DRDO’s SWaDeS: Portable Desalination System for Troops in Water-Scarce Zones

Sea Water Desalination System (SWaDeS): Features, Uses and Exam Facts

To address the critical challenge of drinking water availability for troops in extreme conditions, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a compact and portable water desalination device. The system is intended for soldiers operating in remote, coastal, desert, and high-altitude regions where access to potable water is either limited or completely absent.

Sea Water Desalination System (SWaDeS)

The device, called the Sea Water Desalination System (SWaDeS) , has been developed by Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur based on operational requirements projected by India’s tri-command services. A key strength of SWaDeS is its dual-mode operation—it can function manually or through an engine-driven mechanism—making it adaptable to diverse field conditions and logistical constraints.

Operational Use in Diverse Terrains

SWaDeS is particularly useful for naval deployments and coastal establishments where seawater is easily accessible. In addition, it has been designed for inland use in saline water zones such as Pangong Tso , a strategically sensitive, high-altitude lake near the Line of Actual Control. Here, troops face extreme weather and limited freshwater availability. The system is capable of converting saline water into drinking water that meets permissible standards.

Capacity and Technical Capability

The manually operated version is lightweight enough to be carried by a single soldier and can meet the emergency water needs of 10–12 personnel during long-range patrols or at isolated posts. The engine-operated variant can treat seawater with salinity levels of up to 35,000 mg/L TDS , reducing it to below 500 mg/L , sufficient for 20–25 soldiers .

Broader Water Purification Portfolio

Beyond SWaDeS, DRDO has developed a wide range of water purification technologies, including household systems for removing arsenic, iron, and manganese, as well as specialised Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) water purification units. These systems—ranging from fixed installations to vehicle-mounted units—reflect DRDO’s broader focus on water security for both defence forces and civilian populations.

Important Facts for Exams

• SWaDeS stands for Sea Water Desalination System

• Developed by DRDO’s Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur

• Operates in manual and engine-driven modes

• Converts seawater and saline inland water into potable water