India launches ‘Neerakshi’ – Autonomous Underwater Vehicle for mine detection

Source: The post is based on the article “India launches ‘Neerakshi’ – Autonomous Underwater Vehicle for mine detection”  published in Hindustan Times on 29th July 2023.

What is the News?

India has launched an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle called ‘Neerakshi’ for detecting underwater mines.

What is Neerakshi?

Neerakshi is an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) designed to detect mines.

Developed by: It is a collaboration of Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd and Aerospace Engineering Private Ltd (AEPL).

Functions: It can be used for a variety of functions ranging from mine detection to mine disposal to underwater survey.

– It has an endurance of nearly 4 hours, and is capable of operating up to a depth of 300m.

Significance: It is the first of its kind in India and will be tested by the Navy, Coast Guard, and Army before being available commercially. 

– It is part of GRSE’s broader ambitions to create autonomous sea surface vehicles, sea-based drones and explore green propulsion technologies.