SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
In a recent interview with Bharat Shakti Editor-in-Chief Nitin A. Gokhale, Commodore (Retd.) A. Madhavarao, Chairman and Managing Director of BDL, confirmed the successful delivery of all Varunastra torpedoes ordered by the Indian Navy.
The initial order of 73 Varunastra torpedoes, placed in 2016, has been completed. Additionally, a subsequent order for 63 units, made in 2018, has also been delivered in full. With these deliveries complete, BDL is now reportedly looking to explore export opportunities for the Varunastra.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in the mid-2000s, the Varunastra is a testament to India’s indigenous defense capabilities. This wire-guided, 533mm torpedo is designed for ship-launched anti-submarine warfare.
The Varunastra packs a punch with its active-passive acoustic homing guidance system, ensuring effective target tracking. It carries a powerful 250 kg high-explosive (HE) warhead and offers selectable speed modes of 27 knots and 40 knots, enabling tactical flexibility during engagements. The torpedo’s maximum range of 20 kilometers allows for a significant operational envelope.
With successful deliveries to the Indian Navy complete, BDL is now exploring export opportunities for the Varunastra. This move highlights BDL’s confidence in the torpedo’s capabilities and its potential to be a valuable asset for navies worldwide. The Varunastra’s combination of indigenous technology, advanced features, and proven performance positions it as a strong contender in the global defense market.
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