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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully developed a new generation of man-portable autonomous underwater vehicles (MP-AUVs) designed to strengthen the Navy’s mine countermeasure capabilities. The system has been developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the MP-AUV system comprises multiple compact underwater vehicles equipped with side-scan sonar and underwater cameras for the real-time detection and classification of mine-like objects. The vehicles use deep-learning-based target recognition algorithms that enable autonomous classification, reducing operator workload and cutting mission time.
The AUVs are also equipped with an indigenous underwater acoustic communication system, which enables data exchange between vehicles during missions, thereby improving situational awareness and coordination.
Recent field trials conducted at NSTL’s harbour facilities validated key performance parameters and mission objectives, officials said. With multiple industry partners participating in the programme, the system is expected to be ready for production in the coming months.
DRDO Chairman and Secretary, Defence R&D, Samir Kamat, congratulated the NSTL team, calling the development a “major milestone” in delivering deployable, intelligent and networked mine countermeasure solutions. The MP-AUVs, he said, would enhance rapid-response capability while lowering operational risks and reducing the logistic footprint for naval mine-warfare operations.
Team BharatShakti
