MoD Clears Indian Navy's Plan to Build 100-tonne Unmanned Submarine Hunters Worth Rs 2,500 Crore

In a strategic move to bolster its underwater warfare capabilities, the Indian Navy has received the green light from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for a significant project to develop and build 100-tonne unmanned underwater vessels (UUVs), specifically designed for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.

This ambitious initiative, valued at over Rs 2,500 crore, was recently approved during a high-level defence ministry meeting.

These Extra Large category UUVs, equipped with strike capabilities, will provide the Indian Navy with a unique advantage in the underwater domain, enhancing its operational reach and versatility.

According to former Navy Vice Chief, Vice Admiral SN Ghormade, these vessels will enable the Navy to undertake a wide range of critical tasks, including mine laying and clearing operations, surveillance, and weapon deployment.

The project is set to move forward rapidly, with the Indian Navy expected to issue a tender within the next few months. Indian shipyards will be invited to bid for the project under the 'Make-1' procedure, aligning with the government's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative.

The Navy's operational requirements for these UUVs include the capability to remain submerged for extended periods at long distances from the shore, allowing for continuous monitoring of suspicious vessel movements and other activities to safeguard national interests.

This development underscores the Indian Navy's proactive approach to preparing for future warfare scenarios by upgrading its capabilities in the unmanned domain.

In addition to unmanned surface vessels, which have demonstrated their effectiveness in recent global conflicts, the Navy is also focusing on enhancing its unmanned long-range surveillance capabilities through the induction of advanced drones such as the MQ-9B and Drishti Hermes 900.

 

[Satya Dev]

How many? We need to tail the China-Pak subs & Chinese spy ships to deter them from coming close to our shores.
We also need to order midget submarines - MDL is developing the MS-X02A prototype, which will be ready by end 2024 for internal trials - for use in maritime missions such as infiltrating combat swimmers into an enemy port or planting limpet mines on the hulls of target enemy vessels. PN already operates 3 MG110 midget 100t displacement submarines capable of carrying 14 people (including 2 SEAL teams of 4 each) for covert operations.

 

[Sunny]

We should atleast look at 50 such submarines. These should have enough range to go from Vishakapatnam to A&N on patrol mission and from A&N to Malacca straits and return back. With ability to carry atleast 1 light torpedo in addition to sensors this will make for an excellent addition. This will make patrols by enemy submarines in IOR very difficult.

 

[NSR]

Wow, great news.

I like the silent and long-range surveillance, and killer/assassin concept but much need to be done to perfect it.
Need to perfect as to how it can be launched and recovered if it is not going to be used.

Way to go, Proud of Indian Navy and its overachieving Warship Design Bureau (WDB).

 

[Swanand Kulkarni]

How many? We need to tail the China-Pak subs & Chinese spy ships to deter them from coming close to our shores.
We also need to order midget submarines - MDL is developing the MS-X02A prototype, which will be ready by end 2024 for internal trials - for use in maritime missions such as infiltrating combat swimmers into an enemy port or planting limpet mines on the hulls of target enemy vessels. PN already operates 3 MG110 midget 100t displacement submarines capable of carrying 14 people (including 2 SEAL teams of 4 each) for covert operations.

Pakistani submarines are very old

 

[Anant]

Pakistani submarines are very old

Two of Pakistan's submarines are ancient. The other three are not that old. The problem, however, is that they are getting new boats.

 

[Swanand Kulkarni]

Two of Pakistan's submarines are ancient. The other three are not that old. The problem, however, is that they are getting new boats.

Their New submarines are equivalent to Kalwari class submarines.
We still have some time to construct project 76 submarines to counter their whole navy.

 

[Bharat]

We should atleast look at 50 such submarines. These should have enough range to go from Vishakapatnam to A&N on patrol mission and from A&N to Malacca straits and return back. With ability to carry atleast 1 light torpedo in addition to sensors this will make for an excellent addition. This will make patrols by enemy submarines in IOR very difficult.

Why stop at 50? Dreams are free. Real equipment costs real money 🤑

 

[Sunny]

Why stop at 50? Dreams are free. Real equipment costs real money 🤑

But this is not a dream right, the defense ministry has cleared the project. Number to be acquired will be based upon actual requirement.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Good decision.....also consider 6 midget subs for special ops and fleet escort duties.

 

[desigandu]

Two of Pakistan's submarines are ancient. The other three are not that old. The problem, however, is that they are getting new boats.

Sosus type sensors all around Pakistan seabed is needed…let us build those with quad to also cover IOR, especially entrances to Indian Ocean for Chinese subs…