From its humble origins with Project-16 frigates, WESEE, formerly known as WESO, has grown into a powerful force in charge of managing Combat Systems Integration across the many platforms used by the Indian Navy.

WESEE, which was founded in 1978, has been instrumental in the effective integration of a broad variety of weaponry and electronic systems into several navy ships, submarines, planes, and aircraft carriers, serving as the unbreakable foundation of the Navy’s effort to become self-sufficient (Atmanirbharta).

The Secretary of the Department of Defence (R&D) serves as the chair of the WESEE Management Board, which is made up of top officials from the DRDO, MoD, MoD (Finance), the Chief of Materiel (COM) of the Indian Navy, and the Director General of WESEE. Through a second-tier body called the Programme Management body, which is made up of representatives from the directorates of the Naval Headquarters, DRDO, MoD, and MoD (Finance), projects are delegated to WESEE by the Naval Headquarters.

Although we have a large arsenal of weapons and systems from friendly countries, relying on them for integration into our naval platforms is not a viable option, a Navy Commander stressed the crucial role of WESEE. There are legitimate worries about disclosing private information about our platforms. An organisation like WESEE becomes essential in this situation. Their team of specialists manages local integration, making certain that our security and sovereignty are upheld. WESEE gives us the ability to uphold our independence and defend the interests of our country.

The main goal of WESO was to assemble a team of system engineers that could integrate the wide variety of equipment found on board ships. The agency began operations from a rented house in Safdarjung Enclave with barely 20 naval officers, scientists, and staff before relocating to “Metcalfe House” in Civil Lines, New Delhi.

The Godavari class ship’s successful system integration created the groundwork for a long-term systems integration organisation, and on May 31, 1985, WESEE was formally established as WESO’s replacement.

Among WESEE’s notable accomplishments are the system integration of the Brahmaputra class Project-16A, the Delhi class Project-15, the Kora class Project-25A, and the Veer class Project-1241RE ships, as well as the creation of the Modular Data Bus (MDB) and the Modular Interface for Ship-borne Systems (MISS) boxes. An indigenous encryption system for Secure Email was developed, constructed, and deployed by the IT&IW Group inside WESEE and is still in use today. Furthermore, their Combat Management System (CMS) aids warship officers in making choices based on a variety of data.

A Nervous System on Warships

The WESEE Combat Management System integrates all sensors, including radars, sonars, EW systems, and AIS, with all armaments, including guns, missiles, torpedoes, and rockets, to serve as the nerve centre on board warships.

Additionally, it can communicate with other platforms using the ship’s Data Link technology. In order to maintain strategic independence and dependability, the CMS has developed through time, moving from CAIO systems to Commercial-Off-the-Shelf (COTS) high-performance hardware and operating systems.

The officers are alone responsible for making decisions, but thanks to CMS, they now have a system that is supported by technology to help them review and decide how to employ weapons or systems best for the best results. “At WESEE, our role centres on ensuring a robust system to receive, use, analyse, and transmit data as needed at any given time.”

The Indian Maritime Force’s digital space has been secured in part by WESEE. In addition to creating security suites and force system solutions, WESEE entered the unexplored quantum area to address new problems. In addition to opening a cutting-edge quantum communications lab in 2020, they also made a huge advancement by creating the first-ever quantum safe algorithm, which is now ready for prototype testing. Other innovative WESEE products include the Linkryptor, a piece of specialised hardware for secure tactical communication, and a Cross Domain Solution, which enables secure data transfer between networks with varying degrees of trust.

While WESEE has helped the Navy become independent and future-ready, it is currently regarded as the Indian Navy’s technology entry point. Being the most technologically advanced of the three Services gives the Navy a strategic advantage as a “Preferred Security Partner in the IOR.” However, issues like the spread of strong and reasonably priced technology and disruptive breakthroughs put this status under jeopardy. The goal of WESEE is to break down barriers in the field of “Disruptive and Transformational Technology,” creating the foundation for innovation and excellence within the fleet.

“WESEE has established itself as the standard of excellence and a source of fresh concepts and goods that allowed the fleet to expand and perform at its best. The current goal of WESEE is to seek and advance the technological frontiers in the “Disruptive and Transformational Technology” sectors, according to a WESEE officer of Captain rank.