(Representative illustration)
New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence has given the green light to a ₹2,500 crore project for developing 100-tonne unmanned underwater vessels (UUVs) for the Indian Navy that can hunt enemy submarines. The decision, taken during a high-level meeting, represents a major stride in enhancing the Navy’s operational reach and versatility in submarine operations.
The newly sanctioned UUVs, classified as “extra large” with each weighing over 100 tonnes, will be designed to execute a range of crucial tasks. These include mine laying, mine-clearance operations, surveillance, and weapon deployment. Equipped with strike capabilities, the vessels will be capable to target enemy submarines and surface ships, thereby providing the Navy with a strategic advantage in underwater operations.
These state-of-the-art vessels are expected to operate for extended durations and at significant distances from the shore. This will enable continuous monitoring of suspicious activities, especially in the strategic Indian Ocean region.
To realize this project, the defence ministry plans to float a tender for the construction of these UUVs in the next few months. Indian shipyards will be invited to participate in the bidding process under the “Make-1” route, which aims to promote domestic manufacturing and innovation.
Recognizing the growing significance of such technologies in modern conflicts, the Navy has been steadily enhancing its unmanned warfare capabilities. It has already been working on unmanned surface vessels, which have proven effective in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict for neutralizing larger vessels and assets. Currently, many global navies are embracing unmanned technologies for increased efficiency and reduced operational risks.
It may be mentioned that the Navy has been expanding its long-range surveillance capabilities with the induction of aerial drones such as the MQ-9B and Drishti Hermes 900. This ASW-UUV initiative is expected to significantly augment the Navy’s ability to conduct underwater operations, providing a robust platform for a wide range of missions.
