India has taken a major step in undersea surveillance and maritime defence with the development of new man-portable autonomous underwater vehicles (MP-AUVs). The project is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to enhance mine detection and strengthen security across critical coastal zones.
DRDO’s Next-Gen Autonomous Undersea Vehicles to Strengthen India’s Coastal Defence
Key Features of the MP-AUV System
This new generation of underwater vehicles comes with:
- Autonomous navigation capability
- Side-scan sonar to detect objects on the seafloor
- Underwater cameras to capture real-time visuals
- Compact & lightweight design suitable for use from small naval vessels
These AUVs help naval teams identify mine-like threats quickly and safely during maritime missions.
Advanced Deep-Learning Recognition
A major highlight is the use of deep-learning algorithms that allow the system to:
- Automatically classify underwater objects
- Improve detection accuracy and reliability
- Reduce workload on human operators
This makes data gathering more consistent and efficient during risky underwater operations.
Role of DRDO’s NSTL, Visakhapatnam
The project has been developed by Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam.
NSTL is a key DRDO lab that specialises in naval systems and underwater defence technologies and has contributed major innovations in India’s maritime security.
Strategic Importance for National Security
The induction of MP-AUVs will significantly strengthen India’s ability in:
- Underwater mine-countermeasure operations
- Coastal and harbour protection
- Monitoring sensitive maritime zones
Their autonomous functioning makes them valuable for 24/7 surveillance and quicker response during naval threats.
Exam-Oriented Notes
- MP-AUV = Man-Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
- Developed by DRDO’s NSTL, Visakhapatnam
- Uses side-scan sonar and underwater cameras for mine detection
- Deep-learning algorithms classify underwater objects automatically
- Purpose: Real-time identification of mine-like threats and strengthening coastal security
Question & Answer
Q1. MP-AUVs recently developed for undersea surveillance are associated with which organisation?
(a) ISRO
(b) DRDO
(c) HAL
(d) BEL
Answer: DRDO
Q2. MP-AUV primarily supports which naval function?
(a) Anti-piracy training
(b) Real-time mine detection
(c) Submarine manufacturing
(d) Ocean fishing management
Answer: Real-time mine detection
Q3. Which DRDO lab executed the MP-AUV project?
(a) ADE Bengaluru
(b) NSTL Visakhapatnam
(c) ARDE Pune
(d) NPOL Kochi
Answer: NSTL Visakhapatnam
Q4. Which technology is integrated into the AUVs for automatic underwater object classification?
(a) Blockchain
(b) Deep-learning algorithms
(c) Quantum computing
(d) 5G satellite mapping
Answer: Deep-learning algorithms
Q5. MP-AUVs are equipped with which of the following sensing systems?
(a) Space radar
(b) Side-scan sonar & underwater cameras
(c) Thermal infrared radar
(d) Laser communication
Answer: Side-scan sonar & underwater cameras
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