The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a new generation of man-portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) designed specifically for mine countermeasure (MCM) missions, marking a significant advancement in India’s underwater defence capabilities.
The compact, lightweight AUVs can be rapidly deployed from small vessels or by naval personnel and are equipped with advanced sonar imaging, navigation, and real-time data processing systems. These capabilities enable the vehicles to detect, classify, and map naval mines with high precision while keeping human operators at a safe distance.
DRDO officials noted that the system enhances the Navy’s capacity for coastal security, harbour protection, and safe passage operations, especially in high-risk zones. The new platform is expected to undergo further trials before potential induction into operational fleets.
