DRDO & Indian Navy Successfully Test Indigenous Multi-Influence Ground Mine

In a significant stride toward strengthening India’s maritime defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the Indian Navy, successfully conducted combat firing (with reduced explosives) of the indigenous Multi-Influence Ground Mine (MIGM). This underwater mine, designed for modern naval warfare, is a cutting-edge addition to India’s defence arsenal and marks a major milestone in the country’s self-reliance initiative in the defence sector.

Why in News?

The Multi-Influence Ground Mine (MIGM) recently underwent successful combat firing trials with reduced explosives, showcasing its readiness for induction into the Indian Navy. Developed indigenously by DRDO labs in partnership with production agencies, this test underscores India’s growing capabilities in underwater warfare and strategic deterrence.

Overview and Objective

• MIGM is an advanced underwater naval mine meant to detect and engage modern stealth submarines and ships.
• Aimed at boosting the undersea warfare capabilities of the Indian Navy.
• Supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) in defence manufacturing.

Key Developers and Collaborators

• Lead Design Lab: Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam.
• Other Contributing DRDO Labs
• High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune.
• Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh.

Production Partners

• Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Visakhapatnam.
• Apollo Microsystems Limited, Hyderabad.

Features of MIGM

• Designed to counter modern stealth ships and submarines.
• Multi-influence mechanism: capable of reacting to magnetic, acoustic, and pressure signatures.
• Enhances stealth, precision, and autonomous response in underwater warfare.

Significance

• Aligns with India’s indigenous defence production goals.
• Promotes technological self-sufficiency.
• Enhances strategic deterrence in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Validated as ready for operational deployment in the Indian Navy.

Statements from Leadership

• Rajnath Singh, Raksha Mantri: Congratulated the DRDO, Navy, and industry partners for their joint achievement, emphasizing its impact on naval strength.
• Dr. Samir V Kamat, DRDO Chairman: Confirmed the mine’s readiness for induction after successful validation trials.