In a significant advancement for India’s defense capabilities, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inaugurated a cutting-edge, land-based submarine battery test facility at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam. This newly established facility is regarded as a first-of-its-kind in India, reinforcing the country’s efforts towards self-reliance in defense technology.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including the Director General of Naval and Strategic Systems (DG N&SM), the Director of NSTL, and other senior scientists and personnel from the laboratory. The establishment of this facility marks a significant milestone in India’s defense research infrastructure, particularly in the field of underwater systems.
The state-of-the-art submarine battery test facility is designed to carry out comprehensive testing of batteries used in submarines under controlled land-based conditions. This ensures that the batteries, which are a critical component of submarine operations, meet the highest standards of safety, reliability, and performance before they are deployed in active submarines. The facility will play a pivotal role in validating the performance of advanced submarine batteries, thereby enhancing the operational readiness of India’s submarine fleet.
In his remarks, the Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO highlighted the importance of indigenous capabilities in submarine technology and underlined the role of NSTL in advancing India’s naval defense systems. He commended the collaborative efforts of DRDO’s scientists and engineers in establishing this world-class testing facility, which will further bolster India’s strategic defense initiatives.
The Director of NSTL, during the event, expressed pride in the laboratory’s contribution to national security and emphasized the significance of the new facility in enhancing India’s naval defense research and development capabilities. The NSTL, a premier DRDO laboratory specializing in naval systems, has been at the forefront of developing advanced technologies for the Indian Navy, including torpedoes, mines, and other underwater weapons systems.
The inauguration of this facility aligns with the government’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) in the defense sector, reducing reliance on foreign technologies and enhancing indigenous defense production. The new facility is expected to play a critical role in strengthening the operational capabilities of India’s submarine fleet, contributing to the country’s maritime security and defense preparedness.
This achievement showcases India’s growing prowess in defense technology and highlights the strategic importance of NSTL’s contributions towards safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests. The facility is expected to serve as a benchmark for future advancements in naval technology and testing infrastructure.
