In a significant achievement for the Indian Navy and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the indigenous heavyweight torpedo Varunastra successfully engaged an underwater target off the western seaboard on Tuesday, June 6. The successful engagement of an indigenous torpedo showcases the Indian Navy's and DRDO's pursuit of precise delivery of ordnance in the underwater domain.

In an eight-second video released by the Indian Navy, the Varunastra torpedo is seen striking a submerged pontoon target in the sea, resulting in a powerful explosion and the subsequent rise of seawater due to the shockwaves. The successful engagement serves as a testament to the Indian Navy's commitment to future-proof combat readiness through self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta), as stated by the Navy spokesperson.

Varunastra, which was inducted into the Indian Navy in 2016, is an electrically-propelled anti-submarine torpedo capable of targeting submarines in both deep and shallow waters. Developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, a unit of DRDO based in Visakhapatnam, Varunastra can be launched from all anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ships equipped to fire heavyweight torpedoes even in challenging countermeasures scenarios.

The successful engagement by Varunastra reinforces India's capabilities in underwater warfare and marks a significant milestone in the country's pursuit of indigenous defence technologies. The development and deployment of such advanced torpedoes further strengthen the Indian Navy's operational preparedness and underscores its focus on enhancing its self-reliance in defence capabilities.

As per reports, the successful test firing of Varunastra highlights the Indian Navy's dedication to leveraging indigenous expertise and technology in line with the country's strategic vision. The achievement is expected to pave the way for further advancements in underwater warfare capabilities and bolster the nation's defence prowess in the maritime domain.

Image source: The Economic Times