India deploys Saab NAIS for coastline safety and security

Saab has successful implemented the National Automatic Identification System (NAIS) Network on the Indian coast line for India’s Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) ahead of schedule, to help meet its long term coastal surveillance needs.

Employed in partnership with Elcome Marine Services, the NAIS will also be used by the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and DG Shipping.

DGLL NAIS Deputy Director General and Nodal Officer PP Sinha said the system has been already put to use for the past six months, as part of acceptance trials.

"The NAIS network has suitable interfaces have already been incorporated for adding radar, cameras and other sensors," Sinha added.

"The system has already been integrated with existing radar and AIS in the country to provide a holistic overview of the coastal maritime domain."

India had signed a contract with Saab and Elcome Marine Services in November 2010 for the project, which consisted of installation of sensors and equipments along the Indian coast for regional and national control centres.

Under the contract, Saab along with Elcome was responsible for installation, commissioning, training and support, while the entire network, VSATs, leased lines, installation, project management, design, and installation were delivered by Elcome.

Fitted on more than 74 lighthouses, the NAIS provides coverage to entire Indian Coast, while Automatic Identification System (AIS) will provide real time merchant traffic information and access to live data over internet will be allowed by the web server.

Saab TransponderTech VP Operations Magnus Persson said the NAIS has been integrated with a Terma radar, part of Gulf of Kachchh (GOK) VTMS network, to provide a Common Operating Picture (COP) with radar and AIS target correlated.

Both the companies will continue to partner with each other to provide maintenance services for the system for 10 years.