New Delhi: In a significant boost to India’s undersea warfare capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy have successfully conducted validation trials of an indigenously developed multi-influence ground mine (MIGM) — a sophisticated underwater weapon system designed to target modern stealth ships and submarines.
The advanced naval mine was tested in a “combat firing” trial using reduced explosives, with the DRDO sharing visuals of a controlled underwater detonation. The MIGM has been developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam, in collaboration with other DRDO labs.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the achievement, stating that the indigenous mine system would “further enhance the Indian Navy’s capabilities in undersea warfare.” He congratulated both the DRDO and the Navy for the successful demonstration.
According to Bharat Dynamics Limited, one of the production partners, the MIGM is equipped with multiple sensors that can detect and respond to acoustic, magnetic, pressure, and ultra-electric/low-frequency electromagnetic (UEP/ELFE) signatures emitted by marine vessels. Other production collaborators include Apollo Microsystems Limited and key units based in Visakhapatnam.
Naval mines have been a critical component of maritime warfare for centuries. During World War II, countries such as Britain, the United States, Japan, and Germany deployed over half a million mines to disrupt enemy movements across strategic sea routes.
The successful validation of MIGM comes amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 civilians were killed by terrorists linked to Pakistan. The Indian Navy has since intensified operational preparedness, carrying out a series of tests and drills.
Just days after the Pahalgam attack, a guided missile destroyer of the Indian Navy achieved a successful precision cooperative engagement of a sea-skimming target, further demonstrating India’s growing indigenous capabilities in maritime defence.
Highlighting its comprehensive combat readiness, the Navy recently posted an image on X (formerly Twitter), titled “Trident of Naval Power”, showcasing the INS Kolkata, a Scorpene-class submarine, and a Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter operating in unison.
In the weeks prior, the Navy also shared footage of multiple anti-ship missile firings in the Arabian Sea, including launches of the BrahMos cruise missile from Kolkata-class destroyers, Nilgiri, and Krivak-class frigates.
India’s rapid strides in undersea warfare technology underscore its commitment to modernising its naval forces and reinforcing maritime security amid a volatile regional security environment.
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