India's Naval Harbour Defence Upgrade: A Layered Approach to Surveillance

India's Naval Harbour Defence Upgrade: A Layered Approach to Surveillance\n\nThe Indian Navy has taken a significant step towards enhancing its harbour defence capabilities by issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for an advanced Indigenous Harbour Defence System (IHDS). The proposed system aims to provide an integrated surveillance of the approaches to all major naval harbours, leveraging a layered architecture that combines multiple sensors and systems.\n\nAt the heart of the IHDS is a shore-based command and control system, which will serve as the nerve centre for harbour surveillance. The system will be equipped with advanced diver detection sonar, high-resolution surface surveillance radar, electro-optical systems, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).\n\nThe radar, in particular, is a critical component of the IHDS. The RFP specifies that the radar must have an instrumented range of at least 150 km and function in the X-band (8–12 GHz). The radar will be used for over-the-horizon surface surveillance and must supply the target’s position and details of its movement. It must also be capable of automatically tracking at least 50 targets simultaneously, with a tracking accuracy of no more than 50 metres in range and 0.3 degrees in azimuth.\n\nIn addition to the radar, the IHDS will also feature adaptive clutter cancellation to handle clutter caused by rain, sea, and the atmosphere. The system must be able to detect and track micro, mini, and small drones without affecting its capability of detecting larger surface targets. The required detection ranges are at least 4 km for micro drones, 5 km for mini drones, and 6 km for small drones.\n\nThe IHDS will also supply target designation data to surface-to-surface missile and anti-submarine warfare fire-control systems when required. It can connect with Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment and pass on information about the surface environment to a Combat Management System. The system will have operator consoles featuring a human-machine interface, and the radar will be capable of providing target simulation for the purpose of training operators.\n\nThe proposed IHDS is a significant upgrade to the Indian Navy's harbour defence capabilities. The layered architecture and advanced sensors and systems will enable the Navy to detect and track multiple targets simultaneously, with high accuracy and precision. This will enhance the Navy's ability to protect its harbours and assets from various threats, including small boats, swimmers, and drones.\n\nThe IHDS is expected to play a critical role in enhancing the Indian Navy's harbour defence capabilities. The proposed system will provide a robust and reliable surveillance system that can detect and track multiple targets simultaneously, with high accuracy and precision. This will enable the Navy to respond quickly and effectively to various threats, and protect its harbours and assets.\n\nIn conclusion, the Indian Navy's harbour defence upgrade is a significant step towards enhancing its capabilities. The proposed IHDS is a layered approach to surveillance that combines multiple sensors and systems to detect and track multiple targets simultaneously, with high accuracy and precision. This will enable the Navy to protect its harbours and assets from various threats, and enhance its overall harbour defence capabilities.