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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone in bolstering India's naval capabilities with the development of the Electric Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT).
This advanced torpedo, designed for submarine launch, marks a crucial step towards achieving self-reliance in defence technology, aligning with the national vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.
The EHWT is a cutting-edge anti-submarine warfare (ASW) weapon system, building upon the success of the previously inducted Varunastra torpedo.
Specifically tailored for submarine deployment, it is designed to effectively engage quiet submarines in both shallow and deep waters, offering a combination of high precision and extended range.
Unlike conventional torpedoes, the EHWT utilizes an electric propulsion system, significantly reducing its acoustic signature and making it stealthier and harder to detect by enemy sonar.
This stealth capability is crucial for modern underwater warfare, where remaining undetected is paramount. Furthermore, the torpedo is equipped with advanced autonomous guidance algorithms, enabling it to pursue and engage targets even in complex underwater environments.
With an operational range of approximately 40 kilometers and a speed of around 40 knots, the EHWT can cover vast distances quickly, providing a strategic advantage in naval engagements.
It can operate at depths of up to 600 meters, allowing it to neutralize threats across a wide range of depths. The EHWT also carries a substantial warhead, ensuring significant destructive power upon impact.
Developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) under DRDO, the EHWT has undergone extensive trials to validate its performance in various conditions. Initial trials were conducted using Sindhughosh-class submarines, demonstrating its compatibility with existing naval assets. These trials focused not only on the torpedo's technical specifications but also on its seamless integration into the combat systems of Indian submarines.
The integration of the EHWT into the Kalvari-class submarines, part of India's Project-75 Scorpene submarine program, involves collaboration with Naval Group, France. This partnership highlights the integration of international expertise with indigenous innovation, fostering technological exchange that could benefit future naval projects.
The EHWT significantly enhances the Indian Navy's underwater combat capabilities, providing a potent weapon system for neutralizing submarine threats. This development reinforces India's commitment to self-reliance in defence technology and strengthens its position as a major naval power in the Indo-Pacific region.
