DRDO Develops Stealth Electric Heavy Weight Torpedo With 40 Km Range, 40 Knot Speed for Submarine Warfare
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has unveiled its latest innovation, the Electric Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT), a state-of-the-art submarine-launched weapon that significantly bolsters India's anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. This advanced torpedo represents a milestone in India's push for indigenization in defence technology under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
Cutting-Edge Features of the EHWT
The EHWT builds upon the success of DRDO’s Varunastra torpedo, offering enhanced precision, stealth, and performance. It is specifically designed for submarine deployment and is capable of engaging quiet enemy submarines in both shallow and deep waters. Unlike conventional torpedoes that use mechanical propulsion, the EHWT leverages an electric propulsion system, drastically reducing its acoustic signature. This low-noise operation enhances its stealth, making it harder for enemy sonar systems to detect.
Key Specifications
- Range: 40 kilometers
- Speed: Up to 40 knots (approximately 74 km/h)
- Operating Depth: Up to 600 meters
- Guidance System: Autonomous guidance algorithms for precision targeting
- Warhead: High-impact payload for maximum destruction
- Propulsion: Electric motor, ensuring low acoustic emissions
These specifications make the EHWT an ideal weapon for modern submarine warfare, where silence and precision are critical.
Versatility in Submarine Integration
The EHWT has been extensively tested with various submarine classes in the Indian Navy, including the Sindhughosh-class (Kilo-class) submarines. These trials validated its performance under diverse environmental conditions and confirmed its seamless integration with existing combat systems.
The torpedo is also set to be incorporated into the Kalvari-class submarines, part of India’s Project-75 Scorpene program. This collaboration with France’s Naval Group ensures that the EHWT benefits from international expertise while retaining its indigenous roots. Such partnerships reflect a growing trend of combining global technological inputs with Indian innovation.
Enhancing India’s Naval Power
The development of the EHWT marks a significant leap in the Indian Navy’s underwater combat capabilities. Its ability to remain stealthy, travel long distances at high speeds, and operate across a wide range of depths ensures strategic superiority in the Indo-Pacific region. The torpedo’s advanced guidance algorithms allow it to track and engage targets even in challenging underwater conditions, such as strong currents or evasive maneuvers by enemy submarines.
Strategic Significance
The introduction of the EHWT strengthens India’s deterrence and offensive capabilities in a region marked by increasing naval competition. With its enhanced range and stealth features, the EHWT positions the Indian Navy as a formidable force, capable of countering submarine threats posed by adversaries. Its indigenous design underscores India's commitment to reducing dependence on foreign defence imports, paving the way for future self-reliant technological advancements.
As tensions continue to rise in maritime hotspots, the EHWT serves as a powerful tool in safeguarding India’s maritime interests and asserting its naval dominance. With its cutting-edge features, it is poised to become a cornerstone of India’s undersea warfare strategy, reinforcing its status as a major player in global naval power dynamics.
