Indian Navy Collaborates with IIT Delhi to Advance Crew-Centric Warship Design
The Indian Navy has taken a notable step to advance crew-centric naval innovation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. This agreement, finalized on October 16, 2025, focuses on developing expertise in designing warships that prioritize crew needs, aiming to improve habitability, operational efficiency, and safety on Indian naval ships.
The MoU was signed by Rear Admiral Arvind Rawal, Assistant Chief of Materiel (Dockyard & Refit) of the Indian Navy, and Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi. Through this collaboration, researchers from IIT Delhi's Department of Design will examine current and future naval construction projects. They will offer essential insights on safety, ergonomics, user experience, and habitability to establish indigenous crew-centric standards.
Rear Admiral Rawal described the MoU as a significant advancement in efforts to ensure Indian warships are not only strong in combat but also excel in crew comfort and efficiency. He noted that the initiative introduces a scientific, process-based approach to improving habitability, integrating ergonomics, human factors, and design optimization into naval architecture.
Prof. Rangan Banerjee emphasized that this collaboration will utilize advanced design tools and techniques to enhance living conditions for naval officers and crew. He stated that this partnership reinforces IIT Delhi's involvement with the Navy in areas such as underwater systems, electronics, and naval construction research.
The initiative includes a comparative analysis with international standards to boost safety, comfort, and operational efficiency. The research findings may extend beyond the Navy to benefit mercantile vessels and other maritime platforms, potentially enhancing ship habitability throughout India.
This collaboration underscores the Indian Navy's dedication to innovation, self-reliance, and crew wellbeing, aligning with its vision of creating warships that are both combat-ready and crew-friendly, while promoting indigenous expertise in naval design.
