The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, chaired by Shri Radha Mohan Singh, conducted an on-the-spot study visit to the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam on January 20, 2026. The visit focused on reviewing India’s progress in indigenous research and development of advanced underwater weapon systems and maritime defence technologies.
The delegation examined several critical technologies developed by NSTL that support the operational requirements of the Indian Navy.
Indigenous Defence Systems Showcased to the Committee
During the visit, the Committee witnessed a wide range of NSTL-developed products and technologies, including:
Torpedoes:
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Advanced Light Weight Torpedo (ALWT)
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Varunastra
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Electric Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT)
Naval Mines:
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Multi Influence Ground Mine (MIGM)
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Programmable Bottom Mine (PBGM)
Decoys and Countermeasures:
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Submarine-launched Floating Decoy (SFD)
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Torbuster
Advanced Systems and Platforms:
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SMART
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HEAUV
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SWARM
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Underwater systems and vehicles
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Associated underwater weapon technologies
These technologies represent key components of India’s indigenous naval warfare and underwater defence capability.
Live Demonstration of Hydrodynamic Testing Facility
The Committee also witnessed a live demonstration of hydrodynamic testing at NSTL’s Sea-keeping and Manoeuvring Basin using a scale-down model of a ship.
Members of the delegation appreciated the laboratory’s advanced infrastructure and its role in supporting the design, validation, and performance assessment of naval platforms and underwater systems.
Delegation Briefed on R&D and Future Technology Roadmap
The delegation was welcomed by senior leadership, including:
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Dr Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO
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Dr R.V. Hara Prasad, DG (Naval Systems & Materials)
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Dr Abraham Varughese, Director, NSTL
Dr Abraham Varughese briefed the Committee on:
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Ongoing R&D programmes at NSTL
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Collaboration with industry and academia
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The laboratory’s future technology roadmap
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Contributions toward indigenous defence capability building
Focus on Maritime and Underwater Domain Awareness
The Committee particularly appreciated NSTL’s work in the strategically critical areas of:
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Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)
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Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA)
These capabilities are essential for strengthening India’s naval preparedness, surveillance capabilities, and underwater security architecture in an increasingly complex maritime environment.
Conclusion
The visit of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence to NSTL highlights the growing national emphasis on indigenous defence R&D and self-reliance in strategic technologies. NSTL’s advancements in underwater platforms, weapons, and sensing technologies reaffirm its vital role in enhancing India’s maritime security and supporting the long-term operational strength of the Indian Navy.
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Source: PIB
