The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone in naval mine warfare with the successful field trials of indigenously developed Man-Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). Developed as a technology demonstrator by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), these AUVs are designed for the detection, classification, and neutralization of sea mines in a Mine Countermeasure (MCM) mission.
Key technical and operational features include:
Mission Versatility: The system utilizes two specialized variants—a Surveillance AUV for reconnaissance and a Neutralizer AUV to eliminate threats—equipped with Side Scan Sonar and underwater cameras.
Autonomous Intelligence: Onboard Deep Learning-based recognition algorithms enable the vehicles to autonomously identify mine-like objects, drastically reducing human operator workload and mission duration.
Networked Communication: Robust acoustic communication algorithms allow for seamless data sharing across multiple AUVs, ensuring collective situational awareness without requiring the “mother platform” to stay in the danger zone.
High Indigenization: The realization of these systems was supported by multiple industry partners, achieving an indigenous content level of above 70%.
What is a Mine Countermeasure (MCM) Mission? It is a naval operation intended to reduce the risk to ships and submarines from underwater mines. By using man-portable AUVs, the Navy can conduct these high-risk missions more flexibly, as the small size of the vehicles allows for rapid deployment from various platforms, including small boats, while keeping manned vessels at a safe distance from potentially mined waters.
Policy Relevance
The success of the man-portable AUV trials directly advances India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat objectives in the critical domain of undersea warfare. By achieving over 70% indigenization, India reduces its strategic dependence on foreign-sourced mine countermeasure technologies, which are often subject to strict export controls and high life-cycle costs. Furthermore, the integration of deep learning and networked robotics signals a policy shift toward “Intelligent Defense,” where autonomous systems serve as force multipliers to secure India’s vast maritime interests and the Blue Economy.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: How will the transition from technology demonstration to mass production of these AUVs impact the operational cost-ratio of the Indian Navy’s mine countermeasure fleet over the next decade?
Follow the full news here: DRDO Newsletter Dec 2025
