Opinion How Matangi USV Could Become Indian Navy's Stealthy "Suicide Boat" for Swarm Attacks on Large Warships

India's advancements in unmanned naval technology have taken a significant leap forward with the Matangi Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), developed by Sagar Defence.

This versatile vessel, designed for coastal defense and low-intensity maritime operations (LIMO), recently completed a groundbreaking 1,500-kilometer autonomous journey from Mumbai to Thoothukudi.

This feat, supported by the Indian Navy, highlights the Matangi's potential to revolutionize India's maritime security strategy, particularly in the strategically vital Indian Ocean.

While the Matangi has proven its capabilities in surveillance and reconnaissance, its potential extends far beyond these traditional roles. Drawing inspiration from the effective use of unmanned vessels in the Ukrainian conflict, the Matangi could be adapted into a formidable offensive weapon, a stealthy "suicide boat" capable of crippling large enemy warships.

Equipped with anti-ship missiles or explosive charges, the Matangi could be deployed in swarms to overwhelm enemy defenses. Its small size, stealth capabilities, and autonomous operation make it incredibly difficult to detect and intercept, allowing it to penetrate heavily guarded zones and deliver devastating blows to high-value targets. This tactic offers a cost-effective and asymmetric approach to naval warfare, enabling India to challenge adversaries without risking significant losses.

The Indian Ocean, a region of intense geopolitical competition, is home to a significant naval presence from various nations, including potential adversaries. The Matangi USV offers India a strategic advantage in this complex environment. Its ability to operate autonomously and in swarms allows for coordinated attacks, targeting multiple enemy vessels simultaneously or creating diversions to enable other Indian naval assets to operate more effectively.

Furthermore, the Matangi's modular design allows for quick adaptation to various mission profiles, including reconnaissance, combat, and electronic warfare. This versatility enhances its strategic value, providing the Indian Navy with a flexible and potent tool for maintaining control in contested waters.

To fully realize the Matangi's potential, future development should focus on integrating advanced weapon systems, enhancing its stealth capabilities, and improving communication technologies for seamless integration with manned and unmanned platforms. AI-driven navigation and decision-making systems would further enhance its autonomy, allowing for dynamic mission adaptation based on real-time data.

The Matangi USV represents a significant step forward in India's pursuit of maritime dominance. As the Indian Navy continues to invest in and develop this technology, it positions India at the forefront of unmanned naval innovation, bolstering its defense capabilities and reinforcing its position in the Indian Ocean Region.

 

[Anant]

Excellent idea. A derivative of this design could be used as a USV picket warship to provide AA or even ASuW assistance.

I have said this before, and I'll say it again. We should also look at the possibility of converting some of the older small OPVs (Trinkat- and Bangaram-classes) to USVs. The Australians recently did something similar. It would be good to have such small USVs for patrol.

 

[Abs29]

Although feasible, it would be a total waste of the potential capabilities of the breakthrough in autonomous navigation. Yes it can easily be converted into a autonomous hunter drone vessel, but it can also be upscaled into a fully autonomous vessel capable of conducting ASW patrols chasing foreign contacts during wartime.

We could do what the US Navy did and develop a upscaled autonomous ASW patrol boat with a Variable Depth and Towed Array Sonar. Just having the specific vessel in a region will be a like a red flag for foreign contact. That itslef will significantly streamline ASW operations.

 

[Abs29]

Excellent idea. A derivative of this design could be used as a USV picket warship to provide AA or even ASuW assistance.

I have said this before, and I'll say it again. We should also look at the possibility of converting some of the older small OPVs (Trinkat- and Bangaram-classes) to USVs. The Australians recently did something similar. It would be good to have such small USVs for patrol.

We could do what the US Navy did by upscaling the autonomous navigation technology and putting it onboard a larger ASW patrol vessel or corvette. That way we could send it to scout for foreign contacts lurking in our territorial waters.

 

[Anant]

We could do what the US Navy did by upscaling the autonomous navigation technology and putting it onboard a larger ASW patrol vessel or corvette. That way we could send it to scout for foreign contacts lurking in our territorial waters.

I'd rather suggest we start with an OPV and then move up? I have a feeling converting a manned ship to an unmanned one will have scalability issues.

 

[Abs29]

I'd rather suggest we start with an OPV and then move up? I have a feeling converting a manned ship to an unmanned one will have scalability issues.

Thatstrue but idea of using a hull for a ocean capable OPV or a corvette and modifying it for autonomous navigation and operation does indeednopen a plethora of very innovative options for the Navy.

 

[Varaaah]

It can also be used to make a data base of all ships that pass through a certain point and their characterics. Also good for tailing those Chinese spy ships that dock in Sri Lankan harbour.

 

[Sandeep]

While this vessel can be useful the boat can be adapted even further to search for and destroy mines or search for submarines by using sonar and being armed with light or heavy torpedo. We can also arm this with heavy machine guns to fight against smugglers or terrorists. Another important role is that they can be used for surveillance, search, tracking and gaining intelligence on key sea routes or on naval vessels.

The only problem is that someone might steal the boat, take it apart and sell those parts on the market. As there’s nobody on the boat then it makes it easier.