Author: Crown Group

Vice Admiral Paras Nath shares Crown Group Defence’s milestones, achievements, and future roadmap in this conversation.

Under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” and “Make in India” programmes, India’s defence industry is evolving quickly, with a focus on indigenisation, advanced technology, and self-reliance. Among the key players driving this change is Crown Group Defence, a New Delhi-headquartered conglomerate that has been a trusted partner to the Indian Navy, DRDO, and major shipyards for more than four decades.

Founded in 1978, Crown Group has built strong expertise through its five specialised companies in aerospace, marine, electronics, and AI-driven infrastructure. The Group recently showcased its end-to-end capabilities at Aero India 2025 and the Maritime India Conference 2025, bringing new developments in indigenous MRO, cyber-defence, and AI-powered surveillance systems.

At the helm is Vice Admiral Paras Nath (Retd) AVSM, VSM, Group President, Crown Group Defence, who is leading the company’s efforts to expand fleet support, naval weapons, avionics, and reverse engineering. In this conversation, he shares key milestones, achievements, and the Group’s future roadmap.

Crown Group has been a trusted strategic partner to the Indian Navy, DRDO, and major shipyards since 1978. Could you elaborate on the key milestones and achievements that have solidified this trust over the past decades?

Crown Group has supported the Indian Navy since 1978, forging strong ties with major OEMs and shipyards. Our Marine Division has contributed to crucial naval projects, including platforms 11335.6, 61ME, 1241 PE, 266ME, and 877 EKM.

Recent highlights include the successful repair and maintenance of an EKM submarine by Dynatron Services and OSK India, following earlier work on the INS Vikramaditya’s guarantee refit. Dynatron is now proposing guarantee refits for two new 1135.6 platforms, while OSK India has entered into technology transfer agreements to boost local manufacturing.

These efforts reflect our enduring commitment and trusted partnership with India’s maritime defence sector.

With five specialised companies spanning aerospace, marine, electronics, and AI-driven infrastructure, how does Crown Group ensure synergy and integrated solutions across these diverse verticals to meet the complex demands of the defence sector?

Crown Group achieves synergy among its five specialised companies by fostering close collaboration and forming cross-functional teams for projects across aerospace, marine, electronics, and AI infrastructure. For instance, OIPL maintains electronic components for the Army in Agra, while PCPL, since 2018, has provided authorised sales and service for Russian-origin tanks and indigenised T-90 cooling systems under government direction.

PCPL’s upcoming armoured vehicle simulators and plans to expand into MRO for armoured platforms further support the Make in India initiative. Regular cross-divisional teams coordinate on solutions such as drones, night vision equipment, and simulators, ensuring seamless integration to meet the defence sector’s complex demands.

The ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ missions are central to India’s defence strategy. How is Crown Group directly contributing to these initiatives, and what specific projects or capabilities exemplify your commitment to defence self-reliance?

Crown Group is fully aligned with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ missions through active localisation and indigenous capability development. We have set up avionics repair facilities and are advancing towards domestic overhaul of various aircraft. We are also establishing a PCB assembly unit and are in the process of securing an industrial licence to manufacture drones in India.

Our Marine Division, comprising Dynatron Services Pvt Ltd (DSPL) and OSK India Pvt Ltd (OIPL), is driving indigenisation across systems such as Integrated Bridge Systems, Kasatka and Karat-E firefighting units, and night vision devices. OIPL is currently pursuing an MoU to manufacture indigenous content for upcoming naval platforms expected under Indian Navy orders.

Additionally, our ongoing ship and submarine MRO work through DSPL and OIPL plays a critical role in sustaining indigenous readiness. These combined efforts highlight Crown Group’s deep-rooted commitment to advancing defence self-reliance.

At Aero India 2025 and the Maritime India Conference 2025, Crown Group unveiled advancements in indigenous MRO, cyber-defence, and AI-integrated surveillance systems. Could you provide more details on these advancements and their potential impact on India’s defence capabilities?

At the Maritime India Conference 2025, Crown Group’s Dynatron Services Pvt Ltd (DSPL) signed an MoU with Square Port Shipyard Pvt Ltd (SPSPL) in Dhabhol, a strategic step towards expanding indigenous MRO capabilities for existing and future naval platforms. A joint venture is also in the pipeline to further scale this initiative.

In parallel, Punj Corporation Pvt Ltd (PCPL) is actively supporting the overhaul of T-72 and T-90 tank engines in collaboration with Russian OEMs, ensuring technical support, quality certification, and spares for the next decade. PCPL has also responded to the Indian Army’s RFI for tank MRO projects.

On the technology front, Crown Group is developing AI-integrated surveillance platforms capable of fusing sensor data from UAVs, ships, and radar systems to deliver a unified, ML-enhanced operational view for commanders. Cyber-defence tools are also being developed as part of our commitment to digital readiness.

Together, these advancements reflect our drive to accelerate indigenisation, deepen OEM collaborations, and strengthen India’s multi-domain defence capabilities.

In the realm of MRO, what unique approaches or technologies does Crown Group employ to enhance efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and ensure the operational readiness of critical defence assets?

Crown Group adopts a proactive and technology-driven approach to MRO, focused on reducing turnaround times and enhancing operational readiness. A key strategy involves maintaining forecast-based spare part inventories for recurring repairs, enabling faster procurement and minimising delays typically caused by imports.

We are also setting up advanced in-country test facilities, particularly in avionics, to improve diagnostic accuracy and performance. For overhaul activities, we replicate OEM assembly lines using imported plant and machinery, and train nucleus manpower under OEM supervision. Strict adherence to OEM protocols and the use of genuine spares ensure consistent quality and reduced equipment downtime.

Notably, Punj Corporation Pvt Ltd (PCPL) is developing indigenous tank engine overhaul facilities with comprehensive OEM support, covering imported spares, technical processes, and quality certification – strengthening India’s self-reliant defence infrastructure.

What are Crown Group’s key offerings in the cyber-defence domain, and how do you address the evolving threats in military cyber warfare and data security?

As of now, we are evaluating various opportunities and will announce the same as and when they materialise.

How are your AI solutions being developed and deployed to provide enhanced situational awareness and decision-making capabilities for the Indian armed forces?

Crown Group is progressing with an MoU with an OEM to manufacture a variety of advanced combat training simulators. These state-of-the-art simulators will leverage virtual reality and AI-based technologies to create highly realistic and immersive training environments. This approach allows trainees to gain extensive experience and skills without the need for actual deployment or wear and tear of operational equipment, thereby preserving critical assets while enhancing training effectiveness.

What is the strategic rationale behind selecting MRO facilities in Visakhapatnam, Karwar, and Chennai, and how will they bolster India’s naval readiness and maintenance capabilities?

The selection of Visakhapatnam, Karwar, and Chennai for Crown Group’s MRO facilities is strategically driven by their proximity to key Indian naval bases. This enables Dynatron Services Pvt Ltd (DSPL) to provide faster, localised support for ship and submarine maintenance, enhancing turnaround times and mission readiness.

To further strengthen capability in these zones, DSPL has partnered with local SMEs to tap into regional expertise and foster collaborative MRO ecosystems. Additionally, a tank engine MRO facility is planned near Avadi, close to key defence manufacturing hubs such as the Heavy Vehicles Factory and Engine Factory. This location within the Chennai–Coimbatore SEZ enables seamless coordination and high-quality overhauls.

Collectively, these strategically placed facilities significantly improve India’s naval maintenance efficiency and contribute to sustained defence preparedness.

The Group is also expanding licensed manufacturing partnerships with global OEMs like ZF Marine, Kubota, and Mase. How do these collaborations align with your long-term growth strategy and India’s goal of becoming a global defence manufacturing hub?

DSPL has sought a partnership with ZF to establish domestic manufacturing of thrusters, aligning with our commitment to strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities. Likewise, OIPL has applied for licences to produce a variety of defence components locally under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ programmes. These efforts will significantly enhance India’s warship construction capacity. Once these products are manufactured and integrated aboard platforms, we plan to pursue their export to international markets.

Furthermore, Punj Corporation Pvt Ltd (PCPL) is exploring collaborations to manufacture ammunition and its components, simulators, and tank parts. These strategic projects aim to boost India’s defence exports, supporting the country’s ambition of becoming a leading global hub for defence manufacturing. Through these partnerships and initiatives, Crown Group is dedicated to advancing self-reliance and global competitiveness in the defence sector.

India is transitioning from being a major arms importer to a trusted global supplier of defence platforms. From Crown Group’s perspective, what are the most significant factors driving this shift?

India’s transition from a major arms importer to a trusted global supplier of defence platforms is being driven by several key factors, with government initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India playing a central role. These programmes have galvanised both public and private sector companies, leading to a significant and continuous increase in the indigenous content of warships and submarines.

In response to this imperative, Crown Marine Division has signed agreements for Transfer of Technology (ToT) for critical marine equipment and has already commenced manufacturing these components domestically. Crown Group is committed to establishing manufacturing entities within India, fully equipped with technology transferred from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). This approach ensures adherence to international quality standards, which we believe is the single most important factor for India to emerge as a key global defence supplier.

With active deals across Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, Indian-made systems are gaining global trust. How is Crown Group leveraging its expertise and products to contribute to India’s defence exports and strengthen its position in the international market?

Crown Group’s Marine Division is focusing on manufacturing key defence equipment domestically under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. This includes critical systems such as Integrated Bridge Systems, Kasatka and Karat-E firefighting systems, and night vision devices. Once these products are manufactured and deployed with the Indian Navy, Crown Group will actively seek government approval to export them to friendly foreign countries.

Our commitment to defence exports is regularly highlighted through media coverage and participation in marine exhibitions both in India and internationally, showcasing our dedication to strengthening India’s position as a trusted global defence supplier.

The private sector is now considered a co-architect of India’s defence ecosystem, not just a vendor. How has this shift impacted Crown Group’s operations, and what opportunities and challenges does it present for private defence companies in India?

The shift in India’s defence sector has empowered private companies like Crown Group to evolve from vendors to co-architects of national capability. This change has encouraged us to proactively develop advanced, indigenous technologies tailored for the armed forces, while also enabling collaboration with DRDO to locally manufacture weapon system modules.

Crown Group’s leadership is regularly invited to high-level policy platforms such as Aero India, Maritime India, the Raksha Mantri’s Round Table, and industry forums hosted by FICCI, CII, PHDCCI, and SIDM. These engagements allow us to contribute insights, stay closely aligned with national priorities, and participate in shaping India’s defence roadmap.

This new role unlocks significant opportunities for innovation, strategic partnerships, and capability-building. However, it also comes with challenges, including the need to meet global standards, manage complex regulatory frameworks, and remain agile to evolving defence needs. At Crown Group, we view these as catalysts to further accelerate India’s journey towards defence modernisation and self-reliance.

India is rapidly advancing in hypersonics, AI-based surveillance, unmanned systems, and advanced MRO. How is Crown Group positioning itself to be at the forefront of these emerging technologies and contribute to India’s future defence capabilities?

Crown Group positions itself at the forefront of emerging defence technologies by collaborating exclusively with major OEMs for Transfer of Technology and co-manufacturing. This approach ensures that we acquire and implement original, cutting-edge technologies while delivering products that meet the highest quality standards.

Additionally, Crown Group invests in modern manufacturing processes and capabilities, including night vision devices, drones, simulators, and printed circuit boards, reinforcing our commitment to support India’s advancement in hypersonics, AI-based surveillance, unmanned systems, and advanced MRO. Through these strategic partnerships and investments, we aim to contribute substantially to India’s future defence capabilities and technological self-reliance.

View on Manufacturing Today India

India’s defence sector is experiencing a significant transformation with increased private sector involvement, fostering innovation and modernisation. Government initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, along with supportive policies, are driving indigenous capabilities and attracting foreign investment.

The last couple of decades have been particularly lucrative for the Indian private sector. This has been observed across diverse industries in the country. The burgeoning involvement of private firms in the economy has boosted the entrepreneurial landscape tremendously. Therefore, it’s only natural for this trend to trickle down to the defence space too. Up until a few years ago, this department used to rely solely on PSUs and government-backed institutions. As a consequence, the Indian Defence inventory still incorporates legacy equipment and somewhat orthodox systems from the decades gone by.

Now, while these were the state-of-the-art and cutting-edge components for a long time, the current need for professional maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) is inevitable. With immense advancements in technology, new-age companies have spawned, wherein they leverage the latest information and R&D to develop innovative and intelligent engineering solutions to tackle these issues. In fact, the lives of ageing platforms can be enhanced by reverse-engineering critical components or reconditioning the entire systems.

With indigenous expertise, knowledge, R&D, engineering and talent, an entire ecosystem can be established. Ambitious government initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India are playing a pivotal role in shaping up this industry. Furthermore, efficient and visionary policy-making to nurture MSMEs and startups is bound to form a rugged foundation for an evolved India in the coming years. In order to become a global superpower, the relevance of an imposing defence sector can’t be underestimated.

Modern warfare relies heavily on the technological superiority of one nation over another. Common themes in this regard include AI-based surveillance, electronic warfare modules, drones, real-time data processing, precision electronics, advanced sensors, digitally enhanced control systems, high-end tech integration, etc. Now it is understood that such extensive upgradation and overhaul is not possible overnight. Nevertheless, the Indian armed forces need to maintain operational readiness, while simultaneously strive to integrate next-generation of defence equipment.

This is exactly where new startups, MSMEs or modernised legacy players gain prominence. These create a substantial vacuum for experimentation and breakthrough tech to emerge, which could potentially shape the future of the nation. In fact, in recent times, many such companies have spawned, via academic partnerships and government backing, which have developed pertinent products for the Indian defence services. The high-speed Kamikaze drones and similar indigenous arsenal are prime examples of that.

In addition to that, India’s defence manufacturing has gained a lot from the eminent policy decisions by the government. The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 and Production Linked Incentive (PIL) schemes lead the charge in this aspect. Moreover, many indigenous procedures, players, suppliers and entrepreneurs are being supported by the government to accentuate domestic capabilities.

On the other hand, the role of the private sector can further be ascertained by the creation of the Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, along with initiatives like iDEX and the Technology Department Fund (TDF). These robust initiatives and programs ensure funding, simplifying licensing, offering co-development opportunities and minimising hurdles for startups and legacy players alike.

In addition to that, the record defence budgets towards procurement of domestic goods, ever-increasing FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) thresholds, structured incentives for tech partnerships, projects being open for joint ventures, private sector bids, etc., create a conducive and enticing environment for this industry to grow exponentially. Admittedly, in previous years, there have been a few bottlenecks, preventing uninhibited growth. Things like regulatory clearances, certification challenges, vague procedures, etc., were concerns, especially for foreign investors. Hence, concrete measures need to be taken in this direction to enable a smooth operation. It will unequivocally make this industry attractive for startups, legacy companies, as well as collaborators from all over the globe.

In inference, India has overtly benefitted from privatisation in various sectors in the last few years. Private enterprises often infuse innovation, speed, strategic agility, thorough R&D, speed, latest technology into systems to generate cutting-edge sectors, which keep up with the existing times. Along with that, they are future-ready with an eye out for upcoming tech, which is a crucial insurance for any modern firm to evolve and pivot constantly and swiftly. The co-operation between private and public sectors can become the architect for India’s strategic future, along with making India a competitive exporter of defence systems in the times to come.

View on Economic Times

As India solidifies its position as a catalyst for global growth, as demonstrated at the recent G20 Summit where world leaders expressed their confidence in New Delhi’s rising prominence, Crown Group President Vice Admiral (Retd) Paras Nath foresees a significant boost for India’s defence maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

“World leaders have unanimously acknowledged India’s ascent as a formidable player on the global stage. Most G20 countries are substantial trade partners with India, and many share strategic defence alliances with us. This newfound trust and confidence in our multifaceted capabilities augur well for our domestic defence MRO industry, opening up extensive prospects for MRO in India,” remarked Nath.

He highlighted that the time is ripe to bolster India’s indigenous MRO, and foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) should seize the moment. “Global OEMs seeking reliable partners for equipment maintenance and service in India find it advantageous to collaborate with us. Our world-class facilities and expertise, combined with established partnerships with major international OEMs for MRO of Indian naval, marine, and aviation assets, make Crown Group a preferred choice. Notably, Crown Group is unique in having ex-servicemen from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard at all levels, contributing their valuable experience,” added Nath.

Crown Group, combined with the technical excellence of ZF Marine, a German firm and a global market leader for the design and development of complete drive systems for all ship models, has been providing world-class maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) support to the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, leading ship building yards, various Port Trusts, Marine Police boats and Army Patrol boats among others for over three decades. This incredible partnership between two established industry players has earned them a number of satisfied customers in the country and abroad.

Crown Group and ZF partnership has been a great example of ‘Make in India’ and Aatma Nirbhar Defence MRO model that global OEMs can emulate.

Mr G Selvaraju, General Manager, Head Technical & Operations, Dynatron Services, Crown Group, in an exclusive conversation talks about how Crown Group has emerged as the most ideal partner of choice for global OEMs, reflecting its strong, long-lasting partnerships thanks to its professional approach, quality assurance and firm commitment to give the best in the world to the customer! Excerpts:

1. How is ZF Marine’s partnership with Crown Group, Dynatron Services Pvt Ltd (DSPL)?

It is Excellent. Dynatron Services enjoys a long-term successful partnership with ZF Marine, Germany, spanning over three decades as their authorized partner for repairs and maintenance of gearboxes and thrusters, for marketing and after-sales-support for ZF Marine Transmissions, electronic control system used by the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard, leading ship building yards, various Port Trusts, Marine Police Boats, Army patrol boats and so on.

Dynatron Services has state-of-the-art MRO facilities. We have regional offices located in all major ports and key cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Vizag, Goa and Karwar with requisite OEM equipment. It helps us serve our customers better. Our engineers regularly undergo training at OEMs workshops held at ZF Friedrichshafen, Germany, and ZF Middle East, Dubai. This has helped Dynatron in providing excellent service to the customers that meets international standards and resilience.

What places Dynatron Services advantageously is the whole range of critical services we provide including the best of industry support to various range of equipment like ZF Marine Gearboxes fitted on FPVs, IPVs, FACs and IBs of the Indian Coast Guard, Navy and thrusters fitted on the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Naval ferry crafts, tugs and CG AOPVs.

Our through-life support to customers also includes spares provisioning and deliveries to customers at their doorstep anywhere in India. We have facilities to import and custom clearance of spares at Chennai and Karwar. We also provide retro fitment modification, carry out upgradation of existing equipment, training capsules, operators’ courses for customers, and extend support to customers in inventory management and improving standards of equipment upkeep and maintenance.

2. This partnership has led to a successful Aatmanirbhar Defence MRO model. How has this been possible? 

Our partnership has been successful as we have been able to bring together the strengths of both the parties. Crown Group with its local know-how and understanding of the customer, combined with the technical expertise of ZF Marine, Germany, has been able to successfully provide on time MRO support.

The partnership has helped Indian Defence Forces in meeting their operational requirements and timely completion of projects with the highest quality standards. Regular upgraded operators training courses to the customers for handling their equipment, regular training to our service personnel to upgrade their skill and augmenting technical expertise as required basis is boosting self-reliance in Naval/Marine MRO, making this segment Atma Nirbhar.

3. Who are the customers of ZF and Crown Group in the Indian Defence sector?

ZF, Germany and Crown Group’s customers in India include the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, leading ship building yards, various Port Trusts, Marine Police Boats, Army patrol boats at high altitudes, etc. There is a huge population of ZF gearboxes with over 350 gear boxes installed in Indian naval and Coast Guard ships.

4. Tell us about the projects successfully completed and ongoing joint projects of ZF and Crown Group.

Dynatron Services and ZF are jointly undertaking MRO services and have successfully completed A5 maintenance routines for over 68 gearboxes of Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard ships till date.

5. What accolades Crown Group have received for successfully creating and implementing defence MRO models?

On the completion of almost every project, Crown Group has received appreciation letters and accolades from customers for our professionalism, commitment and on time delivery of MRO projects. To name a few prominent ones, we have received appreciation letters for professionalism, commitment and on time delivery from INS Tarasa, MCGS Barracuda – Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd, and Indian Coast Guard Ship Rajshree among many others.

6. Why should the International Defence OEMs choose Dynatron to partner within India?

There are many good reasons. Global OEMs that are looking for organized players to help them maintain and service their equipment and provide quality service to their customers in India, will find it easy to partner with us because of our world class MRO facilities and workshops spread across India. Our understanding of the customers, their needs and experience in working with international OEMs make us a preferred choice for global defence OEMs.

For an international OEM, it is much more economical to partner with local players which already have facilities and understand the local business environment. This puts Dynatron Services in a strong position to support the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan by partnering with foreign OEMs in expanding the MRO base in India and taking forward the vision of ‘Make in India.’

It gives me immense happiness in sharing that Crown Group has emerged as the most ideal partner of choice for Global OEMs, reflecting strong long-lasting partnerships thanks to our professional approach, sincerity, quality assurance and strong commitment towards our valued customers.

7. How ZF and Crown Group with their model intend to support GoI in making India self-reliant in defence MRO and manufacturing?

In sync with the Government of India’s vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat, Dynatron Services, which is the marine division of Crown Group, has enhanced its maintenance facilities with state-of-the-art technologies and machinery to undertake repairs, overhauls and upgradation of MRO support to the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. Combined with the strong technical expertise of ZF Marine, Germany, Crown Group is looking at expanding the scope of services being provided under the partnership to the defence customers in making India self-reliant in defence MRO and manufacturing.

At the same time, Crown Group’s verticals are scaling up their businesses fast to meet the ‘Make in India’ requirements and challenges as well. We have already strengthened our marine presence in Visakhapatnam and Andaman & Nicobar. Our Karwar and Chennai facilities are being augmented with state-of-the-art equipment and technologies. Partnership with ZF, Germany, is being further strengthened for quick transfer and absorption of latest advanced technologies. The principal motto of Crown Group is to ‘Serve the Nation’ by partnering with reputed OEMs and provide quality support to our defence forces.

8. Is Crown Group also catering to the civil side of the merchant shipping industry?

Yes, the entire range of services, which is currently being offered to naval ships, apart from weapon system repairs and services, is also being offered to the merchant shipping industry. Dynatron has MoUs with international OEMs among which there are also those whose products fall in the dual-use category, that is, both civil and defence. Some of those products are hydraulic systems, system valves, pumps, compressors, etc. Thus, apart from undertaking services for foreign origin equipment of naval ships and submarines, merchant ship repairs can also be undertaken for various systems for which we have the required wherewithal and technical know-how.

9. What are the future expansion plans of Crown Group and ZF for indigenization of defence MRO?

Presently Crown Group and ZF, Germany, are providing after sales service support to defence customers such as the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. ZF has recently expanded the partnership with Crown Group to include additional areas of collaboration as well. In future, we are planning to extend our support to commercial customers such as various Port Trusts, IWAI, BSF, Army Patrol boats, Police marine boats, yachts and so on.
(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.)