On 28 July 2023, a revolutionary autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) with mine detection capabilities was unveiled, marking a first-of-its-kind achievement in the country.
The AUV, named ‘Neerakshi,’ is the result of a collaborative effort between Kolkata-based warshipmaker Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd and MSME entity AEPL.
Following the completion of user trials by the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and potentially the Army, the AUV is expected to be commercially launched within six months to a year, as stated by GRSE chairman and managing director Commodore (Retd) P R Hari during the launch event. The AUV offers versatile functionality, ranging from mine detection to mine disposal and underwater survey tasks.
The project has received an overwhelming initial response, and GRSE’s CMD expressed confidence that it will lead to numerous beneficial projects for both the shipbuilder and the nation.
Although compact and unassuming, Neerakshi possesses potent and multirole capabilities, as emphasized during the launch.
Secretary of Defense R and D Department and DRDO Chairman, Samir V Kamat, expressed delight at witnessing a collaboration between a major shipyard and an MSME, resulting in the indigenously designed and developed AUV. Kamat highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of self-reliance and becoming a leading defense systems exporter, which can be realized through such partnerships.
GRSE also expressed its interest in developing autonomous sea surface vehicles, sea-based drones, and exploring green propulsion for ships and other platforms.
Presently, Neerakshi is equipped for mine detection, but the future plan is to enable it for mine disposal as well. Upon completion of user trials and incorporation of user requirements, the AUV will enter commercial production.
The launched AUV is currently a prototype, boasting an endurance of four hours and the ability to reach depths of up to 300 meters. Efforts are underway to enhance its endurance to 300 percent, enabling deployment in coastal waters for coastal protection, either from a mother ship or directly from the coast.
The collaboration between the leading shipbuilder and Aerospace Engineering Private Ltd (AEPL) demonstrates the successful marriage of vast expertise from a major warship builder and the innovative potentials of MSMEs like AEPL, which have dedicated innovation divisions.
Considering the importance of technology in defense equipment, GRSE management decided to concentrate on areas like green energy platforms and autonomous platforms, intending to venture into all three domains of autonomous platforms – sub-surface, surface, and aerial.
Additionally, an unmanned surface vessel is nearing completion and is scheduled for launch by the end of the year.
Emphasizing the significance of new and critical technology for the future, GRSE launched a national open startup challenge called GAINS to tap into the capabilities of the Indian startup ecosystem.
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