes of operation are supported by the A2NCS:

The system has several operating modes, such as a fully autonomous mode where the onboard software takes full control of navigation and mission execution, an autonomous waypoint navigation mode that enables the vessel to move independently within a predetermined area, and a remote-controlled mode that allows operators to steer the vessel from a distance.

The program monitors its environment and steers clear of obstacles using a network of sensors, including radar, AIS, EO/IR sensors, INS, GPS, and electronic navigation charts (ENC). Cyber resilience, AI-driven situational awareness, and fail-safe operating features are also included.

A2NCS is the first locally built USV software in India to be approved for quality and dependability after receiving IRClass certification from the Indian Register of Shipping. The accreditation came after lengthy sea tests that evaluated the software's safety features and conformity with international collision standards (COLREGs). The "Atma Nirbhar Bharat" project and India's domestic defense capabilities are strengthened by the development and implementation of A2NCS.