International and Indian investigative agencies have initiated a joint inquiry into the suspected deployment of high-powered microwave (HPM) or electromagnetic pulse (EMP) devices in a recent series of maritime disturbances in the Arabian Sea.
Recent advancements by Turkey in electromagnetic warfare technology, particularly HPM systems capable of disrupting GPS and electronic navigation on ships and aircraft, have drawn attention. Authorities are now examining whether such technologies may have played a role in the maritime anomalies. As part of the probe, investigators are tracking irregular patterns in power consumption in areas where sabotage is suspected.
One such suspected technology is the Alka–DEW, a directed-energy weapon developed by Turkish defense firm Roketsan. The mobile unit, approximately the size of a compact vehicle, operates at power levels between 2.5 and 5 kilowatts and is capable of disabling electronic systems at ranges of 1,500 to 5,000 meters.
These weapons are not only capable of scrambling electronics but can also emit electromagnetic energy strong enough to ignite chemicals, raising further concern about their potential role in unexplained maritime incidents.
The growing number of cargo ship disruptions has prompted alarm within the international maritime insurance sector. The Joint Marine Insurance Committee, based in the U.S., has cited signs of EMP-like activity in several recent cases.
In response, a delegation from a European consortium of maritime insurers recently visited Kerala to assess the situation and gather on-ground intelligence related to the suspected use of such technologies in the Arabian Sea.
Back-To-Back Ship Accidents
On May 25, 2025, the Liberia-flagged MSC ELSA 3, carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo and 12 with calcium carbide, capsized 38 nautical miles off Kochi after departing Vizhinjam. The vessel sank due to flooding in one of its compartments, leaking fuel and scattering containers, some of which washed ashore. All 24 crew members were rescued, but the incident triggered environmental concerns due to potential oil spills and hazardous materials threatening Kerala’s biodiverse coastline. The Kerala government banned fishing within a 20-nautical-mile radius of the wreck and issued coastal alerts.
Just two weeks later, on June 9, 2025, the Singapore-flagged MV Wan Hai 503, en route from Colombo to Mumbai, reported an internal container explosion 144 km off Kerala’s Beypore coast, sparking a massive fire. Eighteen of the 22 crew members were rescued, but four remain missing. The vessel, carrying 2,128 tonnes of fuel and hazardous cargo, including nitrocellulose and ethanol, continues to burn, with salvage efforts underway to prevent an ecological disaster. The Indian Coast Guard and Navy, supported by Singaporean teams, are battling the blaze, but containers have drifted toward the shore, heightening environmental risks.
These back-to-back incidents have raised suspicions of foul play, particularly targeting Vizhinjam’s growing strategic importance. Central and international agencies, including a European consortium of marine insurers, are probing whether high-power microwave (HPM) or electromagnetic pulse (EMP) devices, such as Turkey’s portable Alka-DEW developed by Roketsan, were used to disrupt ships’ GPS and navigation systems. The Alka-DEW, capable of disabling electronics from 1,500 to 5,000 meters, could cause malfunctions leading to accidents without leaving physical traces. The US-based Joint Marine Insurance Committee reported evidence of EMP-level activity linked to recent mishaps, fueling concerns of deliberate sabotage to disrupt trade routes or undermine Vizhinjam’s operations.
Investigators are monitoring unusual electricity fluctuations in suspected sabotage locations, and maritime insurers have expressed alarm over rising claims. The probe, described as a response to a “significant escalation in maritime threats,” is exploring whether state or non-state actors are involved. Social media posts on X reflect public unease, with users questioning the rapid succession of accidents and their impact on India’s economic zone.
(With inputs from Onmanorama)
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