GRSE Hands Over USV Jaldoot to DRDO's Naval Science and Technological Laboratory
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Kolkata, Dec 5 (NationPress) Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has successfully delivered the indigenously developed Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) Jaldoot to the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL).
A senior official from GRSE asserted that the USV was delivered following the successful completion of acceptance trials. NSTL operates under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Located in Visakhapatnam, NSTL focuses on the research and development of naval weaponry and associated systems, including underwater mines, torpedoes, fire control systems, weapon launchers, targets, and decoys.
The official noted that Jaldoot was developed collaboratively by GRSE and DRDO.
"This represents a significant achievement and aligns with India’s commitment to Atmanirbharta in the defence sector," he stated.
The USV is lightweight with compact dimensions and has been specifically engineered for survey and communication missions.
Equipped with a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, the vessel facilitates waypoint navigation, station-keeping, and failsafe behaviors. It can integrate various sensors, including an acoustic positioning system for tracking UUVs, Side Scan Sonar for Search and Rescue operations, and a 1080p HD camera with night vision capability.
“GRSE is continuously evolving into a developer of modern, state-of-the-art platforms. In 2023, the shipyard also launched a man-portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), in the presence of DRDO chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat. The delivery of the USV is a testament to the joint R&D efforts of GRSE and NSTL/DRDO in fostering in-house expertise and leveraging the strengths of indigenous start-ups. An Indian technology start-up partner, M/s Rekise Marine, has been integral to the design and development of Jaldoot,” the official added.
Sources indicate that the Indian Navy is in the process of inducting and deploying indigenous USVs for a variety of roles.
These roles include surveillance and reconnaissance, electronic warfare, survey and communications, as well as armed strike missions. The Navy will procure these autonomous vessels from various agencies based on its requirements, in line with the challenges encountered.
