Crown Defence has announced a strategic expansion of its maritime business, broadening its focus from maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services to shipbuilding support, turnkey refits and systems integration for India’s naval sector.
The company said the expansion builds on nearly five decades of experience supporting the Indian Navy and will be carried out through its maritime subsidiaries, Dynatron Services (DSPL) and OSK India (OIPL). The move is aimed at increasing the group’s participation in shipbuilding, modular construction, naval modernisation and systems integration programmes.
According to the company, its operations now extend across several major Indian shipyards, including Larsen & Toubro’s Kattupalli facility, Cochin Shipyard Limited, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and Goa Shipyard Limited. The company said it is involved in hull block construction, modular fabrication, engineering support and mechanical integration activities for various naval platforms.
Crown Defence stated that its maritime operations currently support twelve shipyards and naval repair facilities across the country. The company highlighted its previous work on guarantee refits for aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, including the indigenisation of pumping and firefighting systems, as well as support for refit and electronics modernisation programmes for EKM-class submarines.
In the MRO segment, the company said it continues to provide services for propulsion systems, marine electronics, hydraulics, main engines and other onboard equipment. Through OIPL, it claims to have repaired more than 1,000 electronic modules over the past five years, including systems related to radar, electronic warfare and weapon control.
The company also said it is exploring localisation opportunities under the Make in India initiative, including potential projects involving Integrated Bridge Systems and Reverse Osmosis Plants for future naval and Coast Guard requirements.
Commenting on the expansion, Commodore Rakesh Anand (Retd.), Head of Marine at Crown Defence and former Chairman and Managing Director of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, said the company’s entry into turnkey refits, modular construction and systems integration reflects evolving requirements in the maritime sector. Vice Admiral Paras Nath (Retd.), Group President, said efficient platform upgrades and sustainment are increasingly important for maritime readiness.
As part of its long-term plans, Crown Defence said it is evaluating partnerships and acquisition opportunities related to shipyard infrastructure, including dry docks, fabrication facilities and berthing spaces, to strengthen its presence in shipbuilding and naval support services.
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