India's Naval SATCOM Upgrade: A Step Towards Indigenisation

India's Naval SATCOM Upgrade: A Step Towards Indigenisation\n\nThe Indian Navy has taken a significant step towards indigenisation by launching a Make-II programme for its own ship-based Rukmani satellite communication terminals. The programme aims to replace the existing imported C- and Ku-band SATCOM hardware used onboard naval ships with indigenous terminals.\n\nAs part of the programme, the Indian Navy has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) inviting Indian industry to develop and manufacture the Rukmani SATCOM terminals. The EoI requires three terminal configurations: C-band Large Ship SATCOM Terminal, Ku-band Large Ship SATCOM Terminal, and Ku-band Small Ship SATCOM Terminal.\n\nThe terminals are expected to deliver satellite-based links for naval ships, with the system capable of coping with the challenging maritime environment. The Navy's existing C- and Ku-band ship SATCOM equipment has been sourced from overseas manufacturers, and indigenous development is intended to reduce reliance on imported hardware while building domestic expertise in naval satellite communications.\n\nThe project carries a minimum 50% indigenous-content requirement on a cost basis, including embedded software. The EoI is also reserved for Indian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at the initial stage. If less than two MSMEs respond, the Navy can look to other firms.\n\nThis gives smaller technology firms in India an opportunity to develop a relatively specialised naval communication system before the eventual procurement moves into the production phase. The Rukmani requirement has been part of India's naval indigenisation effort for several years. Earlier government documentation identified C- and Ku-band Rukmani terminals as an area in which private industry participation was sought.\n\nThe terminals are required to have a 10-year service life and undergo trials that simulate the movement of a ship, including roll and pitch. This requirement is important in that naval SATCOM antennas and their associated electronics must keep up reliable satellite links despite the continuous movement of the host vessel.\n\nThe final system will consequently require suitable antenna pointing, tracking, stabilisation, and communications performance under maritime conditions. The Navy has scheduled a pre-response meeting for September 29, 2026, with responses to the EoI due by October 24, 2026.\n\nThe prototype development period is expected to run for around 30 months, followed by user trials. Successful completion would then lead to a commercial Request for Proposal (RFP) and subsequent contract for production.\n\nThe Indian Navy's decision to develop indigenous Rukmani SATCOM terminals is a significant step towards reducing its reliance on imported hardware and building domestic expertise in naval satellite communications. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the country's defence industry and contribute to the development of a robust and self-sufficient defence ecosystem.\n\nThe successful development and deployment of indigenous Rukmani SATCOM terminals will not only enhance the Indian Navy's communication capabilities but also provide a boost to the country's defence manufacturing sector.\n\nIn conclusion, the Indian Navy's Make-II programme for indigenous Rukmani SATCOM terminals is a significant step towards indigenisation and self-sufficiency in defence production. The programme's focus on developing indigenous capabilities and reducing reliance on imported hardware is expected to have a positive impact on the country's defence industry and contribute to the development of a robust and self-sufficient defence ecosystem.