New Delhi, 5 July 2025 — DRDO is developing underwater-launched UAVs (ULUAVs) and autonomous underwater drone swarms to boost India’s submarine intelligence and combat capabilities.
ULUAVs: India’s First Drone Launched from Submarines
DRDO awarded the ULUAV contract to Pune-based Sagar Defence Engineering, selected from 17 firms under the Technology Development Fund. DRDL director G.A.S. Murthy and Navy officials oversaw the launch process. ULUAVs will deploy quickly and autonomously from moving submarines. Capabilities include long endurance, high range, and seaworthy launch and recovery. Mridul Babbar, Sagar’s VP of Business Development, noted this ULUAV will surpass global peers in endurance, offering “huge surprise element advantage” and potential future weaponization.
Significant ISR and Communication Leap
The ULUAV allows submerged submarines to discreetly surveil surface threats without compromising stealth. It serves in ISR roles and functions as a radio-relay node between subs and command platforms. Its planned specs exceed 20 km range and over one-hour endurance, outperforming U.S. counterparts with 7 km/30 minute limits.
Underwater Drone Swarms: New Domain of Submarine Tactics
DRDO Advanced Labs plan autonomous underwater drone swarms deployable from submarines in forthcoming projects. Equipped with AI-driven swarm algorithms, these systems enable cooperative mission execution and dynamic ISR tasking.
Broad Naval Applications for UUVs and ULUAVs
Underwater vehicles support Anti-Submarine Warfare, Mine Countermeasures, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and environmental monitoring. UUV swarms and swarming tactics form part of this next-gen undersea warfare doctrine.
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Specifications & Endurance Targets
ULUAVs must meet strict performance requirements: launch from moving submarines, endurance >1 hour, range >20 km, and capable of recovery post-mission. ULAUVs should carry inertial navigation, anti-jamming GPS, and edge sensors for acoustic, optical, or radar data. Swarm vehicles will feature acoustic communications and precision homing.
Strategic Shift to Private Innovation
These initiatives show DRDO’s dedication to indigenisation. By funding startups like Sagar Defence and leveraging domestic labs, India advances its underwater tech capabilities while strengthening indigenous defence ecosystems.
Projected Tactical Impact
ULUAVs and underwater drone swarms extend submarine situational awareness and electronic reach. Their deployment could enhance targeting, battle-damage assessment, mine clearance, and early warning—significantly boosting undersea deterrence and domain dominance.
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