vajiraoias

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 safely. 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 is 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 #drdo #indiannavy #auv #underwaterdrone #minesweeping #navalwarfare #defensetechnology #mpauv #nstl #makeinindiadefence #aidriventech #deeptechindia #militaryinnovation #defencereels #currentaffairs2025 #upscreels #strategictech #blueeconomysecurity #atmanirbharbharat #indiandefenceupdates #vajiraoandreddyinstitute