India's Next-Gen Torpedo, Takshak, Set for Sea Trials: A Deep Dive into BDL's Latest Innovation

In an exciting development for India's naval defense, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is gearing up to test its latest creation, the Takshak torpedo.

In a candid interview with Bharat Shakti's Editor-in-Chief, Nitin A. Gokhale, BDL's Chairman and Managing Director, Commodore A. Madhavarao (Retd.), shed light on this game-changing weapon.

From Varunastra to Takshak: A Leap in Torpedo Technology​

The Takshak is not just another torpedo; it's a significant upgrade from the current Varunastra HWT. The Varunastra, a homegrown marvel, has been the backbone of India's anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. Now, the Takshak is set to raise the bar even higher.

Takshak: A Tech Marvel Under the Waves​

This fiber-optic wire-guided torpedo is a force to be reckoned with. With a diameter of 533mm and a length of 6.4 meters, it's designed for submarine launch.

Its Ring Laser Gyro Inertial Navigation System (RLG INS) and GPS-based guidance ensure pinpoint accuracy, while its extended operational range (exceeding the Varunastra's 50km) gives the Indian Navy a broader reach in detecting and neutralizing underwater threats.

What This Means for India's Naval Power​

Commodore Madhavarao's confirmation that the Takshak is ready for sea trials is a significant step forward. Successful trials could mean the Takshak will soon join the Indian Navy's arsenal, significantly boosting its subsurface defense capabilities.

The Bigger Picture: India's Growing Defense Prowess​

The Takshak is a testament to India's commitment to indigenous defense development. It's a clear signal to the world that India is not just a buyer of defense technology but also a creator of cutting-edge weapons systems.

With the Takshak, India's Navy is poised to become an even more formidable force in the Indian Ocean and beyond.

Stay Tuned for Updates​

As the Takshak prepares for its sea trials, the world will be watching. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting development in India's naval defense capabilities.

 

[Anant]

Oh, fantastic news. This fits in very well with the news yesterday about completion of domestic Varunastra orders.

Way to go, BDL, DRDO, and IN! Wishing the very best of luck for (hopeful) timely development and trials.

 

[Satya Dev]

We should've started development of Takshak HW torpedoes for submarines in 2016, immediately after Finmeccanica was blacklisted.

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

We should've started development of Takshak HW torpedoes for submarines in 2016, immediately after Finmeccanica was blacklisted.

The torpedo development for Shyena started in 1978 , Varunashastra in early 80s and similarly for the Electric torpedoes .

 

[Ranjeet Singh]

We should develop 100 & 200 nautical mile range Torpedoes it will be called a game changer !

 

[SK]

This is a good news.

I hope that Indian-Govt & Navy is investing in Marine Gas Turbine versions of Kaveri Engines for Indian Naval Ships.

 

[Sandeep]

We should develop 100 & 200 nautical mile range Torpedoes it will be called a game changer !

Why don't you ever make a comment that makes sense, realistic and plausible???

 

[Sandeep]

This is a critical necessity as it will make the torpedo much more accurate and to avoid torpedo counter measures as well. The only issue is if it will be compatible with our Kalvari class submarine and indigenous submarines.

 

[The Presence]

Why don't you ever make a comment that makes sense, realistic and plausible???

He was successful in making you reply, thus increasing the engagement.

 

[Boomeranger]

Why IN is NOT buying BlackShark torpedoes?? Even USN is using this same one still....

 

[bonito]

Oh, fantastic news. This fits in very well with the news yesterday about completion of domestic Varunastra orders.

Way to go, BDL, DRDO, and IN! Wishing the very best of luck for (hopeful) timely development and trials.

Does it answer your question why only 136 varunastra ? Are you convinced that rest of the orders will be heavy weight category ? You question was very valid and I somehow feel there is still room for more varunastra orders

 

[desigandu]

Oh, fantastic news. This fits in very well with the news yesterday about completion of domestic Varunastra orders.

Way to go, BDL, DRDO, and IN! Wishing the very best of luck for (hopeful) timely development and trials.

This is good news…hopefully the propulsion efficiency is solved for range, speed and better accuracy, also delivery from ships, subs, maybe helos, drones and ASW planes…there is no reason why this can’t be lower cost than black shark, F-21 and Mark 48…but we need large numbers with order size of 1000+ delivered in 10 years…

 

[Deepak Hegde]

Why IN is NOT buying BlackShark torpedoes?? Even USN is using this same one still....

Because Indian forces believe is what is called "Dravidi Pranayaam", the art of taking the most complicated route when a very simple, straightforward and economically route is clearly an option!!

 

[Anant]

Does it answer your question why only 136 varunastra ? Are you convinced that rest of the orders will be heavy weight category ? You question was very valid and I somehow feel there is still room for more varunastra orders

Well, assuming that the torpedo is actually ready for field trials, and taking the trial period of the Varunastra, the limited order of 136 Varunastras, while still on the lower side, would be sufficient with existing stocks of other 21" torpedoes. However, what that would mean is that we would not have the Varunastra for pur submarines, and we would have to stick with the Type 53-65 and SUT Mod. 1 torpedoes, besides using these Takshak torpedoes in a few years.

 

[Aayush Pratap]

Why IN is NOT buying BlackShark torpedoes?? Even USN is using this same one still....

Because we'll wait for something to go sideways and then crib and complain that "arey agar hamare paas black shark torpedoes hote to hum yeh wo kar dete". Never going to learn.