DRDO DEVELOPS NEW MAN PORTABLE AUTONOMOUS UNDERWATER VEHICLE (MP AUV)
For faster, safer, and smarter naval mine countermeasure missions
1. What has DRDO developed?
- The Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) under DRDO, Visakhapatnam, has successfully developed a new generation of Man-portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (MP-AUVs).
- These AUVs are designed specifically for mine countermeasure missions, meaning they help the Navy detect, classify, and navigate around underwater mines
KEY FEATURES
A. Lightweight and Man-Portable
- Easy to carry and deploy by naval teams.
- Useful in shallow waters, harbours, and coastlines where mines are often placed.
B. Advanced Sensors
Each AUV is equipped with:
- Side Scan Sonar – creates detailed images of the seafloor to locate mine-like objects.
- Underwater Cameras – capture real-time visual data for confirmation.
C. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based Detection
The system uses:
- Deep learning-based target recognition algorithms
- Enables the AUV to autonomously identify and classify mines
- Reduces operator workload
- Cuts mission time significantly
This shifts the task from manual detection to intelligent automation.
D. Underwater Communication Network
- A robust underwater acoustic communication system allows multiple AUVs to exchange data with each other.
- Creates networked situational awareness for coordinated missions.
SUCCESSFUL TRIALS
- Recent field trials at NSTL Harbour were completed.
- They validated all major system parameters and mission objectives, proving the AUVs’ effectiveness.
Industry Participation
- Several Indian industry partners helped in development.
- The system is expected to be ready for production within the next few months.
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE
This development a major step towards:
- Deployable underwater systems
- Intelligent mine-countermeasure capabilities
- Networked underwater operations
Benefits to the Navy
- Rapid response capability
- Lower operational risk for naval personnel
- Reduced logistics burden
Effective tool for naval mine warfare
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