Cyient DLM–Hindustan Shipyard Partnership Targets Indigenous Radars, Navigation and Communication Systems

Hyderabad-based defence electronics manufacturer Cyient DLM Limited and Visakhapatnam-based Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the indigenous development and manufacturing of advanced navigation, communication and electronic systems for Indian maritime and defence platforms. The agreement brings together Hindustan Shipyard’s shipbuilding and platform integration capabilities with Cyient DLM’s expertise in mission-critical electronics, embedded systems, precision manufacturing and product lifecycle support.

The MoU was exchanged during the CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam on November 13, 2026, and formally disclosed by Cyient DLM to the stock exchanges on November 14. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation in developing indigenous alternatives to shipboard electronic systems, including navigation and solid-state radars, Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), autopilot systems, Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems (GMDSS), Fleet Broadband communication equipment, Voyage Data Recorders, weather monitoring systems and helicopter landing aids.

The collaboration also identifies 18 Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels as potential initial platforms for integrating jointly developed systems. The proposed programme will involve identifying priority equipment, undertaking design and development activities, conducting technical testing and completing the necessary qualification processes before the systems are considered for installation aboard maritime platforms.

Agreement Signed During CII Partnership Summit

The agreement was exchanged by Captain Ganti Venkateswarlu, Director (Shipbuilding) at Hindustan Shipyard Limited, and Rajendra Velagapudi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Cyient DLM, in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications Nara Lokesh and Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu.

Hindustan Shipyard Limited, a Miniratna Category-I defence public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, possesses established capabilities in shipbuilding, ship repair, submarine refits and the integration of complex maritime platforms. The Visakhapatnam-based shipyard has experience in the construction and maintenance of vessels for Indian maritime organisations, making it an important participant in the country’s naval and maritime industrial ecosystem.

Cyient DLM is an integrated electronics manufacturing company specialising in design-led manufacturing, embedded electronics, power electronics, precision machining, testing and certification support. Its operations include the production of mission-critical electronic systems for highly regulated industries, including aerospace and defence. The collaboration seeks to combine these complementary capabilities to develop domestically manufactured electronic equipment suited to the operational and technical requirements of Indian maritime platforms.

Indigenous Navigation and Solid-State Radar Systems

One of the principal areas identified under the collaboration is the indigenous development and manufacturing of navigation and solid-state radar systems for maritime platforms. Marine navigation radars are essential for detecting nearby vessels, coastlines, obstacles and other objects that may present navigational hazards. These systems support safe vessel movement in coastal waters, congested shipping routes, ports and challenging weather conditions, making them important components of modern shipboard navigation equipment.

Solid-state radar technologies employ semiconductor-based electronic components for radio-frequency generation and signal processing. Depending on their design, these technologies can offer advantages in equipment reliability, maintenance requirements and operational efficiency. Their incorporation into maritime platforms requires specialised electronics, signal-processing capabilities, equipment integration and compliance with applicable marine operating standards.

Under the proposed partnership, Cyient DLM and Hindustan Shipyard will examine opportunities to combine electronics manufacturing expertise with practical knowledge of shipboard equipment requirements. The collaboration is intended to strengthen domestic capabilities in the development and production of radar equipment for vessels constructed and maintained in India, contributing to the broader objective of indigenising important maritime electronic systems.

Electronic Chart Display and Autopilot Technologies

The agreement also covers the development of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems, commonly known as ECDIS, which are used for electronic navigation, route planning and voyage monitoring. These systems integrate electronic navigational charts with information concerning a vessel’s position, heading and other navigation parameters, enabling navigators to monitor planned routes and identify potential hazards. ECDIS forms an important component of modern maritime navigation, particularly aboard vessels operating across complex coastal and international shipping environments.

Autopilot technologies constitute another area of cooperation identified in the agreement. These systems automatically maintain a vessel’s selected heading or support steering functions according to navigational inputs, reducing the need for continuous manual steering under appropriate operating conditions. Modern autopilot equipment integrates sensors, electronic control systems and steering interfaces to support vessel navigation.

The proposed collaboration will examine opportunities for the indigenous design and manufacturing of these technologies by combining Cyient DLM’s embedded electronics expertise with Hindustan Shipyard’s shipbuilding and platform integration capabilities. The development of domestic navigation and control systems is an important aspect of strengthening India’s maritime electronics manufacturing ecosystem.

Maritime Communication and Distress Safety Systems

The collaboration extends to Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems and Fleet Broadband communication equipment, both of which perform important functions in maritime safety and vessel connectivity. The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System is an internationally established framework incorporating communication technologies and operational procedures intended to facilitate distress alerting and the dissemination of maritime safety information. It supports communication between vessels, coastal authorities and relevant maritime safety organisations.

Fleet Broadband equipment provides satellite-based voice and data communications for ships operating at sea. Such systems enable vessels to maintain connectivity beyond the coverage of conventional coastal communication networks and support a range of operational, administrative and safety-related requirements. Reliable maritime communication equipment is particularly important for vessels operating over extended distances or in areas where shore-based communication infrastructure is unavailable.

Cyient DLM and Hindustan Shipyard will evaluate opportunities to develop and manufacture communication systems suited to Indian maritime requirements. The proposed activities will draw upon capabilities in embedded electronics, equipment integration, testing and lifecycle support, with the objective of strengthening the domestic availability of important shipboard communication technologies.

Voyage Data Recorders and Weather Monitoring Equipment

Voyage Data Recorders are another category of maritime equipment included in the agreement. These systems record selected information concerning a vessel’s operation, including navigation parameters, bridge audio and other prescribed data. They perform a function comparable in principle to flight data recording equipment used in aviation and are particularly important for accident investigation, operational analysis and compliance with applicable maritime safety requirements.

The agreement also identifies weather monitoring systems for potential indigenous development. These systems collect and present information concerning atmospheric and environmental conditions relevant to maritime operations, including wind and other weather parameters. Such information assists vessel crews in assessing operating conditions and supports safe navigation and maritime activities.

The proposed cooperation will examine the design, manufacturing and testing of these electronic systems, including their integration with other shipboard equipment. By covering navigation, communication, operational recording and environmental monitoring technologies, the partnership addresses several interconnected components of modern maritime electronics.

Indigenous Helicopter Landing Aids

The agreement also includes helicopter landing aids used aboard maritime platforms equipped to support aviation operations. Shipborne helicopter operations require specialised equipment because the landing platform moves continuously in response to sea conditions, vessel manoeuvres and environmental factors. Helicopter landing aids may incorporate visual guidance, monitoring equipment and associated technologies designed to assist aviation activities from ships.

The development and integration of such systems require an understanding of maritime operating conditions, aviation requirements and the electronic equipment necessary to support safe flight-deck operations. Hindustan Shipyard’s experience in maritime platform construction and Cyient DLM’s expertise in electronics manufacturing provide complementary capabilities for examining these requirements.

The inclusion of helicopter landing technologies expands the proposed collaboration beyond conventional navigation and communication systems into specialised maritime aviation equipment. This represents an additional area through which the two organisations intend to explore indigenous technology development for Indian maritime platforms.

Initial Integration Proposed for 18 Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels

According to details released by Hindustan Shipyard and reported following the agreement, the proposed implementation programme identifies 18 Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels as potential initial platforms for the integration of indigenous electronic systems. The companies intend to begin by identifying priority equipment and establishing joint engineering and testing teams to examine the development requirements of selected technologies.

The programme will involve design activities, equipment testing and the relevant naval and classification-related qualification procedures before systems are considered for installation aboard vessels. Maritime electronics must operate reliably under demanding environmental conditions and remain compatible with a ship’s electrical, communication, navigation and operational architecture. These requirements make equipment integration and technical qualification important components of the proposed programme.

The identification of potential initial vessels provides a practical direction for the partnership by connecting indigenous electronics development with defined maritime platform requirements. The approach brings together product development, manufacturing expertise and shipboard integration capabilities within a common framework for cooperation.

Cooperation in Autonomous and Unmanned Maritime Systems

Beyond conventional shipboard equipment, the agreement also covers opportunities involving autonomous and unmanned maritime systems. These technologies incorporate electronic control equipment, embedded computing, navigation sensors, communication systems and software capable of supporting varying degrees of automated or remotely controlled vessel operation. Autonomous maritime technologies have applications in surveillance, hydrographic activities, maritime monitoring and specialised operational missions.

The development of these platforms requires close integration between vessel design, propulsion controls, navigation technologies, communication equipment and onboard electronic systems. Cyient DLM’s capabilities in embedded electronics and mission-critical manufacturing provide a basis for exploring the electronic technologies associated with such platforms, while Hindustan Shipyard contributes experience in vessel construction and maritime systems integration.

Through the MoU, the companies will evaluate potential areas of cooperation involving autonomous maritime technologies as part of the broader programme for indigenous electronics development. The inclusion of unmanned systems reflects the agreement’s emphasis on both established shipboard requirements and newer technologies relevant to maritime operations.

AI-Enabled Maintenance and Product Lifecycle Support

The collaboration also identifies opportunities involving artificial intelligence-enabled maintenance, equipment obsolescence management and product lifecycle support. Modern maritime platforms contain numerous electronic and electromechanical systems that require regular inspection, maintenance and technical assistance throughout their operational lives. Maintaining the reliability of these systems is an important part of ensuring the continued availability and effective operation of vessels.

AI-enabled maintenance technologies can analyse equipment data to identify performance trends, detect anomalies and assist maintenance planning. Such systems may support condition monitoring and help maintenance teams assess equipment performance using information generated during operation. Their application depends upon the availability of suitable equipment data, analytical systems and integration with established maintenance procedures.

Obsolescence management is another important area because maritime platforms frequently remain in service for extended periods, during which electronic components and technologies may become unavailable or require replacement. Domestic expertise in electronics manufacturing, redesign, testing and qualification can support the continued availability of shipboard systems throughout their operational lives.

By including maintenance and lifecycle support within the agreement, Cyient DLM and Hindustan Shipyard have identified opportunities extending beyond initial equipment development to the long-term technical requirements of maritime platforms. This broadens the scope of the partnership to include both manufacturing and the continued support of electronic systems.

Opportunities for Indian MSMEs and Maritime Technology Companies

The partnership is also relevant to India’s wider ecosystem of electronics manufacturers, engineering enterprises and specialised technology companies. The indigenous development of navigation, radar and communication equipment involves electronic components, precision assemblies, embedded software, testing infrastructure and specialised manufacturing processes. These activities draw upon capabilities distributed across several segments of the domestic industrial supply chain.

Indian micro, small and medium enterprises possess capabilities in electronics manufacturing, precision engineering, component production and specialised technical services. Such companies form an important part of the broader industrial ecosystem supporting advanced manufacturing activities in India.

Hindustan Shipyard has identified indigenous maritime electronics development as an opportunity to strengthen domestic supply chains and support Indian technology companies. The collaboration with Cyient DLM provides a framework for examining opportunities involving domestic suppliers and specialised engineering capabilities as the proposed development programmes progress.

The agreement therefore connects the technological requirements of maritime platforms with India’s broader electronics manufacturing ecosystem, supporting the national emphasis on developing indigenous industrial capabilities in strategically important sectors.

Strengthening India’s Maritime Defence Manufacturing Ecosystem

The Cyient DLM–Hindustan Shipyard agreement represents cooperation between an established defence public sector shipbuilder and an Indian private-sector electronics manufacturing company. The partnership combines experience in maritime platform construction, ship repair and equipment integration with capabilities in mission-critical electronics, embedded systems, precision manufacturing and product lifecycle support.

Rear Admiral C. Raghuram (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Shipyard Limited, described the agreement as a framework for combining the capabilities of both organisations in support of greater self-reliance and technology development. Rajendra Velagapudi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Cyient DLM, highlighted the opportunities offered by India’s maritime and defence ecosystem for strengthening indigenous technology and manufacturing capabilities.

The collaboration aligns with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and the continuing emphasis on increasing domestic participation in defence manufacturing. Its focus on navigation, communication, radar and other electronic systems addresses equipment categories that are important to the operation, safety and effectiveness of modern maritime platforms.

The partnership also demonstrates the complementary roles of public sector shipbuilders and private technology manufacturers in India’s defence industrial ecosystem. By combining platform-level experience with specialised electronics capabilities, the agreement establishes a common framework for cooperation in indigenous maritime technology development.

Conclusion

The partnership between Cyient DLM Limited and Hindustan Shipyard Limited marks an important step in India’s efforts to strengthen indigenous maritime and defence electronics capabilities. The collaboration brings together established shipbuilding expertise and advanced electronics manufacturing capabilities to pursue the development of Indian-made navigation, radar, communication and other essential shipboard systems.

The agreement’s broad technological scope, covering conventional maritime electronics, autonomous systems, AI-enabled maintenance and lifecycle support, reflects the growing importance of integrated domestic capabilities in modern shipbuilding. The identification of Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels as potential initial platforms also connects the proposed technology development activities with practical maritime applications.

The partnership highlights the increasingly important contribution of Indian private-sector companies to the country’s defence manufacturing ecosystem and demonstrates the value of cooperation with established defence public sector undertakings. By combining complementary strengths in engineering, manufacturing and maritime platform integration, the two organisations have established a foundation for advancing indigenous shipboard technologies.

The Cyient DLM–Hindustan Shipyard collaboration represents another positive development in India’s journey towards maritime technological self-reliance, bringing together Indian engineering expertise, advanced electronics manufacturing and established shipbuilding capabilities to strengthen the nation’s indigenous defence industrial ecosystem under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

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