DRDO’s New Man-Portable Underwater Vehicles Boost India’s Coastal Defence

DRDO Unveils Advanced MP-AUVs for Autonomous Underwater Surveillance

India has taken a significant step toward enhancing its underwater security architecture with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) unveiling a new class of man-portable autonomous underwater vehicles (MP-AUVs) . Designed for rapid deployment and high-precision mine detection, the system strengthens India’s capability to secure its vast coastline and critical maritime assets.

Compact, Autonomous and Mission-Ready

The newly developed MP-AUV system is built for flexibility and ease of deployment. Lightweight and compact, each vehicle can be launched from small naval platforms without specialised equipment. The AUVs are equipped with side-scan sonar and high-resolution underwater cameras , enabling continuous seabed scanning and real-time detection of suspicious or mine-like objects. Their autonomous navigation systems allow them to operate independently even in challenging underwater environments.

AI-Driven Recognition Technology

A defining feature of the new AUVs is their deep-learning-based object-classification capability . Powered by advanced onboard processors, the system automatically analyses sonar and visual data to identify underwater threats with minimal human intervention. This reduces operator workload, speeds up mission execution and enhances detection accuracy during critical operations.

NSTL Leads DRDO’s Underwater Innovations

The project has been developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) , Visakhapatnam—a key DRDO facility specialising in torpedoes, underwater systems and naval combat technologies. The laboratory has played a major role in equipping the Indian Navy with indigenous underwater defence solutions.

Exam Facts

• Developed by DRDO’s NSTL , Visakhapatnam.

• Equipped with side-scan sonar and underwater cameras .

• Uses deep-learning algorithms for autonomous target classification.

• Designed for real-time detection of mine-like underwater objects .

Strategic Role in Maritime Security

The induction of MP-AUVs is expected to significantly boost India’s mine counter-measure operations , particularly around harbours, chokepoints and high-traffic naval zones. Their autonomy and portability make them ideal for coastal surveillance, port protection and sensitive seabed-mapping missions. With these systems, India strengthens its ability to pre-empt underwater threats and safeguard strategic maritime routes.