SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a strategic move to enhance its maritime domain awareness (MDA) and combat capabilities, the Indian Navy has announced plans to procure extra-large unmanned underwater vehicles (XLUUVs). Late in 2024, an expression of interest (EOI) was issued, inviting industry partners to collaborate in the development of 12 sophisticated XLUUVs aimed at revolutionizing naval operations.
The introduction of XLUUVs is seen as a game-changer, offering capabilities in anti-submarine warfare (ASW), mine-countermeasures (MCM), and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). These vehicles are envisioned as force multipliers, capable of undertaking missions too risky or prolonged for traditional manned submarines.
According to the Indian Navy, the XLUUVs will be designed to execute “high-risk missions in restricted and shallow waters, long-duration missions of up to two months, and pre-programmed missions.” This flexibility allows them to operate autonomously or semi-autonomously, significantly expanding the navy’s operational envelope.
A key feature of these XLUUVs is their modular payload section. The navy has specified a need for payloads that include a sophisticated communication system with satellite communications (satcom) capabilities, radar, electronic support measures (ESM), a sonar suite, a Doppler velocity log (DVL), and an advanced navigation system. Additionally, these vehicles will incorporate an image processing system powered by artificial intelligence (AI)-based perception algorithms, enhancing their ability to gather and interpret data in complex underwater environments.
The involvement of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is pivotal, as it brings its “design capabilities” for radar, electronic intelligence sensors, communication systems, and various sonar technologies. These include flank array sonar, towed array sonar, multibeam echosounder, side scan sonar, and collision-avoidance sonar, all of which will contribute to the development of these advanced underwater crafts.
The process of selecting an industry partner for this ambitious project is underway, with the timeline for prototype development set at three years. Upon selection, the prototype will undergo rigorous testing at the Indian Navy bases in Mumbai and Visakhapatnam, ensuring that the XLUUVs can withstand the diverse challenges of the Indian Ocean.
This initiative not only underscores India’s commitment to modernizing its naval forces but also aligns with the broader national goal of self-reliance in defence manufacturing. By integrating such advanced technology, the Indian Navy aims to not only secure its maritime borders but also to play a more proactive role in regional security dynamics, leveraging the stealth, endurance, and versatility that XLUUVs offer.
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