In a landmark development for autonomous naval operations, the Indian Navy is set to introduce its first high-endurance Extra-Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (XLUUV), designated JALKAPI-XLUUV, with an anticipated rollout in the next one to two years. This sophisticated platform is a crucial advancement in India’s underwater defense capabilities, particularly under the Ministry of Defence’s iDEX Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The JALKAPI-XLUUV is noted for being the most intricate unmanned underwater system ever constructed for the Indian Navy. It is engineered for extended missions, with an impressive underwater endurance ranging from 30 to 45 days without the need for surface support. Weighing 20 tonnes and measuring 11 meters in length, it aligns closely with global counterparts such as Boeing’s Orca XLUUV and is built to operate at depths of up to 300 meters.
This indigenously developed underwater drone is designed to perform a diverse array of missions, including intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), subsea mapping, mine countermeasures, and emergency maritime responses. Its versatility allows it to adapt to various operational scenarios.
Technologically advanced, the JALKAPI-XLUUV features state-of-the-art autonomous operational systems that facilitate smooth transitions between submerged and surface navigation. The vehicle incorporates modular payload bays equipped to accommodate advanced sonar systems, electronic surveillance equipment, and various sensors, thereby enhancing its adaptability to future mission requirements. Additionally, it boasts autonomous docking capabilities, sophisticated battery management, and failsafe emergency protocols, allowing for independent operations from harbors or deployed naval vessels.
The development of the XLUUV is being guided by the Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design – Submarine Design Group (DND-SDG). The introduction of the JALKAPI-XLUUV is expected to significantly bolster India’s maritime situational awareness and provide a tactical advantage in the increasingly competitive undersea domain of the Indo-Pacific region. This innovation signals a pivotal move towards modernizing India’s naval capabilities and ensuring a robust defense posture in a strategically vital area.
