India launches Neerakshi Autonomous Underwater Vehicle for mine detection.

According to information published by Hindustan Times on August 1, 2023, India has taken a significant stride in defense technology by launching 'Neerakshi,' an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) specifically designed for mine detection.
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Indian Neerakshi Autonomous Underwater Vehicle. (Picture source: Indian MoD)

The project is a groundbreaking development in the country and a collaborative effort between Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd., a warshipmaker based in Kolkata, and MSME entity AEPL.

The AUV is scheduled to undertake user trials by the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and potentially the Army before its commercial launch. GRSE's chairman and managing director, Commodore (Retd) P R Hari, anticipates the commercial debut of 'Neerakshi' to happen within six months to a year following the successful completion of these trials.

"Neerakshi," a petite yet powerful vehicle, boasts versatility in its functional range - from mine detection and disposal to underwater surveying. The GRSE leadership believes this innovative project has already sparked a wave of interest and has the potential to spawn multiple, beneficial initiatives for the nation's shipbuilding industry and defense capabilities.

The AUV, which is a compact 2.1-meter long cylinder weighing about 45 kg, was unveiled by the Secretary of Defense R&D department and DRDO chairman, Samir V Kamat. Kamat expressed his optimism about India's defense industry becoming a global frontrunner in cutting-edge technologies and significant exports.

Echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aspiration for self-reliance and export leadership in defense systems, Kamat highlighted that achieving these goals would necessitate partnerships like the one between the large shipyard and MSME that led to the 'Neerakshi.'

The AUV, currently capable of mine detection, is part of GRSE's broader ambitions to create autonomous sea surface vehicles, sea-based drones, and explore green propulsion technologies. The company is also planning to enhance 'Neerakshi's' capabilities to include mine disposal.

Once the user trials are complete, and user requirements are incorporated, commercial production of the AUV will commence. The current prototype can operate for four hours and reach depths of up to 300 meters. Efforts are in place to increase its endurance by 200-300%, enabling it to be deployed for coastguard duties either from a mother ship or the coast.