DRDO Unveils Next-Generation Autonomous Underwater Vehicles for Naval Mine Clearance

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully developed a new generation of Man-portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (MP-AUVs) at its Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam, aimed at enhancing India’s naval mine countermeasure capabilities.

The system consists of multiple autonomous underwater vehicles equipped with Side Scan Sonar and underwater cameras, which serve as the primary payloads for real-time detection and classification of mine-like objects. The vehicles employ deep learning-based algorithms for autonomous target recognition, thereby reducing operator workload and mission time.

To enhance operational efficiency, a robust underwater acoustic communication system has been integrated, enabling inter-AUV data exchange and providing improved situational awareness during missions.

Field trials recently conducted at NSTL/Harbour successfully validated key system parameters and critical mission objectives. The development involved collaboration with multiple industry partners, and the MP-AUV system is expected to be ready for production in the coming months.

Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, commended the NSTL team for the achievement, calling it a major milestone in deployable, intelligent, and networked mine countermeasure solutions. He highlighted that the system offers rapid response capability, reduces operational risk, and lowers the logistic footprint in naval mine warfare operations.

The MP-AUVs are intended for use by the Indian Navy, particularly in mine warfare and underwater reconnaissance missions. Development and trials have been carried out under the Defence R&D budget, which forms part of DRDO’s annual allocation. The exact cost and production budget for this specific project have not been publicly disclosed, in line with standard defence confidentiality practices.

India’s total Defence budget for 2025–26 is ₹6.23 lakh crore, with a dedicated R&D allocation of approximately ₹25,000 crore. This budget supports a wide range of projects across missiles, naval systems, combat vehicles, aircraft, and emerging technologies, including autonomous and networked naval platforms.

The MP-AUVs represent a significant step forward in India’s efforts to modernize naval capabilities, leveraging autonomous technologies to enhance safety and efficiency in mine countermeasure operations.