How Many Underwater Drones Does India Need to Secure the Indian Ocean? | Defence Insights
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| Advanced underwater drones and Indian Navy vessels conduct high-tech surveillance operations in the Indian Ocean near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to strengthen India’s maritime security. |
By Defence Worlds Desk
India’s strategic position in the Indian Ocean makes it a pivotal maritime
power in Asia. With a coastline stretching over 7,500 kilometers and critical
islands such as the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep archipelagos,
safeguarding its maritime borders is not just a matter of national security—it
is a cornerstone of regional stability. In recent years, the Indian Navy has
increasingly focused on advanced technology, including underwater drones, or
Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), to enhance maritime surveillance, protect
sea lanes, and maintain dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). But exactly
how many underwater drones does India need to effectively secure its
waters?
This question involves a careful analysis of strategic, operational, and
technological factors. Experts from defence think tanks and naval strategists
have suggested a multi-tiered approach that balances drone quantity, quality,
and deployment efficiency.
India’s Strategic Stakes in the Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean is a critical artery for global trade,
with nearly 80% of India’s maritime trade and 50% of global oil shipments
passing through it. Key chokepoints such as the Malacca Strait, Hormuz
Strait, and Bab el-Mandeb are vital for both commercial shipping and
military strategy. Protecting these sea lanes from potential threats, including
submarines, hostile UUVs, underwater mines, and illicit activities, is essential
for India’s energy security and economic growth.
Moreover, the Indian Navy’s presence in these waters serves a broader
geostrategic purpose. India’s ability to project power and maintain
situational awareness in the Indian Ocean is crucial in countering the
growing naval influence of other regional actors, particularly China’s People’sLiberation Army Navy (PLAN), which has been expanding its footprint with
submarines and underwater surveillance platforms.
The Role of Underwater Drones in Maritime Security
Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) are the new frontier in
maritime security. These drones perform multiple roles:
1. Surveillance
and Reconnaissance – UUVs can patrol vast areas silently, collecting
data on vessel movements, submarines, and potential threats.
2. Mine
Detection and Countermeasures – Modern drones are equipped with sonar
and magnetic sensors to detect and neutralize underwater mines, ensuring safe
passage for naval and commercial vessels.
3. Intelligence
Gathering and Electronic Warfare – Advanced UUVs can intercept
underwater communications and collect data for threat analysis.
4. Oceanographic
Mapping – High-resolution mapping of seafloor topography helps in both
naval navigation and planning of submarine routes.
By integrating UUVs into its maritime strategy, India can achieve persistent
underwater surveillance without committing manned vessels to
potentially dangerous operations. Drones can also operate in swarm
formations, increasing coverage efficiency while reducing the number
of manned ships required for patrolling large areas.
Estimating the Number of Drones India Needs
To assess how many underwater drones India requires, analysts consider
several factors:
·
Coastline Length: India has a
coastline of 7,500 km, with high-risk zones in the western Arabian Sea and the
eastern Bay of Bengal.
·
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ):
India’s EEZ spans approximately 2.3 million km², requiring constant monitoring
for illegal fishing, smuggling, and strategic threats.
·
Strategic Islands: Andaman
& Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep serve as forward-operating bases and
require specialized underwater patrols.
·
Threat Density: Areas near
international shipping lanes or known for submarine activity demand higher
drone concentration.
Based on these parameters, defence analysts recommend a tiered
allocation of UUVs:
|
Region |
Coverage Focus |
Suggested
Number of Drones |
|
Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
Maritime chokepoints, submarine detection |
50–70 drones |
|
Lakshadweep Islands |
Island defense and EEZ monitoring |
30–40 drones |
|
Western Coast (Arabian Sea) |
High commercial traffic, potential infiltration |
70–100 drones |
|
Eastern Coast (Bay of Bengal) |
Shipping lanes, strategic ports |
80–120 drones |
|
Strategic Chokepoints |
Malacca Strait and international waters monitoring |
20–30 drones |
Total Estimated Requirement: Approximately 250–350
underwater drones with varying capabilities, including surveillance,
mine countermeasure, and combat functionalities.
Technology and Deployment Considerations
The effectiveness of UUVs depends on technological sophistication:
·
Endurance: Drones must remain
underwater for extended periods, sometimes weeks, without surface support.
·
Stealth: Low acoustic signature
is crucial for detecting submarines and avoiding enemy detection.
·
Sensors: Sonar, magnetic, and
optical sensors are needed for multi-mission capabilities.
·
Autonomy: Advanced AI
algorithms allow drones to navigate complex ocean terrains and respond to
threats independently.
In addition to technological factors, deployment strategy is crucial.
Analysts recommend mixing stationary drone stations near critical ports
and mobile swarms patrolling strategic corridors, ensuring both
persistent surveillance and rapid response capabilities.
Complementing Manned Naval Assets
While drones are essential, they cannot replace manned naval vessels
entirely. A combination of drones, surface ships, submarines, and
aerial surveillance offers the best defense. Underwater drones can handle long-duration
surveillance and hazardous areas, while manned vessels provide firepower,
command, and control.
India’s naval modernization plan already includes
indigenous submarine production, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) corvettes, and
advanced naval aircraft, which can integrate with drone networks to form a layered
maritime defense system.
Regional Comparison and Strategic Advantage
Globally, countries with advanced naval capabilities, such as the UnitedStates, China, and Australia, heavily invest in UUVs for surveillance and
anti-submarine warfare. India’s adoption of a similar approach ensures it maintains
strategic parity in the Indian Ocean.
For instance:
·
China operates hundreds of UUVs for both
research and military purposes.
·
The United States Navy integrates UUVs with
manned submarines for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance)
missions.
By strategically deploying 250–350 UUVs, India can achieve full
maritime domain awareness, protect commercial and energy routes, and
deter adversaries from entering its waters.
Economic and Strategic Implications
Deploying a robust fleet of underwater drones is not only a defense
imperative but also an economic safeguard. Protecting
the Indian Ocean ensures uninterrupted trade and energy supplies, vital for
India’s growing economy. Furthermore, indigenously produced drones would boost
the domestic defense industry, aligning with the “Make in India”
initiative and enhancing technological self-reliance.
The investment in UUVs also positions India as a regional maritime
security leader, capable of aiding neighboring countries in joint
patrols, disaster response, and anti-piracy operations, strengthening India’s
diplomatic and strategic influence in the Indian Ocean Region.
Conclusion: A Balanced, Modern Maritime Strategy
India’s requirement for underwater drones is substantial but manageable. 250–350
drones, when deployed strategically, can provide persistent
surveillance, protect critical islands, secure sea lanes, and enhance national
security.
The key takeaway is that technology and strategy must go hand in
hand. Advanced UUVs, when integrated with manned vessels, submarines,
and aerial assets, create a resilient and modern maritime defense
network capable of safeguarding India’s interests in the Indian Ocean.
India’s growing emphasis on underwater drones is a clear signal: the country
is not only securing its waters but also asserting its status as a
responsible and dominant maritime power in the 21st century.
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