Defence minister Rajnath Singh, on 3 April 2026, laid the foundation stone of the state-of-the-art Large Cavitation Tunnel (LCT) facility at the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), a premium laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The facility will significantly enhance India’s naval research and testing capabilities, marking a major step towards achieving technological self-reliance.

Addressing scientists, researchers, and personnel at NSTL, the minister asserted that India, with this initiative, will be able to design, develop and test its equipment, systems and  sub-systems indigenously, utilising its own resources, and positioning itself as a strong naval power and a leader in defence technology. “Until now, even after successfully developing equipment, systems, and sub-systems, we often had to look abroad for critical testing. This situation will now change. This facility is not merely an infrastructure project, but an enabling system, which will strengthen our capabilities in advancing propulsion systems, enable focused efforts on noise reduction and further strengthen stealth capabilities. It will serve as a foundational backbone for the design and development of submarines and ships, supporting future advancements in naval engineering and maritime defence systems,” he said.

Singh described the project as a symbol of the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolve of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He stated that the government’s determination to make India self-reliant is intrinsically linked to the national security apparatus, and despite challenges, the country has achieved complete Aatmanirbharta in various sectors due to the concerted efforts of the domestic industry, academia, MSMEs, youth, and researchers.

During the visit, the minister was briefed about the NSTL projects/programmes by the secretary, department of defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat.

Singh also visited the Seakeeping and Manoeuvring Basin, where he witnessed an impressive display of advanced underwater systems, including torpedoes, naval mines, decoys, and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).

A live demonstration of a swarm of man-portable AUVs showcased India’s growing prowess in autonomous maritime operations and next-generation underwater warfare technologies, underlining the nation’s focus on future-ready defence systems. The minister also inspected some of the vital products realised as spin-off technologies by the Naval Systems Materials cluster labs post Operation Sindoor.

 Singh commended NSTL for conducting research and setting benchmarks in several areas, including torpedo systems, underwater mines, decoys, and AUVs, thereby propelling India toward becoming a formidable naval power. He also acknowledged the demonstration of swarm technology and ongoing work in lithium-ion battery development, calling them crucial for future warfare preparedness.

The minister urged NSTL to continue working with dedication towards nation-building by bolstering the security infrastructure of the country. “The systems and technologies boost the confidence and morale of sailors deployed at sea. Reliable and robust technological support significantly enhances the operational effectiveness of the defence forces,” he said.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla and other senior officials were present on the occasion.