*Examine the role of PSU shipyards and MSMEs in India's naval modernisation.*

Q. Examine the role of PSU shipyards and MSMEs in India's naval modernisation. (15 marks, 250 words)

India's naval modernisation now rests on an indigenous industrial base rather than imports. The delivery of six Project 17A (Nilgiri-class) stealth frigates within 17 months — the sixth, Mahendragiri, handed over in April 2026 — shows how PSU shipyards and MSMEs jointly anchor Aatmanirbharta in warship building [1].

Role of PSU shipyards - Backbone of design-to-delivery: Warship Design Bureau designs, while MDL (Mumbai) and GRSE (Kolkata) build the 7 P17A frigates (4+3) — the first twin-yard induction of major warships [2]. - Cycle-time gains: Integrated Construction philosophy compressed build times historically criticised for delays, yielding six deliveries in under 17 months [1]. - Technology absorption: mastery of stealth (RCS reduction), IPMS automation and CODOG propulsion moves India up the warship value chain [1].

Role of MSMEs - Indigenisation engine: over 200 MSMEs at MDL drove 75% indigenous content, reducing import dependence in capital platforms [1]. - Employment & ecosystem: ~4,000 direct and over 10,000 indirect jobs, deepening a distributed defence supply chain [1]. - Innovation feeders: MSMEs supply sub-systems and components that anchor a resilient vendor base for future programmes.

Together, PSU shipyards and MSMEs form a symbiotic ecosystem — yards providing scale and integration, MSMEs providing indigenous depth. Sustaining a steady order pipeline, easing MSME finance, and expanding design capacity would consolidate this model, advancing Make in India–Defence and India's blue-water ambitions under SAGAR.

(~250 words)

Sources: 1. Delivery of Project 17A Stealth Frigate 'Mahendragiri' — PIB (30 Apr 2026) — 75% indigenous content, 200+ MSMEs, ~4,000 direct/10,000 indirect jobs, six deliveries in 17 months, IPMS/CODOG, Integrated Construction 2. MDL Delivers Fourth Project-17A Frigate 'Mahendragiri' to Indian Navy — PIB — MDL–GRSE split (4+3), 7-ship programme, twin-yard construction