Last week, In a resounding triumph for India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), a momentous milestone has been reached with the flawless inaugural surface run of the High Endurance Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (HEAUV) at the venerable Cochin Shipyard’s International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) Jetty in Kochi.
This heralds a pivotal stride forward in fortifying the nation’s prowess in indigenous underwater exploration and defense capabilities.
Distinguished by its imposing stature, the HEAUV stands as a formidable underwater asset, weighing a substantial 6 tons. Possessing a commanding length of 9.75 meters and a diameter of 1 meter, its operational envelope is nothing short of impressive. With a remarkable diving capacity of up to 300 meters, the HEAUV exhibits an extraordinary endurance, capable of sustained operations for 15 days at a cruising speed of 3 knots, while achieving a noteworthy maximum speed of 8 knots.
The HEAUV’s design encompasses a versatile array of mission capabilities, including Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW). Outfitted with cutting-edge sensors, this autonomous marvel assumes a pivotal role in the detection and tracking of adversary submarines. At this moment it isnt clear if the system is capable of engaging the target with torpedo or a similar weapon.
Furthermore, its intrinsic suitability for Mine Counter Measures (MCM) is unrivaled, owing to its autonomous navigation capabilities in underwater environments, rendering it an ideal candidate for mine detection and disposal operations. This becomes even more crucial as Indian navy do not have a mine countermeasure vessel in traditional landscape.
In the realm of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), the HEAUV stands poised for excellence. By seamlessly integrating with sonar, Electro Optical Systems and electronic intelligence (ELINT) systems, it becomes a stalwart instrument for comprehensive underwater data collection, thereby reinforcing India’s strategic intelligence capabilities.
Beyond its military applications, the HEAUV demonstrates its acumen in bathymetry—a discipline where it excels. This underwater drone adeptly charts the ocean’s topography, meticulously mapping the seabed and generating intricate profiles of the ocean floor. This proficiency not only enhances scientific understanding but also opens avenues for broader applications in environmental monitoring and resource management.
In this singular achievement, India’s DRDO has not only asserted its technological prowess but has also underscored the nation’s commitment to advancing maritime innovation on a global scale. The successful deployment of the HEAUV not only augments India’s defensive capabilities but also propels the nation into a pioneering role in the frontier of autonomous underwater technologies.