India’s naval mine countermeasure capabilities are getting a futuristic upgrade.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has rolled out a new generation of Man-portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, or MP-AUVs.
Built by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam, these compact systems are designed to bring intelligence and speed to underwater operations.
Recent field trials at NSTL’s harbor facilities have already validated key system parameters and mission-critical objectives.
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Each MP-AUV carries Side Scan Sonar and underwater cameras for real-time detection of mine-like objects.
Onboard deep learning algorithms let the vehicles autonomously classify targets, reducing operator workload and speeding up mission timelines.
A robust underwater acoustic communication system enables inter-AUV data exchange, boosting situational awareness during coordinated operations.
Multiple industry partners contributed to the platform’s development, with production expected to start in the coming months.
Intelligent, Networked, and Ready for Action
DRDO Chairman and Secretary of Defence Research and Development Samir Kamat called the MP-AUVs a “major milestone” in India’s naval mine warfare capabilities.
He highlighted their rapid response capability and reduced operational risk as game-changers for deployable mine countermeasure solutions.
The networked AUVs also reportedly lower the logistical footprint compared with traditional systems, making them ideal for forward-deployed operations.
With intelligent autonomy and compact portability, the MP-AUVs are set to become key assets in agile, networked naval operations.
