Indian Navy Plans to Acquire 20-100 Ton XLUUV Unmanned Subs to Strengthen Presence Against China’s Influence in the Indian Ocean

India is taking a big step forward in naval technology by starting the construction of its largest and most advanced autonomous submarine. This project aims to develop a fleet of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) to protect its maritime interests, especially in light of China’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

On June 10, 2025, Krishna Defence and Allied Industries Ltd (KDAIL) held a ceremony in Gujarat to mark the launch of the ‘Jalkapi’ Extra-Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (XLUUV). Senior officials from the Indian Navy attended the event, emphasizing the country’s push for self-reliance in defense under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

The initial vessel will weigh 20 tons and serves as a stepping stone towards a more ambitious 100-ton unmanned submarine being planned by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The Jalkapi, which means “Mermaid,” is designed to operate stealthily at depths up to 300 meters for about 30 to 45 days. Equipped with cutting-edge sensors like sonar arrays and high-definition cameras, it can perform various tasks, including intelligence gathering and anti-submarine warfare.

Looking ahead, the DRDO is conceptualizing a much larger 100-ton XLUUV, set to cost around ₹2,500 crore (over $290 million). This vessel, expected to be 16 meters long, can carry up to 10 tons of additional payload. It may include torpedoes and mine-laying systems, aligning it with advanced platforms from countries like the US and Russia.

The 100-ton submarine will have ambitious specifications, including an operational endurance of over 45 days, thanks to an advanced Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system. It is designed to reach speeds of 4 knots (7.4 km/h) and up to 8 knots (14.8 km/h). Its deployment options are versatile, allowing it to launch from ports, larger motherships, or even land-based platforms.

This push for advanced unmanned systems aims to address critical gaps in India’s submarine fleet. Currently, the Indian Navy has about 13 conventional submarines, significantly below its goal of 24 by 2030. Unmanned vehicles like the Jalkapi can help fill this gap, carrying out long surveillance and patrol missions, particularly as Chinese naval assets become more active in the region.

The development of the Jalkapi and the concept for the 100-ton XLUUV are part of the Navy’s “Integrated Unmanned Roadmap for 2021–2030.” This roadmap emphasizes the importance of incorporating autonomous systems to enhance maritime security.

Successful development could not only strengthen India’s defense capabilities but also position it as a leading exporter of defense technology. Currently, India aims to achieve $6 billion in defense exports by 2029, making advancements in this field crucial for national interests.

In the broader context, experts emphasize that unmanned systems are becoming vital in modern warfare. A report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies found that investments in drone and unmanned systems are surging worldwide, indicating a clear shift in military strategies. This trend underscores the growing need for nations, including India, to adapt and innovate in their defense strategies to meet emerging global threats.

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