DRDO’s Advanced Lightweight Torpedo (ALWT) to Receive 42% Speed Boost with High-Energy Mg-AgCl Battery

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India is pushing the boundaries of indigenous defense technology with a major upgrade to the Advanced Light-Weight Torpedo (ALWT). This upgrade involves integrating a high-energy 100 kW Magnesium-Silver Chloride (Mg-AgCl) battery, set to raise the torpedo's speed from 33 knots to an impressive 47 knots—boosting its performance by 42%. With this enhancement, the ALWT is primed to meet the latest demands in anti-submarine warfare (ASW), making it an increasingly potent tool for the Indian Navy in its underwater combat arsenal.

The ALWT, which builds on DRDO’s earlier Shyena torpedo, represents the second generation of India’s lightweight torpedo technology. Developed by DRDO’s Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) and produced by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the ALWT is designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare operations. The torpedo has already passed rigorous testing and is ready for deployment in various underwater scenarios. Its design and capabilities make it an ideal match for the operational needs of the Indian Navy, which is frequently tasked with securing the strategic expanse of the Indian Ocean Region.

The Need for Speed in ASW

The current ALWT achieves speeds of 33 knots, which has proven effective in engaging submarines across a variety of underwater environments. However, the increasing sophistication of submarines necessitates faster and more agile countermeasures. Many modern submarines now rely on speed and advanced countermeasures to evade torpedoes. By elevating the ALWT's speed to 47 knots, DRDO is effectively reducing the window of opportunity for enemy submarines to employ evasive tactics. At this accelerated speed, the torpedo can close in on targets quickly, cutting down on reaction time and limiting the effectiveness of enemy countermeasures.

This increased speed not only shortens pursuit time but also extends the effective range over a given time period, allowing the ALWT to cover greater distances swiftly. This capability is particularly advantageous for deployments in the vast and varied underwater landscapes of the Indian Ocean, where submarine threats may attempt to use distance as an evasion tactic.

Powering the ALWT: The Role of the Mg-AgCl Battery

At the core of this upgrade is the advanced 100 kW Magnesium-Silver Chloride (Mg-AgCl) battery. This type of battery is noted for its high energy-to-weight ratio, an essential feature for systems like torpedoes that must balance speed, endurance, and compact design. The Mg-AgCl battery’s chemistry offers a reliable and substantial power output, enhancing both the endurance and operational capability of the ALWT.

The battery’s high power density makes it particularly suited for the demands of high-speed underwater engagements, as it allows the torpedo to maintain its enhanced speed over extended missions. Not only does this enable the ALWT to pursue fast-moving targets for longer durations, but it also ensures that the torpedo’s performance remains stable throughout its mission, even in energy-intensive high-speed chases. Furthermore, the Mg-AgCl battery’s resilience to underwater conditions ensures that it can withstand various operational pressures, from deep-sea pressure to extended operation durations.

Strategic Implications for the Indian Navy

The ALWT’s upgraded speed and improved power source represent a significant advancement in India’s ASW capabilities. By equipping its fleet with an agile, high-speed torpedo like the ALWT, the Indian Navy is better prepared to counter submarine threats that may employ speed and maneuverability as primary evasion strategies. This upgrade aligns with India’s commitment to enhancing its naval capabilities through indigenously developed technologies and offers a robust response to evolving threats in the region.

As the Indian Ocean remains a strategic focal point for global maritime traffic and regional security, a high-performance, fast torpedo like the ALWT is a critical addition to India’s defense arsenal. By advancing the ALWT’s capabilities, DRDO not only reinforces India’s underwater combat potential but also signals a broader commitment to self-reliant defense advancements that can meet the modern demands of naval warfare.