Atul Chandra

Torpedoes are self‐propelled, underwater projectiles that can be launched from ships and aircraft and are designed to detonate on contact or in close proximity to a target. The Indian Navy deploys its torpedoes from maritime patrol aircraft, embarked helicopters and surface/sub-surface platforms.

In addition to larger calibre guns and missile systems on-board a warship, torpedoes provide a lethal option to engage surface and sub-surface targets and are considered as the main Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) weapon by modern navies. For submarines that need to stay hidden, state-of-the-art torpedoes are a must, in a region that is rapidly proliferating with advanced submarines.

Indigenous Strike

The Indian Navy has been hobbled in its efforts to upgrade its torpedo arsenal. Its fleet of P-75 Scorpene class submarines are said to be still without their main torpedo armament. The navy is now inducting indigenously developed alternatives and also has access to new-generation torpedoes available on the market for import.

State-owned defence firm Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is now manufacturing two new torpedoes developed in partnership with the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO). The Torpedo Advanced Light (TAL) and Heavy Weight Torpedo Varunastra, are already in service, with the navy having placed substantial orders for the former. Varunastra has been designed and developed by NSTL, Visakhapatnam and BDL is the Production Agency. DRDO has also developed the Advanced Light Weight Torpedo (ALWT) which is an anti-submarine torpedo launched from ship, helicopter or from a fixed wing aircraft.

The 1.5 tonne Varunastra carries a 250kg warhead and is a ship launched, electrically propelled underwater weapon, equipped with an advanced automatic and remote-controlled guidance system. The new