By Vipin Kumar Kaushik & Amit Sharma
India’s defence sector has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the past few decades, thanks to the concerted efforts of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Since its inception in 1958, DRDO has played a pivotal role in making India self-reliant in defence technologies across the land, air, sea, cyber and space. In particular, developing indigenous naval systems has enabled the Indian Navy to assert itself as a formidable force in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). India’s geopolitical standing, with its extensive coastline and strategic maritime interests, necessitates a strong and self-sustaining naval force. DRDO’s contributions to this end have been manifold, ranging from advanced warships and submarines to state-of-the-art electronic warfare systems and naval weaponry.
Let’s explore the DRDO’s journey in transforming India’s naval sector, the organization’s major achievements in naval systems, its role in enhancing the Indian Navy’s combat potential, the current status of naval systems across the world, export of DRDO-developed naval equipment and the path forward for achieving greater self-reliance in naval systems and technologies.
Naval R&D in DRDO
In its early years, DRDO focused primarily on basic defence technologies, but as India’s maritime challenges grew and evolved, the organization expanded its scope to include naval systems. DRDO’s journey into naval system development began with the design of torpedo systems and sonar technologies. Over time, the organization’s scope broadened to include complex missile systems, naval platforms, and electronic warfare suites, which played a critical role in bolstering the Indian Navy’s capabilities.
The Naval Systems and Materials (NS&M) cluster of DRDO is dedicated to providing cutting-edge technologies and systems for the Indian Navy, and a complete materials solution to DRDO and the three services. The cluster has developed state-of-the-art underwater sensors & surveillance systems; underwater weapons & associated systems; Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, and protection technologies for marine platforms; stealth and camouflage technologies for land, air and naval platforms; advanced metallic, ceramic, polymeric and composite materials for structural and functional application; and nuclear radiation management technologies.
The Naval Systems & Materials (NS&M) Cluster comprises six laboratories – Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) at Kochi, Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) at Visakhapatnam, Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) at Ambernath, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) at Hyderabad, Defence Materials Stores Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE) at Kanpur, Defence Laboratory (DLJ) at Jodhpur and DRDO Young Scientist Laboratory-Smart Materials(DYSL-SM) at Hyderabad.
Naval Research in DRDO is aided by world-class testing and simulation facilities like High-Speed Towing Tank (HSST), Seakeeping and Maneuvering Basin (SMB), Wind Tunnel, Cavitation Tunnel, Acoustic Tanks, Structural and Thermal Test Facilities, Underwater Acoustic Test Facility (UARF), Non-Destructive Test (NDT) centres and other marine systems and equipment testing facilities. Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation & Evaluation (SPACE) of Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Idukki is a floating platform in the shape of a ship and is a state-of-the-art testing and evaluation facility for sonar systems developed for use by the Indian Navy onboard various platforms, including ships, submarines and helicopters. Materials and Transducers-Simulated Test Centre (MATS) is the only one of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region and one of the very few in the world and is capable of undertaking any static or dynamic measurement, evaluation and calibration of any material or sensors or transducers for underwater use.
Some of the star products of the naval cluster for maritime safety securing our long coastline of 7500 kilometers comprise various torpedoes like Advanced Lightweight Weight Torpedo (ALWT), Heavy Weight Torpedo ‘Varunastra’, and Torpedo Advanced Light (TAL); decoys system like Anti Torpedo Defence System ‘Mareech’; various sonars including Hull Mounted Ship Sonars ‘HUMSA-NG’, Submarine Sonar Suite ‘USHUS’, Portable diver detection sonar (PDDS), Low frequency dunking sonar (LFDS); Underwater Mines; Air Independent Propulsion (AIP); Autonomous underwater vehicle etc.
Some of the soldier protection systems developed in the cluster are Boot Antimine Infantry (BAMI), Blast protection suite, CBRN systems etc. The material research plays an indispensable role in the development of materials and paint for marine systems like High Nitrogen Steel for armoured applications and High-performance exterior paint. The development of Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff (MOCR), NBC water purification plant, Radiation monitoring and surveillance systems etc. have strengthened armed forces.
Multi Influence Ground Mine (MIGM) gives the Indian Navy an edge against most modern stealth ships. MIGM is deployable from ships, COOPs, and submarines. This project involves state-of-the-art technologies in FRP composites, electronics hardware, high-density power packs, software and sensors for the detection of different influences.
Apart from developing cutting-edge naval technologies under various labs, DRDO also promotes naval R&D in academia and Industry through Naval Research Board (NRB) and Technology Development Fund(TDF). Naval Research Board institutes a Grants-in-Aid Scheme to nurture scientific talent to create a research base in IITs, Universities, higher technological institutions, colleges and other research centers in the country resulting in the strengthening and deepening of the knowledge base related to naval science and technologies. Spearheading the innovations under the ‘Make in India’ program, is the Technology Development Fund (TDF), with funding up to Rs 50 Crores (through Grant-in-Aid) for mentoring, testing, monitoring and providing all types of support required to get quality ‘Made in India’ product.
DRDO’s contribution to the development of world-class Indigenous Naval Systems
The DRDO has contributed to numerous indigenous naval systems that have reshaped the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities. The organization’s achievements span a broad spectrum of platforms and technologies, including warships, submarines, torpedoes, naval communication systems, radars, and electronic warfare suites. Some of the notable achievements of DRDO in the field of naval systems are outlined below:
I. Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC): One of the most notable achievements of DRDO in the naval domain is the noteworthy contribution to India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. With its indigenous design and development, INS Vikrant is a testament to India’s naval self-reliance. The aircraft carrier is equipped with cutting-edge naval technologies and features that make it one of the most advanced carriers in the region.
II. Launch of BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile from naval platforms: A joint venture between DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia, the BrahMos missile is one of the fastest supersonic cruise missiles in the world. With its sea-based version, the Indian Navy has gained the ability to strike enemy targets with precision at supersonic speeds. The missile is capable of being launched from surface ships, submarines, and even coastal batteries, providing the Navy with a versatile and potent weapon.
III. Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Navy: Another remarkable milestone in DRDO’s naval portfolio is the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Navy, which is India’s first indigenously developed carrier-based fighter aircraft. The LCA Navy has undergone rigorous testing and trials, positioning India as one of the few countries capable of developing carrier-borne fighters. This aircraft enhances the Indian Navy’s air defence and strike capabilities at sea. The landing and take-off operations of the LCA navy on India’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant have been successfully demonstrated.
IV. Varunastra – Heavyweight Torpedo: DRDO’s Varunastra is an advanced heavyweight torpedo capable of targeting and destroying enemy submarines. The weapon, developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), has been inducted into the Indian Navy and is a significant achievement for indigenous torpedo technology. The torpedo can operate in both deep and shallow waters, making it highly versatile and effective.
V. Advanced Electronic Warfare Systems: DRDO has also made significant progress in developing sophisticated electronic warfare (EW) systems for the Indian Navy. Systems such as Shakti, which provide warships with the ability to detect and neutralize enemy radar and communication systems, have proven crucial for the Navy’s defensive and offensive operations.
VI. Naval Communication Systems and Radars: DRDO has developed various indigenous naval communication systems, including the coastal surveillance radar, and 3D surveillance radar ‘Revathi’ which have revolutionized the Navy’s ability to communicate securely over vast oceanic distances. These systems enable better situational awareness and coordination during naval operations. ‘Nayan’ – a Communication Intelligence (COMINT) system for shipborne platforms, is capable of interception, monitoring, direction finding and analysis of communication signals in V/UHF frequency bands.
VII. Sonar and Mine Detection Systems: DRDO’s sonar technologies have greatly enhanced the Navy’s underwater surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Systems such as the HUMSA-NG, USHUS, LFDS and advanced mine detection technologies have provided the Indian Navy with superior underwater domain awareness.
VIII. Air Independent Propulsion System: DRDO has developed an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) System for P-75 Scorpene Submarine. AIP has a force multiplier effect on the lethality of a diesel-electric submarine as it enhances the submerged endurance of the boat, several folds. Fuel cell-based AIP has numerous merits in performance compared to other technologies. While there are different types of AIP systems being pursued internationally, fuel cell-based AIP of DRDO is unique as the hydrogen is generated onboard.
These achievements highlight DRDO’s capability to produce indigenous naval systems that cater to the growing needs of the Indian Navy, fostering an environment of self-reliance in naval defence technologies.
Recent Achievements of DRDO in naval systems
a. Successful maiden flight tests of indigenously developed Naval Anti-Ship Missile launched from a Naval Helicopter met all its intended objectives. Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM) is the first indigenous air-launched anti-ship missile system for the Indian Navy.
b. DRDO and Indian Navy successfully flight-tested Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM). The flight test was carried out from an Indian Naval Ship against a high-speed unmanned aerial target for demonstration of the vertical launch capability of the VL-SRSAM system indigenously designed and developed by DRDO.
c. Successful maiden surface run of the High Endurance Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (HEAUV) at Cochin Shipyard’s International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) Jetty in Kochi has marked a breakthrough in India’s underwater defence and exploration capabilities and signifies a key step in the development of advanced indigenous underwater technologies.
d. DRDO launched the Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterization & Evaluation (SPACE) facility at Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi recently. It is a state-of-the-art testing and evaluation facility for sonar systems developed for use by the Indian Navy onboard various platforms, including ships, submarines and helicopters.
e. DRDO and the Indian Navy successfully conducted a maiden flight trial of a sea-based endo-atmospheric interceptor missile off the coast of Odisha in the Bay of Bengal on April 21, 2023. The purpose of the trial was to engage and neutralize a hostile ballistic missile threat thereby elevating India into the elite club of Nations having Naval BMD capability.
f. DRDO and Indian Navy conducted the successful maiden test trial of ‘ADC-150’ from IL 38SD aircraft off the coast of Goa on April 27, 2023. ‘ADC-150’ is an indigenously designed and developed Air Droppable Container with 150 kg payload capacity.
g. Successful test of the Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system has been completed. SMART is a novel concept containing a canister hybrid system that can travel at supersonic speeds, and it is made up of a medium-range missile carrying a lightweight torpedo as a payload.
h. DRDO handed over the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to the Indian Navy on June 26, 2024. Microwave Obscurant Chaff (MOC), a niche technology developed by DRDO’s Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur, obscures radar signals and creates a microwave shield around platforms and assets.
i. The commissioning of India’s second nuclear submarine INS Arighaat, the Arihant class submarine in Visakhapatnam on 29 August 2024 has strengthened India’s nuclear triad, enhanced nuclear deterrence, help in establish strategic balance and peace in the region, and played a decisive role in the security of the country.
Status of Naval R&D Across the World
Naval research and development (R&D) play a critical role in the advancement of maritime defence capabilities worldwide. With the increasing strategic importance of maritime dominance, nations are heavily investing in advanced naval technologies to enhance their operational capabilities, secure maritime interests, and protect sea routes. Global naval R&D focuses on several key areas, including missile systems, submarines, surface vessels, autonomous platforms, electronic warfare, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing. A brief on the naval R&D in the major naval powers of the world is provided below.
a) United States
The U.S. Navy is one of the most technologically advanced naval forces in the world, with extensive investments in R&D. The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is responsible for driving innovation and research for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Key areas of focus include:
- Lethal Precision Weapons: Hypersonic missiles, such as the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) system, are being developed to enhance the Navy’s long-range strike capabilities.
- Autonomous Systems: The U.S. Navy is investing heavily in unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) like the Sea Hunter and the Orca extra-large unmanned undersea vehicle (XLUUV). These platforms are designed for surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and mine countermeasures.
- Aircraft Carriers and Submarines: Advanced nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, such as the Gerald R. Ford class, and next-generation submarines, like the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine, are key R&D focuses to maintain maritime dominance.
- Energy Weapons: Directed energy systems, including laser weapons and electromagnetic railguns, are in development to enhance ship defense against missiles, drones, and small vessels.
b) China
China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has rapidly expanded its naval capabilities in recent years, driven by R&D efforts aimed at challenging U.S. maritime superiority. China’s naval R&D focuses on:
- Aircraft Carrier Development: With the construction of its third aircraft carrier, Type 003, China is investing heavily in expanding its carrier fleet.
- Submarines and Hypersonic Missiles: China has made significant strides in building advanced submarines, such as the Type 094A Jin-class SSBNs. Additionally, the country is focused on developing hypersonic anti-ship missiles, like the DF-17, which can potentially outmanoeuvre existing missile defence systems.
- Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Warfare: China’s naval R&D is increasingly focused on AI and cyber warfare technologies to enhance battlefield awareness, autonomous decision-making, and electronic warfare capabilities.
- Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD): China’s R&D includes developing systems designed to deter adversary forces from entering its regional waters, including the DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) aimed at U.S. carrier strike groups.
c) Russia
Russia continues to modernize its naval fleet through R&D efforts, despite budgetary constraints. Its focus is on enhancing nuclear deterrence, submarine capabilities, and missile systems.
- Nuclear Submarines: Russia is developing advanced nuclear-powered submarines, such as the Borei-class SSBN and the Yasen-class SSN, to maintain its strategic nuclear deterrent.
- Hypersonic Missiles: Russia is investing in hypersonic missile technology with systems like the 3M22 Zircon hypersonic cruise missile, which poses a significant threat to naval assets due to its high speed and manoeuvrability.
- Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs): The Poseidon AUV, a nuclear-capable torpedo, is a key area of Russian naval R&D. Poseidon is designed to deliver nuclear strikes to coastal targets and enemy naval fleets.
- Surface Ship Modernization: Russia is also upgrading its surface fleet, with the introduction of new frigates and destroyers, equipped with advanced sensors, missiles, and electronic warfare systems.
d) United Kingdom
The Royal Navy of the United Kingdom has initiated several R&D programs to maintain its status as a global naval power.
- Type 26 and Type 31 Frigates: The Royal Navy is investing in the development of next-generation frigates designed for anti-submarine warfare and global patrols. The Type 26 Global Combat Ship is expected to form the backbone of the Royal Navy’s surface fleet.
- Dreadnought-class Submarines: As part of the UK’s nuclear deterrence strategy, the development of the Dreadnought-class submarines is a priority, set to replace the aging Vanguard-class SSBNs.
- Unmanned Systems: The Royal Navy is increasingly exploring the use of autonomous systems, including underwater drones for mine detection and autonomous surface ships for reconnaissance and patrol missions.
- Energy Weapons and Future Technologies: Similar to the U.S., the Royal Navy is experimenting with directed energy weapons and electromagnetic railguns to defend against modern threats such as missiles and drones.
Challenges and Future Directions in Global Naval R&D
While significant progress has been made in global naval R&D, several challenges remain:
- Cost and Sustainability: The development of cutting-edge naval technologies like hypersonic weapons, nuclear-powered submarines, and autonomous systems is expensive and resource-intensive. Sustaining R&D efforts over long periods requires substantial financial investments.
- Environmental Concerns: The increased deployment of nuclear-powered vessels and the use of oceanic testing for new systems raise environmental concerns that could limit future naval development in certain regions.
Looking ahead, global naval R&D will continue to evolve with a focus on enhancing lethality, stealth, autonomy, and resilience in maritime operations. Nations are likely to invest in multi-domain operations, integrating naval, space, cyber, and land-based systems into a cohesive defence network. The continued development of AI-driven warfare, hypersonic strike capabilities, and quantum-based systems will redefine naval combat in the 21st century.
Export of DRDO-developed naval systems
DRDO’s contributions have significantly impacted India’s defence export trajectory. India’s defence exports have grown more than 30 times over the past decade, with the country now supplying defence products to over 90 countries. These exports include ammunition, small arms, bulletproof jackets and helmets, electronic items, armoured vehicles, lightweight torpedoes, simulators, drones, and fast-attack vessels. This substantial increase in exports is largely driven by DRDO-developed systems, as highlighted by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). DRDO is not directly involved in the export of defence equipment. Export of DRDO-developed products is done by Transfer of Technology (ToT) partners. Technologies of DRDO-developed systems are transferred to industries for production and delivery to users as per their requirements. Today, more than 1800 industries have joined hands with DRDO in the delivery of components, subsystems, systems, platforms and technologies for the Indian Armed Forces. DRDO, being a designer of these systems, needs to play a lead role in adopting these systems to customer needs (export version) after taking into account national security concerns. DRDO supports the industry in evolving the specifications of the export variant of the products (based on DRDO technology) to enable the industry to respond to the RFPs of friendly nations. Production agencies can accept orders from other users after meeting the requirements of the Armed Forces. Many countries have shown their interest in acquiring DRDO-developed systems including naval systems like sonars, torpedoes, decoys and other naval equipment and many of them are at the advanced stage of export. Hull Mounted Sonars ‘HMS-X’ and HMS-X2’ as well as Torpedo Advanced Light (TAL) have been exported to Myanmar.
DRDO’s contributions to naval equipment have been instrumental in advancing India’s naval capabilities. From advanced missile systems and submarines to sophisticated sonar, torpedoes, and electronic warfare systems, DRDO has played a critical role in developing indigenous technologies thus enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational effectiveness and strategic reach significantly. As the organization continues to innovate and develop cutting-edge technologies, India’s naval forces will be better equipped to address emerging challenges and maintain maritime security in the increasingly complex global defence landscape. Its emphasis on indigenization has not only reduced India’s dependence on foreign suppliers but also strengthened the country’s strategic autonomy.
As India continues to modernize its naval fleet and assert its presence in the Indian Ocean region, DRDO will remain a key player in this transformation. With its focus on innovation and self-reliance, DRDO is well-positioned to ensure that the Indian Navy remains a powerful and technologically advanced force, capable of safeguarding India’s maritime interests in an increasingly complex security environment.
Vipin Kumar Kaushik is Director-DPI, DRDO & Amit Sharma, Scientist’D’, DPI
A note of thanks to Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary DDR&D and Chairman, DRDO; Dr. RVH Prasad, Director General (Naval Systems and Materials); Dr. Manu Korulla is DG(R&M)-DRDO; Dr. Subrata Rakshit, Director General (SAM&TM); Shri Sameer Abdul Azeez, Counsellor (Defence Technology) at EoI, Moscow, Santosh Kumar Panigrahi, Director-PM(NS&M), for useful inputs, comments and suggestions regarding Naval R&D which helped in writing and improving this article.
