TV
The National Institute of Technology (NIT), located in Odisha’s Rourkela in Sundargarh district, is making significant strides in maritime defence research to support the country’s naval wing. A pioneering project is underway at India’s first such educational institute, sources said on Sunday.
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Collaborating with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the researchers at NIT-Rourkela are engaged in a trailblazing project to develop advanced underwater tiles aimed at shielding Indian Navy submarines from enemy detection.
This initiative represents a crucial advancement in India’s quest for self-reliant defence capabilities. By improving the stealth technologies of submarines, the unique project will not only strengthen India’s naval power but also promises advancements in the marine research, including oil exploration.
The pioneering maritime defence project in nutshell
Director of NIT-Rourkela emphasised that the ultimate objective is to enhance submarines’ ability to remain undetected by enemy sonar systems. He noted that once this technology is perfected, it could potentially benefit other navies, such as that of France.
Testing is being carried out with small-scale tiles placed inside a cylindrical device filled with water, where their properties are meticulously analysed. The research is funded with a budget of Rs 1.4 Crore, underscoring the importance of comprehensive development.
Beyond evading enemy detection, the laboratory is also examining the methodologies for monitoring adversary movements in deep waters. The research seeks to detect even the faintest sound waves, highlighting the sophisticated capabilities of the facility.
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“This is a unique facility developed at NIT-Rourkela, which can help identify any sort of underwater engineering activities. No other NIT in the country is having this facility,” the Director of NIT-Rourkela K. Uma Maheshwar Rao said.
