Indian Navy To Acquire Advanced Unmanned Mine Counter-Measure Systems For Future Minesweepers
Our take
The Indian Navy is set to enhance its maritime capabilities by acquiring advanced unmanned mine countermeasure systems for future minesweepers. This strategic move comes in the wake of the decommissioning of its last minesweeper, the Soviet-built INS Kozhikode, in 2019, highlighting a critical gap in naval operations. As global maritime threats evolve, the integration of sophisticated unmanned systems will bolster India's defensive posture. For further insights into unmanned naval capabilities, explore our article on the U.S. Navy's funding of 16 Boeing Orca drone submarines.
The Indian Navy's decision to acquire advanced unmanned mine counter-measure systems marks a significant step in enhancing maritime security and operational capabilities in the region. Following the decommissioning of the Soviet-built Natya-class INS Kozhikode in 2019, the Navy's need for modern minesweeping technology has become increasingly urgent as geopolitical tensions and maritime threats evolve. This move aligns with broader global trends, as seen in the U.S. Navy's recent investments, such as the funding for 16 Boeing Orca Drone Submarines To Face China In The Indo-Pacific, which highlights a shift towards unmanned systems in naval operations.
Mines pose a significant threat to maritime navigation and safety, particularly in contested waters where naval forces are present. The implementation of unmanned mine counter-measure systems not only increases the effectiveness of naval operations but also reduces risks to personnel. The integration of these advanced systems allows for real-time data collection and analysis, resulting in a more calibrated and precise approach to mine detection and neutralization. This development is crucial when considering the strategic importance of maintaining secure sea lanes and the implications for international trade and regional stability.
In addition to enhancing operational readiness, the introduction of these advanced systems reflects a commitment to modernizing naval capabilities. Similar to the world’s longest endurance drone submarine that can scan the Hormuz Strait for naval mines, India's advancements in unmanned systems signify a broader trend in naval warfare that prioritizes technological innovation and adaptability. By investing in unmanned systems, the Indian Navy is not only addressing immediate threats but also positioning itself as a forward-thinking force capable of responding to future challenges.
As the Indian Navy embarks on this modernization journey, it prompts a larger conversation about the implications of unmanned systems in naval warfare. The increasing reliance on technology raises questions regarding the balance between automated systems and human oversight. While automation can enhance efficiency and reduce risks, it also poses ethical and strategic dilemmas that need careful consideration. Moreover, as nations like India pursue advanced military technologies, it could trigger a regional arms race, compelling neighboring countries to adapt and enhance their own naval capabilities.
Looking ahead, it will be essential to monitor how these developments influence the balance of power in the Indian Ocean Region. The integration of unmanned mine counter-measure systems could serve as a catalyst for increased collaboration or tension among regional powers, particularly in light of the ongoing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific. As nations adapt to rapidly changing maritime environments, the focus will need to shift towards fostering dialogue and cooperative security measures to mitigate the risks associated with advanced military technologies. The future of naval operations will undoubtedly be shaped by these innovations, and the implications for regional stability and security are worth watching closely.
Larsen and Toubro (L&T) has entered into a partnership with Exail to deliver an advanced unmanned mine counter-measure (MCM) suite for the Indian Navy’s 12 Mine Counter-Measure Vessels, which will be built in the near future, as the country lacks a dedicated minesweeper.
The MCM suite will incorporate autonomous and remotely operated systems to detect, classify, identify and neutralise naval mines in a safe stand-off way, the company statement read.
L&T is the main contractor, which will provide the suite to the shipyards participating in the Navy’s program, while France-based Exail will be the technology partner.
This would enable Exail to deliver its mine warfare technology, which is operational in navies worldwide and has proven quite successful.
India’s last minesweeper was the Soviet-built Natya-class INS Kozhikode, decommissioned in 2019 without a replacement.
The importance of having minesweepers is evident from Iran’s mining of the Strait of Hormuz, which has put ships at risk.
In changing geopolitical times, having these vessels is a must to protect a country’s harbours and sea lines of communication during a conflict-like situation.
Naval mines, laid by enemies, can not only threaten ships but also put the lives of crew at risk and block ports and shipping routes, impacting the global economy.
The Indian Navy is presently dependent on Clip-on mine counter-measure suites mounted on a few ships to bridge this gap.
Given the country’s 7,516-kilometre-long coastline and more than 200 ports, the navy requires at least 24 MCMVs, according to a recent assessment.
In 2005, a program was initiated to construct a fleet of minesweepers in India by getting the technology from outside, but due to disputes over costs and build strategy, it could not be implemented.
It was in 2025 that the Indian Navy brought a new proposal to acquire 12 MCMVs at a cost of around Rs 45,000 crore, and a request for information (RFI) was issued.
Per estimates, it will take around 7 years for the first ship to be built once the contract is signed.
Former Navy chief Admiral Arun Prakash had expressed operational risks from the absence of minesweepers, highlighting how the navy had acquired British-origin ones in the 1950s, followed by Soviet ones.
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