By Dr Manu Korulla, DG(R&M) & Santosh Kumar Panigrahi, Director-PM(NS&M)
India’s defence sector has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few decades, significantly influenced by the initiatives of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Established in 1958, DRDO has been instrumental in advancing India’s self-reliance in defence technologies across various domains, including land, air, sea, cyber, and space. Among its many contributions, the development of indigenous naval systems has empowered the Indian Navy to emerge as a formidable force within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Given India’s extensive coastline and strategic maritime interests, the necessity for a robust and self-sustaining naval capability cannot be overstated.
The significance of a strong navy for India is unparalleled, particularly in the context of evolving geopolitical dynamics and emerging threats. With the rise of new-age challenges such as cyber warfare, information dominance, and sophisticated underwater operations, India has recognized the imperative to modernize and enhance its naval capabilities. DRDO’s advancements in the development of platforms, sensors, and weapon systems have positioned India as a nation capable of independently designing and producing world-class naval technologies.
Several major achievements mark the journey of DRDO in transforming India’s naval sector. One of the most notable successes has been the development of advanced warships and submarines. The indigenously built Aircraft Carrier Vikrant, which was commissioned in 2022, represents a significant leap in India’s naval capabilities. This vessel not only enhances the operational reach of the Indian Navy but also underscores the technological prowess of DRDO and its collaborators in the maritime domain. Additionally, the development of the Kalvari-class submarines, based on the Scorpène design, has introduced advanced stealth features and combat capabilities, reinforcing India’s underwater warfare capabilities.
Furthermore, DRDO has made substantial contributions to the realm of naval weaponry and electronic warfare systems. The integration of advanced missile systems, such as the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, has significantly enhanced the strike capabilities of the Indian Navy. The development of advanced radar and electronic warfare systems has also bolstered the Navy’s situational awareness and combat readiness, ensuring that it remains competitive in the face of evolving threats.
The role of DRDO in enhancing the combat potential of the Indian Navy extends beyond mere technological advancements. By fostering collaboration with domestic industries and research institutions, DRDO has created a robust ecosystem for defence manufacturing in India. This collaborative approach not only accelerates the development of indigenous technologies but also contributes to the broader goal of achieving self-reliance in defence procurement. The “Make in India” initiative, championed by the government, aligns seamlessly with DRDO’s vision of promoting indigenous capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
Looking ahead, the path for achieving greater self-reliance in naval systems and technologies is fraught with challenges but also ripe with opportunities. The ongoing focus on research and development, coupled with increased investments in defence infrastructure, will be crucial in sustaining the momentum of innovation. Additionally, fostering partnerships with private sector players and leveraging advancements in emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, will further enhance the capabilities of the Indian Navy.
DRDO’s Role in the Indian Navy’s Modernization
a) Indigenization and Self-Reliance
One of DRDO’s most significant contributions to India’s naval growth has been its focus on indigenization. Prior to DRDO’s involvement, India relied heavily on foreign suppliers for critical naval systems, which not only resulted in high costs but also created strategic vulnerabilities. DRDO’s emphasis on developing indigenous systems has drastically reduced India’s dependence on foreign technology, fostering a more self-reliant and resilient defence ecosystem.
With DRDO’s efforts, the Indian Navy has been able to acquire home-grown technologies for critical platforms like submarines, torpedoes, radars, sonar systems, and missiles. This shift towards indigenization has given the Indian Navy greater control over its defence infrastructure and allowed for quicker upgrades and modifications to meet evolving operational requirements.
b) Development of Naval Platforms
DRDO has also contributed to the design and development of several naval platforms. DRDO plays a pivotal role in the hydrodynamic design and performance evaluation of all types of surface ships, submarines, underwater vehicles and autonomous systems at its world-class infrastructural and simulation facilities like High-Speed Towing Tank, Sea Keeping and Manoeuvring Basin(SMB), Cavitational Tunnel, Wind Tunnel. DRDO is instrumental in initial performance studies of marine vehicles and weapons through Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD) studies. Also, DRDO has been involved in the development of stealth technologies for Indian Navy surface ships, which help reduce the radar cross-section of ships, making them harder to detect by enemy radar systems.
In addition to surface ships, DRDO has also played a role in India’s indigenous aircraft carrier program. The INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, incorporates several DRDO-developed technologies, including radar and communication systems. The successful development of such platforms marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to modernize its naval fleet and project power in the Indian Ocean region.
c) Underwater Warfare and Autonomous Systems
With the increasing importance of underwater warfare, DRDO has focused on developing systems to counter underwater threats, such as submarines and underwater mines. In addition to the Varunastra torpedo, DRDO has developed advanced mine countermeasure systems to protect Indian Navy vessels from underwater mines, which are a significant threat in littoral waters.
Moreover, DRDO is actively working on Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) for mine detection, reconnaissance, and surveillance missions. These autonomous systems can perform critical tasks in high-risk environments, reducing the need for human intervention and enhancing the Navy’s ability to operate in hostile waters.
The Futuristic Approach of DRDO in Naval R&D
Over the years, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India’s premier defence R&D organization has been instrumental in the modernization and indigenization of India’s naval systems, and its future-oriented R&D initiatives are shaping the Indian Navy to meet emerging threats and challenges.
(a) Establishing long-term scientific partnerships with Indian Ocean Rim countries in ‘Ocean Research & Development through ’DRDO’s oceanographic research vessel INS Sagardhwani’s Sagar Maitri Mission
Sagar Maitri is a novel initiative of DRDO that supports the broad objective of the government’s policy declaration ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)’ to promote closer cooperation in socio-economic aspects as well as more significant scientific interaction, especially in ocean research among Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) countries. Under the aegis of this policy, DRDO initiated a scientific component named ‘MAITRI (Marine and Allied Interdisciplinary Training and Research Initiative)’, which focuses on establishing a long-term collaboration with IOR countries in the field of ‘Ocean Research and Development’.
(b) Underwater Domain Awareness(UDA) through various symposiums and conferences focusing on coastal oceanographic studies, modelling, observations and simulations. DRDO has already developed various enabling technologies for the implementation of UDA.
(c) Autonomous and Unmanned Systems
One of the most significant trends in naval R&D globally is the development of autonomous and unmanned systems, which have the potential to transform maritime operations. DRDO is actively pursuing the development of Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to enhance the Indian Navy’s capabilities in surveillance, reconnaissance, mine detection, anti-submarine warfare, and combat operations.
i. Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)
DRDO is investing in the development of AUVs designed for underwater exploration, mine detection, and reconnaissance. These systems can operate autonomously for extended periods, gathering critical intelligence while reducing the risk to human personnel. AUVs can perform missions in hostile environments, such as underwater minefields or areas with high enemy submarine activity, where manned vessels would be at significant risk. Future iterations of these AUVs will likely include enhanced AI capabilities, allowing them to operate with minimal human intervention and coordinate with other unmanned systems in real time.
ii. Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs)
DRDO is also focused on developing USVs that can patrol and protect key maritime areas, conduct anti-piracy operations, and support search-and-rescue missions. USVs, equipped with advanced sensors and communication systems, will be able to perform tasks like reconnaissance, mine sweeping, and acting as force multipliers during naval operations.
(d) Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into naval systems is a key area of research for DRDO. AI has the potential to revolutionize naval warfare by enhancing decision-making, improving situational awareness, and automating complex tasks such as threat detection, target recognition, and sensor data analysis.
i. AI in Combat Systems
In the future, DRDO envisions AI-powered combat systems that can autonomously detect and classify threats, assess risk levels, and suggest or even execute appropriate defensive or offensive actions. AI can significantly enhance the speed and accuracy of decisions in high-stakes naval engagements, where split-second decisions are critical for mission success. AI-enabled combat management systems will be capable of integrating data from multiple sensors, including radars, sonar systems, and satellite feeds, to provide a comprehensive picture of the battlefield. These systems will also be able to predict the movement and behaviour of enemy vessels and submarines, allowing for more proactive and precise responses.
ii. AI for Predictive Maintenance
AI-driven systems will also be employed for predictive maintenance of naval assets, reducing downtime and increasing the operational readiness of ships, submarines, and other equipment. By analyzing data from onboard sensors, AI algorithms can predict when a component is likely to fail and schedule maintenance before any critical issues arise. DRDO is working on AI tools that will help reduce the lifecycle costs of naval platforms by minimizing the need for unscheduled repairs and enhancing the operational efficiency of the fleet.
(e) Hypersonic and Advanced Missile Technologies
Missile technology is one of DRDO’s most significant areas of expertise, and the future of naval warfare will depend heavily on advancements in hypersonic and other advanced missile systems. As countries around the world race to develop hypersonic weapons that can travel at speeds greater than Mach 5, DRDO is positioning itself to ensure that India remains at the cutting edge of this technology.
i. Anti-ship and Land-Attack Missiles
DRDO is also focusing on enhancing India’s anti-ship and land-attack missile capabilities. The development of long-range, high-precision missile systems will allow the Indian Navy to strike enemy ships, naval installations, and coastal infrastructure from a safe distance, reducing the risk to its own vessels. Future missile systems will be equipped with multi-mode seekers, which can engage targets in a variety of environments, from cluttered coastal zones to open ocean battles.
f. Underwater Warfare and Stealth Technologies
As the importance of underwater warfare continues to grow, DRDO is focusing on enhancing India’s capabilities in submarine detection, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and stealth technologies. The ability to operate unseen and detect enemy submarines before they pose a threat is critical to maintaining maritime dominance.
I). Advanced Sonar Systems
DRDO is developing next-generation sonar systems capable of detecting even the most advanced submarines operating in deep and shallow waters. The HUMSA-NG (Hull Mounted Sonar Array – Next Generation) is one such system that has already been deployed on Indian Navy ships. Future developments will focus on improving range, resolution, and accuracy to detect quieter submarines operating in complex ocean environments. In addition to traditional sonar systems, DRDO is working on low-frequency active sonar and towed array sonar systems that will allow for better detection of submarines over greater distances, especially in littoral zones where submarine activity is likely to increase.
II). Stealth Technologies for Submarines and Surface Ships
In the future, DRDO will focus on further reducing the radar cross-section and infrared signatures of Indian Navy ships and submarines, making them less detectable by enemy sensors. These advancements will be crucial in ensuring that Indian naval platforms can operate undetected in contested waters, giving them a strategic advantage in both offensive and defensive operations.
The transformation of India’s naval defence sector, spearheaded by the DRDO, has been a testament to the nation’s commitment to self-reliance and strategic autonomy. As India navigates the complexities of the 21st-century geopolitical landscape, the continued evolution of its naval capabilities will be paramount. The achievements of DRDO not only reflect a significant leap in technological prowess but also embody the vision of a strong, self-sustaining naval force that can effectively safeguard India’s maritime interests in an increasingly contested environment.
Dr Manu Korulla, DG(R&M) & Santosh Kumar Panigrahi, Director-PM(NS&M)
A note of thanks to Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary DDR&D and Chairman, DRDO; Dr. RVH Prasad, Director General (Naval Systems and Materials); Vipin Kumar Kaushik is Director-DPI, DRDO; Amit Sharma, Scientist’D’, DPI; Dr. Subrata Rakshit, Director General (SAM&TM); Shri Sameer Abdul Azeez, Counsellor (Defence Technology) at EoI, Moscow for useful inputs, comments and suggestions regarding Naval R&D which helped in writing and improving this article.
