The Nagan, a low frequency towed array sonar system, was developed by the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), in conjunction with Bharat Electronics (BE), Larsen and Toubro (L&T), Uniflex Cables and Keltron.

A number of French-manufactured passive sonar systems are currently deployed on various Indian naval platforms, including the INS Mumbai, a Delhi-class guided missile destroyer.

However, the Nagan is considered to be more advanced than other systems. 

According to NPOL Director S. Ananthanarayanan, the indigenously developed sonar is "more effective in detecting and classifying the vessels being tracked at variable depths, as noise due to turbulence of own-ship propulsion will not corrupt the signals received from the target." Ananthanarayanan also explained that the device was capable of long-range detection and will be fitted onboard surface ships.

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has taken several significant steps to bolster its naval capabilites, including the acquistion of a Russian aicraft carrier and a 16,900-tonne Jalashwa transport ship. As the IT Examiner previously reported, the Indian MoD has also announced plans to acquire 6 Scorpène diesel submarines.

In addition, the Defence Ministry has issued a tender for at least 16 advanced naval helicopters. Security sources note that the multi-role helicopters will be equipped with anti-ship and anti-submarine armaments, including cruise missiles and torpedoes. X

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