Indian Navy Achieves Success with Test-Fire of Indigenously Designed Heavyweight Torpedo Varunastra

On 6 June, the Indian Navy successfully conducted a test-fire of the indigenously designed and developed heavyweight torpedo (HWT) Varunastra against an undersea target. The live warhead test marked a significant milestone as Varunastra demonstrated its capabilities, paving the way for its induction as the primary anti-submarine torpedo for all naval warships.

The Varunastra torpedo, manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) and developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Vizag under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), offers advanced features such as low drift navigational systems, acoustic homing, autonomous guidance algorithms, advanced acoustic countermeasures, insensitive munitions warhead, and a GPS-based recovery aid for practice torpedoes.

Following extensive trials and evaluations, Varunastra has been deemed ready for deployment, with plans to replace the older torpedoes on naval ships capable of firing HWT. With a maximum speed of 40 knots and a maximum operating depth of 600 meters, the torpedo possesses a long range and multi-manoeuvering capabilities, making it highly effective for tracking silent targets. Its autonomous advanced guidance algorithms and drift navigational systems ensure accurate and reliable performance over long endurance.

The successful testing of Varunastra comes after years of collaborative efforts between the NSTL, Indian Navy, and DRDO. A total of 130 technical trials and 14 user trials were conducted to evaluate the torpedo's capabilities, ensuring its readiness for operational deployment. The induction of Varunastra into the Indian Navy's fleet signifies a significant advancement in the country's indigenous defence capabilities and reinforces its commitment to strengthening maritime security.