Published: 14 November 2025PIBDefence Security

DRDO Develops Man-Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles for Mine Countermeasure Operations

AQuick answer

DRDO's NSTL develops MP-AUVs with AI-based mine detection for Indian Navy's mine countermeasure operations.

Key facts

NSTL under DRDO successfully developed and tested Man-Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (MP-AUVs) for mine countermeasure operations
Testing conducted at NSTL Harbour in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
MP-AUVs feature side scan sonar, underwater cameras, and deep-learning algorithms for real-time detection and classification of mine-like objects
These compact, deployable-by-hand systems enhance the Indian Navy's mine warfare capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign technology
Part of India's broader Atmanirbhar Bharat defence self-reliance initiative

The Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) under DRDO successfully developed and tested Man-Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (MP-AUVs) for mine countermeasure operations. The testing was conducted at NSTL Harbour in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

The MP-AUVs feature side scan sonar, underwater cameras, and deep-learning algorithms for real-time detection and classification of mine-like objects. These compact, deployable-by-hand systems enhance the Indian Navy's mine warfare capabilities significantly, reducing dependence on foreign-sourced mine countermeasure technology. This is part of India's broader Atmanirbhar Bharat defence self-reliance initiative.

Mains angle

Q: Examine the significance of the Man-Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles developed by DRDO for Indian Navy mine countermeasure operations, highlighting the technologies integrated and their strategic self-reliance implications.

Answer (50 words):

DRDO's Naval Science and Technological Laboratory successfully developed and tested Man-Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles at NSTL Harbour, Visakhapatnam. These compact, hand-deployable systems integrate side scan sonar, underwater cameras and deep-learning algorithms to detect and classify mine-like objects, reducing dependence on foreign technology under the Atmanirbhar Bharat defence initiative.

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Defence & Space TechnologyScience & Technology

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CoverageNationalSubjectScience & TechnologyExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourcePIB

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TDefence & Space Technology TSpace & defence: Indian space programme, satellites, launch vehicles, remote sensing, missiles, drone tech, chemical/biological weapons

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Linked questionMedium

NATPOLREX-X tests India's preparedness for what type of maritime incidents?

ASubmarine warfareCorrectIncorrect

BTsunami responseCorrectIncorrect

CPiracy attacksCorrectIncorrect

DMarine oil spillCorrectIncorrect

Explanation · Correct answer D

NATPOLREX-X tests national preparedness for marine oil spill incidents under NOSDCP framework.

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Frequently asked questions

What did NSTL under DRDO develop and test?

The Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) under DRDO successfully developed and tested Man-Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (MP-AUVs) for mine countermeasure operations.

Where was the MP-AUV testing conducted?

The testing was conducted at NSTL Harbour in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Which features help the MP-AUVs detect and classify mine-like objects?

The MP-AUVs feature side scan sonar, underwater cameras, and deep-learning algorithms for real-time detection and classification of mine-like objects.

How do the MP-AUVs affect Indian Navy mine warfare capabilities?

These compact, deployable-by-hand systems significantly enhance the Indian Navy's mine warfare capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign-sourced mine countermeasure technology. The work is part of India's broader Atmanirbhar Bharat defence self-reliance initiative.

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