Strengthening the backbone of India’s maritime defence, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence toured the NSTL in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday, led by Chairman Radha Mohan Singh. The visit spotlighted DRDO’s relentless pursuit of self-developed underwater technologies vital for the Indian Navy’s operational edge.
The delegation inspected a comprehensive lineup of NSTL’s breakthroughs: from precision torpedoes like ALWT, Varunastra, and EHWT to smart mines (MIGM, PBGM), decoy countermeasures (SFD, Turbuster), the game-changing SMART system, autonomous HE-AUVs, underwater swarms, and advanced submersible weaponry.
An engaging live hydrodynamic demonstration at the specialized basin facility showcased testing on scaled ship models, critical for validating vessel maneuverability and stability in harsh marine environments. NSTL’s tailored R&D for naval needs received resounding applause from the committee.
The warm reception was extended by top brass—Dr. Samir V. Kamat (DRDO Chairman), Dr. R.V. Hara Prasad (DG Navy Systems), and Director Dr. Abraham Varghese—who accompanied MPs and officials. In his presentation, Dr. Varghese elaborated on active R&D, industry-academia synergies, and forward-looking strategies in maritime and subsea awareness domains.
These efforts, pivotal for national security, were hailed as exemplary. The tour underscores a collaborative push between Parliament and DRDO to accelerate indigenization, ensuring India remains ahead in underwater warfare amid regional threats. As NSTL charts new horizons, it cements its status as a cornerstone of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.