By Aritra Banerjee
India’s naval fleet is currently confronted with complex challenges in its surface and underwater spheres due to a shortage of advanced torpedoes. This scarcity typifies the intricate issues that plague the country’s defence acquisition system. These problems have left the nation’s newest Scorpene submarines without their essential array of heavyweight torpedoes.
The Delayed Procurement Of Heavyweight Torpedoes
Initially, the Scorpene fleet was supposed to receive hefty Black Shark torpedoes from WASS, a subsidiary of the Italian company Leonardo. However, legal complications involving another Leonardo affiliate, AgustaWestland, disrupted this plan. Consequently, negotiations with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the procurement of heavyweight torpedoes for the Scorpene fleet are currently at a standstill.
Reliance On Dated Weaponry
In the meantime, the Indian Navy’s German HDW Shishumar Class diesel-electric submarines are equipped with Atlas Elektronik AEG Surface and Underwater Target (SUT) 264 21-inch heavyweight wire-guided torpedoes. These torpedoes, first commissioned in 1967, do not meet the demands of modern naval warfare.
The Raytheon MK 54 Torpedoes: A Glimmer of Hope?
Indian Naval Aviation provides a ray of hope by operating the Boeing P-8I maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) equipped with the versatile Raytheon MK 54 torpedoes for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) missions. These torpedoes are also intended for use by the Navy’s Sikorsky MH-60R Romeo ASW helicopters. The MK54, in production for two decades, can be deployed from surface ships, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft to detect, categorise and engage underwater threats. Its advanced design uses sophisticated processing algorithms to analyse intelligence and counter decoy targets or countermeasures.
Progress In Indigenous Underwater Weaponry Development
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has shown promise in developing indigenous underwater weapons, such as the Varunastra, a ship-launched heavyweight torpedo, and Torpedo Advanced Lightweight (TAL). However, these weapons currently cannot be launched from submarines. The successful development of Varunastra and TAL suggests that DRDO might soon produce a submarine-launchable torpedo to address the Navy’s immediate requirements.
The Indian Navy’s New Arsenal: Varunastra & TAL
To bolster its arsenal, the Indian Navy is procuring at least 73 Varunastra ship-launched heavyweight torpedoes. According to DRDO, this modern ASW torpedo is designed to engage submarines in shallow and deep waters. Indian Naval forces started receiving their first batches of the Varunastra in November 2020, with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) managing the production process.
BDL has also supplied over 25 TAL underwater weapons to the Indian Navy. The TAL can be deployed from warships, maritime helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft. Its inaugural flight test occurred in 2021 when a Navy IL-38 SD MPA launched it. Demonstrating its global acceptance, BDL received export orders for the TAL from the Myanmar Navy in 2017.
Next-Gen Standoff Torpedo Delivery Systems
Simultaneously, DRDO is advancing towards next-gen standoff torpedo delivery systems by developing a supersonic missile-assisted torpedo. The Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system aims to elevate the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities beyond the traditional torpedo range.
Augmenting ASW Capacity With Advanced Torpedo Decoy System
In June 2020, the Indian Navy’s ASW capacity was significantly bolstered by integrating the Maareech Advanced Torpedo Decoy System, deployable on all frontline warships. This system, developed by DRDO labs, the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), and the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), uses advanced signal processing algorithms for torpedo detection, classification, and decoying.
Cutting-Edge Torpedo Defence Suite For Surface Vessels
Earlier this year, Rafael and DSIT unveiled a unique integrated torpedo defence suite for surface vessels. This suite combines the highly efficient Blackfish and Monkfish Torpedo Detection and Alert Sonar (TDAS) Hull Mounted Sonar (HMS) systems. The suite also includes Rafael’s Torbuster SP hard-kill decoy, capable of deceiving and neutralising incoming torpedoes.
Global Advancements In New Torpedoes
In terms of new torpedoes, global advancements continue to set the pace. Notably, the British Spearfish Mod-1, an upgraded heavyweight torpedo, was deemed ready for frontline action with the Royal Navy in May 2021. Furthermore, Turkey’s Roketsan introduced its Akya heavyweight torpedo in 2021. The Akya, a high-speed, long-range torpedo designed for submarine launch, is fully autonomous and guided by fibre optic wire with an active/passive sonar homing head.
