Advancing India’s Underwater Defence
DRDO’s Next Generation Man Portable Underwater Vehicles: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a new class of Man-Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (MP-AUVs). These systems are designed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam, and aim to strengthen underwater mine detection capabilities. The focus is on achieving faster, safer, and autonomous mine countermeasure missions with minimal human involvement.
Static GK fact: DRDO was established in 1958 to enhance India’s defence research ecosystem.
Compact And Intelligent Design
The MP-AUVs are lightweight underwater drones built to be carried and deployed quickly. Their compact design allows easy transportation and rapid mission start. They integrate side scan sonar, underwater cameras, and deep learning-based target recognition to detect and classify Mine-Like Objects (MLOs) with high accuracy. These onboard tools reduce manual effort and provide near real-time threat analysis.
Static GK Tip: Side scan sonar is widely used by navies for seabed mapping during mine detection.
Coordination Through Underwater Networking
A key strength of the MP-AUV system is its underwater acoustic communication capability. This allows multiple AUVs to exchange mission data, improving group coordination and situational awareness. Multi-AUV operations help cover larger search areas in shorter durations, enhancing mission efficiency.
Successful Field Trials
Trials conducted at NSTL/Harbour validated all major performance parameters. The AUVs showed consistent accuracy in detecting and classifying underwater mines. Their communication links supported coordinated operations during the tests. These results confirmed the system’s readiness for operational deployment.
Static GK fact: NSTL is India’s premier research lab for underwater weapons and marine systems.
Strategic Importance For Naval Operations
According to DRDO leadership, the MP-AUVs represent a major boost to India’s maritime defence capacity. Their man-portable form enables deployment even from smaller vessels. They provide a reduced-risk approach to minefield navigation, protecting naval personnel from direct exposure to underwater threats. The system aligns with India’s broader goal of strengthening indigenous defence technology in the maritime domain.
Static GK Tip: India’s coastline stretches over 7,516 km, making underwater security critical for national defence.
Production And Industry Participation
With successful trials completed, the MP-AUVs are expected to enter production soon. Indian defence industry partners are likely to take up manufacturing responsibilities, supporting the Make in India initiative. This enhances domestic capability in advanced underwater systems and supports long-term naval modernisation.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
DRDO’s Next Generation Man Portable Underwater Vehicles:
| Topic | Detail |
| Developing agency | Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam |
| Parent organisation | Defence Research and Development Organisation |
| System type | Man-Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicle |
| Primary purpose | Mine countermeasure missions |
| Key technologies | Sonar imaging, underwater cameras, AI-based classification, acoustic communication |
| Trial location | NSTL/Harbour |
| Deployment advantage | Rapid, portable and autonomous operation |
| Strategic relevance | Enhances underwater defence capabilities |
| Industry role | Indian defence partners to support production |
| Expected timeline | Production to begin in upcoming months |
