IIT Delhi, Indian Navy sign MoU for crew-centred aspects of warship design

In a major step towards strengthening defence related research and innovation, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, and the Indian Navy signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Thursday. The collaboration aims to foster joint research projects, promote indigenous technology development and support innovation in areas of mutual interest.

The MoU was signed at the Delhi IIT in the presence of senior officials from both institutions. Under this partnership, the two institutions would collaborate on the creation of a research and design centre, which would cater to improving the quality of life (QoL) on board Indian naval ships through design interventions.

Speaking about the MoU with the Delhi IIT, Rear Admiral Arvind Rawal, Asst Chief of Materiel (Dockyard & Refit), Indian Navy, said, “This MoU marks a significant step forward in our shared endeavour to make Indian warships not just formidable in combat, but also exemplary in terms of crew comfort, efficiency and habitability. Through this partnership, we are joining hands with one of the nation’s premier academic institutions to build subject matter expertise in crew-centric warship design. The initiative introduces a scientific, process-based approach to habitability bringing in the disciplines of ergonomics, human factors and design optimisation into naval architecture.”

Prof Rangan Banerjee, Director, Delhi IIT, said, “We are delighted to be working with the Indian Navy to improve the comfort conditions for our naval officers and crew using the latest scientific design tools and techniques. This MoU will broaden IIT Delhi’s existing links with the Navy in underwater and electronics and postgraduate programme in naval construction.”

The MoU marks another milestone in the Indian Navy’s ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration with academic institutions to harness technology and research for operational excellence.