The Indian Navy has formalized a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna defense public sector undertaking, for the implementation of the National Maritime Domain Awareness (NMDA) Project. This project is geared towards strengthening maritime and coastal security through enhanced data integration, analysis, and information sharing among stakeholders. The contract was signed on July 8, 2025, in the presence of Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, and Manoj Jain, the Chairman and Managing Director of BEL.
The NMDA project aims to create an integrated approach to data collection, analysis, and information dissemination among various maritime stakeholders. It involves upgrading the existing National Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence (NC3I) Network to the NMDA Network. A key component of this upgrade is the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled software.
As part of the NMDA project, the Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC) in Gurugram, which currently serves as the nodal center for the NC3I Network, will be transformed into a Multi-Agency NMDA Centre. This upgraded center will host representatives from various national agencies, fostering greater coordination and real-time information sharing.
The project will be executed on a 'Turnkey Basis' and administered by the Indian Navy. This approach signifies that BEL will be responsible for the complete execution of the project, from start to finish, ensuring a seamless transition and integration of the new NMDA capabilities.
The NMDA project is expected to significantly enhance India's maritime surveillance capabilities and bolster national security in the maritime domain. By integrating data from multiple sources and applying AI-driven analytics, the Indian Navy and other maritime stakeholders will gain a more comprehensive and real-time understanding of activities in India's maritime zones. This enhanced awareness will facilitate more effective responses to potential threats and contribute to overall maritime security.
