Indian Navy Gets AUV With Mine Detection And Anti-Submarine Warfare Capabilities

On Friday, India marked a significant milestone in its defence capabilities by successfully launching a groundbreaking autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) named ‘Neerakshi.’ Developed for mine detection purposes, ‘Neerakshi’ is the first in the country, representing a significant leap in indigenous technological advancements.

The remarkable AUV results from a collaborative effort between Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, a prominent warship maker based in Kolkata, and the MSME entity AEPL, known for its innovative and transformative potential. The joint partnership demonstrated the fruitful synergy that can be achieved when diverse strengths come together.

Defence PSU GRSE Ltd., Kolkata takes a pioneering stride in indigenous Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV). “Neerakshi”, the AUV, was launched on Jul 28, 2023. DRDO Chairman, Dr. Samir V Kamat, commended GRSE’s efforts towards the innovation aligned with Atmanirbharta policy. pic.twitter.com/1Y8mjjeoBE

— PRO Defence Kolkata (@ProDefKolkata) July 28, 2023

During the AUV’s launch event, Commodore (Retd) P R Hari, the Chairman and Managing Director of GRSE, expressed his optimism regarding its commercial launch within six months to a year following user trials conducted by the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and potentially the Army. Commodore Hari emphasized the versatility of ‘Neerakshi,’ highlighting its ability to perform various tasks, including mine detection, mine disposal, and underwater surveying.

Samir V Kamat, the Secretary of the Defense R&D Department and DRDO Chairman, shared his confidence in the project’s success and the country’s defense industry’s potential to develop state-of-the-art systems and innovative solutions, opening substantial export opportunities.

The launch ceremony witnessed the orange-coloured prototype of the cylindrical unmanned vehicle ‘Neerakshi,’ which is 2.1 meters long and weighs about 45 kilograms. Its impressive capabilities allow it to dive up to 300 meters deep, making it a promising platform for underwater operations.

Efforts are underway to further enhance the AUV’s endurance by 200 to 300 percent, aiming for its deployment in coastal waters to enhance coastal safety. The platform’s versatile design allows deployment from a mother ship or directly from the coast, ensuring effective coastal protection measures.

During the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of achieving self-reliance and becoming a leading exporter of defense systems and technologies resonated. Kamat highlighted the importance of partnerships between GRSE and AEPL in realizing this vision and fostering future collaborations.

GRSE expressed interest in developing other autonomous platforms, including sea surface vehicles, sea-based drones, and exploring green propulsion for ships and other media. The Chairman and Managing Director of GRSE, Hari, further revealed that while the current version of ‘Neerakshi’ is equipped for mine detection, the goal is to enhance its capabilities to include mine disposal.

GRSE’s commitment to technological advancements and addressing the evolving needs of the defense sector was evident as they shared plans to venture into all three domains of autonomous platforms: sub-surface, surface, and aerial. Their dedication is further manifested through the upcoming launch of an unmanned surface vessel project by the year-end.

To encourage innovation and collaboration, GRSE launched a national open startup challenge called GAINS, aiming to tap into the potential of the Indian startup ecosystem for cutting-edge solutions in defence and other sectors. The launch of ‘Neerakshi’ marks a significant achievement in India’s defence sector, representing a successful example of indigenous design and development.

The AUV’s potential to bolster mine detection capabilities and coastal safety is promising for the nation’s defence preparedness. At the same time, the collaboration between GRSE and AEPL sets a positive precedent for future partnerships in the pursuit of self-reliance and technological excellence.

Reference: Swarajya Mag, Times of India, Hindustan Times

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Source: Maritime Shipping News