DRDO Develops Man-Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

In a major advancement for underwater defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully developed a new generation of Man-Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (MP-AUVs). Designed by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam, these AUVs are built for mine countermeasure (MCM) operations, enabling rapid and autonomous detection of underwater threats.

Key Features: Compact, Smart, and Networked

The MP-AUV system comprises multiple lightweight underwater drones equipped with,

• Side Scan Sonar for detailed seabed imaging
• Underwater cameras for visual confirmation
• Deep learning-based target recognition algorithms for real-time classification of Mine-Like Objects (MLOs)
• Underwater acoustic communication systems for inter-AUV data exchange, enhancing coordination and situational awareness during missions

These features make the system highly autonomous, allowing it to operate with minimal human intervention, thereby reducing operator workload and mission duration.

Field Trials: Mission Objectives Successfully Met

The system underwent rigorous field trials at NSTL/Harbour, where its core performance parameters and mission capabilities were validated. Trials demonstrated,

• Accurate detection and classification of underwater mines
• Reliable multi-AUV coordination via underwater communication
• Successful execution of critical mine countermeasure objectives

Following these successful tests, the MP-AUV system is expected to be ready for production in the coming months, with active participation from Indian defence industry partners.

Strategic Significance

DRDO Chairman and Secretary of Defence R&D, Dr. Samir V Kamat, hailed the development as a “major milestone” in India’s underwater defence technology. He emphasized that the MP-AUV system offers,

• Rapid response capability in minefield situations
• Reduced operational risk to naval personnel
• Minimal logistic footprint due to its compact and portable design
• A deployable, intelligent, and networked solution for future naval operations

This innovation is a part of India’s broader push to indigenize critical defence technologies, especially in the maritime domain.

Static Facts

• Developing Organisation: Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam
• Parent Agency: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• System Name: Man-Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (MP-AUVs)
• Primary Use: Mine Countermeasure (MCM) Missions
• Key Technologies Used:
• Side Scan Sonar
• Underwater Cameras
• Deep Learning-Based Target Recognition
• Underwater Acoustic Communication
• Successful Trials Conducted At: NSTL/Harbour
• Expected Production Timeline: Within the next few months