Source: IT
Subject: Defence Exercise
Context: DRDO has successfully developed a new generation of Man-portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (MP-AUVs) for naval mine countermeasure missions.
About DRDO Develops New Generation Man-Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles:
What it is?
- A compact, lightweight autonomous underwater vehicle system that can be carried by personnel and deployed quickly for detecting, classifying, and analysing underwater mines in real time.
Developed by: Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam
— a premier naval systems lab of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Aim:
- To strengthen India’s indigenous mine countermeasure (MCM) capability,
- Reduce risk to naval divers and manned vessels,
- Enable fast, autonomous, and networked underwater mine detection.
Key Features:
- Multi-AUV System: Uses multiple portable AUVs working collaboratively during missions.
- Side Scan Sonar + Underwater Cameras: Enables high-resolution imaging and real-time detection of mine-like objects.
- AI-Driven Target Recognition: Deep-learning algorithms autonomously classify threats, reducing operator load and speeding up missions.
- Underwater Acoustic Communication: Allows AUVs to exchange data underwater, enhancing situational awareness and coordination.
- Man-Portable & Rapid Deployment: Lightweight design suitable for quick launch from ships or shore.
- Validated Through Field Trials: Successfully tested in NSTL harbour trials for accuracy, coordination, and mission reliability.
Significance:
- Enhances Naval Mine Warfare Capability: Provides an intelligent, networked, and safer system for mine detection and neutralisation.
- Reduces Risk to Personnel: Minimises the need for divers or manned vessels in high-risk minefields.
- Boosts Indigenous Defence Tech: Strengthens India’s self-reliance under Aatmanirbhar Bharat in critical underwater warfare systems.
