To enhance India’s underwater military capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing a groundbreaking technology: underwater-launched unmanned aerial vehicles (ULUAVs). This project, in partnership with a Pune-based defense startup, aims to create UAVs that can be deployed from submarines.
The Technology Development Fund (TDF) of DRDO has given a contract to develop technology for ULUAVs to Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd, a startup based in Pune.
DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) will support Sagar Defence in developing ULUAV technology. Previously, Sagar Defence created a maritime spotter drone for the Indian Navy. The agreement was signed with DRDL director Dr. G A S Murthy and Indian Navy officials present.
Unmanned Launch Underwater Aerial Vehicles (ULUAVs) are autonomous drones that can be swiftly and discreetly launched from submarines. These drones allow submarines to monitor potential threats without giving away their own position, enhancing their operational effectiveness.
ULUAVs are mainly used for maritime and underwater ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), collecting important data to provide valuable insights. They are also designed for future upgrades, potentially allowing the addition of weapons systems to the drones.
Captain Nikunj Parashar, the CEO of Sagar Defence Engineering, shared with the media that the ULUAV offers a significant tactical edge by using RF (radio frequency) data-link transmissions to communicate with submarines underwater.
He further explained that since submarines have a limited view beyond their periscope’s horizon, using the ULUAV while submerged will greatly improve their situational awareness and deceptive abilities. This enhancement will give them a significant strategic and tactical advantage, allowing them to engage multiple targets at once.
According to Sagar Defence, once developed, ULUAVs will be capable of operating for more than an hour and covering distances over 20 km. These drones can be launched directly from submarines in deep sea waters, providing a crucial advantage for conducting discreet surveillance missions.
The ULUAV also works like an eye in the sky for submarines, boosting their underwater sonar abilities. It helps submarines “see” what’s happening above the water, which is especially useful for spotting enemy ships that sonar might miss if they’re far away.
The creation of ULUAVs and submarine-launched Loitering Munitions is a significant step forward for the Indian Navy. As this technology improves, it will be fascinating to see how it changes underwater combat strategies and boosts India’s maritime security.
