In a significant advancement for India’s underwater defense capabilities, the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) successfully tested its High Endurance Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (HEAUV) in controlled lake environments, demonstrating exceptional dynamics in both surface and submerged conditions across multiple runs. This unmanned vehicle, currently developed at NSTL in Visakhapatnam, is engineered for high endurance and versatility, poised to undertake critical missions such as anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasures, and oceanographic surveillance. The flawless performance of its advanced sonar and communication systems during the trials validated its design and operational capabilities, showcasing robust command and control through dual-mode operations of radio frequency and acoustic signals. The HEAUV, weighing approximately 8 tons and equipped with electric propulsion, is designed for extended missions of up to two weeks, emphasizing India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense technology under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. By developing indigenous platforms that can rival foreign systems like the Boeing Orca XLUUV and Kongsberg Hugin Endurance, NSTL is not only reducing India’s reliance on imports but also fostering innovation in underwater robotics, positioning the HEAUV as a gamechanger for the Indian Navy in securing its maritime borders, particularly as security challenges rise in the Indian Ocean Region.
