India's Naval Power Boost: Indigenous Deep-Sea Drones Enhance Maritime Security
The Indian Navy is rapidly expanding its indigenous underwater drone capabilities to enhance maritime domain awareness and counter hostile submarine presence.
Photo by Ian
The Indian Navy is significantly upgrading its underwater capabilities by deploying advanced deep-sea drones, a move crucial for securing India's vast maritime frontiers. This technological shift involves tapping into indigenous startups, defence developers, and DRDO research. The focus is on building a robust unmanned underwater arsenal, including ROVs for mine detection and infrastructure inspection, and larger XLUUVs for long-range surveillance and anti-submarine warfare.
This strategic push aims to reduce risks in contested waters, offset the growing presence of hostile submarines, and strengthen India's self-reliance in defence technology. The article highlights that over 60 naval platforms are currently being constructed in Indian shipyards, showcasing a major leap from licensed production to original design and innovation, reinforcing India's role as a 'steady lighthouse' in the global seas.
Key Facts
Indian Navy expanding unmanned underwater arsenal
Collaboration with indigenous startups, defence developers, DRDO
ROVs capable of diving beyond 400 metres
Odisha's Coratia Technologies won ₹66-crore deal for rugged ROVs
Sagar Defence Engineering awarded contract for underwater-launched UAVs
Plans to induct 300-ton XLUUVs for ISR, ASW, mine-countermeasure missions
Plans to induct High Endurance AUVs for coastal ASW
Over 60 naval platforms being constructed in Indian shipyards
Project-75 submarines, advanced destroyers, next-generation frigates mentioned
iDEX and SPRINT programs support startups/MSMEs in naval innovation
UPSC Exam Angles
Defence indigenisation and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' in defence.
India's maritime security strategy and its role in the Indian Ocean Region.
Technological advancements in unmanned systems and their military applications.
Role of DRDO, private sector, and startups in defence R&D and manufacturing.
Geopolitical implications of enhanced naval power and regional stability.
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
The Indian Navy is actively enhancing its underwater capabilities through the deployment of advanced deep-sea drones. This initiative is characterized by a strong focus on indigenous development, leveraging the expertise of Indian startups, defence developers, and DRDO. The unmanned underwater arsenal includes Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for tasks like mine detection and infrastructure inspection, and Extra-Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (XLUUVs) for long-range surveillance and anti-submarine warfare.
This strategic shift aims to reduce operational risks, counter the increasing threat from hostile submarines, and bolster India's self-reliance in critical defence technologies. The ongoing construction of over 60 naval platforms in Indian shipyards signifies a major transition from licensed production to original design and innovation, positioning India as a significant maritime power.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding India's recent advancements in indigenous underwater capabilities: 1. Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) are primarily being developed for long-range surveillance and anti-submarine warfare. 2. Extra-Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (XLUUVs) are intended for mine detection and infrastructure inspection. 3. The current strategic push emphasizes a shift from licensed production to original design and innovation within Indian shipyards. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 and 2 are incorrect. As per the news, ROVs are for mine detection and infrastructure inspection, while XLUUVs are for long-range surveillance and anti-submarine warfare. Statement 3 is correct, as the article highlights a major leap from licensed production to original design and innovation.
2. In the context of India's defence indigenisation efforts, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The 'Strategic Partnership Model' aims to boost manufacturing of major defence platforms by Indian private sector companies. 2. The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 prioritizes procurement from foreign vendors over indigenous sources to ensure cutting-edge technology. 3. Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative primarily focuses on engaging MSMEs, startups, and individual innovators in defence R&D. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement 1 is correct. The Strategic Partnership Model aims to create a robust defence manufacturing ecosystem by involving private sector players in high-tech defence production. Statement 2 is incorrect. DAP 2020 explicitly prioritizes 'Buy Indian – IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)' and 'Buy Indian' categories, emphasizing indigenous procurement. Statement 3 is correct. iDEX is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence to foster innovation and technology development in defence and aerospace by engaging startups, MSMEs, individual innovators, and R&D institutes.
3. With reference to India's maritime security and its strategic posture in the Indian Ocean Region, consider the following statements: 1. The concept of 'Net Security Provider' in the Indian Ocean Region implies India's capacity to assist regional partners in addressing maritime challenges. 2. The 'Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative' (IPOI) launched by India is primarily a military alliance aimed at countering specific naval powers in the region. 3. The deployment of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) can significantly reduce human risk in hazardous maritime operations such as mine countermeasures. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct. India's 'Net Security Provider' role signifies its commitment and capability to ensure maritime safety and security for itself and its partners in the IOR. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), launched by India in 2019, is a broad, inclusive, and non-military framework for cooperation across seven pillars, including maritime security, resources, and disaster management, not primarily a military alliance. Statement 3 is correct. UUVs are invaluable for hazardous tasks like mine detection and disposal, reducing the exposure of human personnel to danger.