India develops marine drone XLUUV that can stay at sea for 45 days and destroy ships

India's defence ministry will not be limited to the Nagastra-1 kamikaze drones. The Defence Research and Development Organisation has started building a huge drone. It will be called Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV).

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While the Nagastra-1 is aimed at the Army, the XLUUV will enter service with the Indian Navy. The drone will be 50 metres long and weigh 300 tonnes including payload. It will be able to carry multiple sonars, I-band radar and cameras.

The maximum external payload weight is 10 tonnes. India's defence ministry is considering mounting mines and two launchers for 533 mm torpedoes on the XLUUV, with which the drone will be able to destroy enemy ships.

The marine drone will be equipped with a diesel generator and batteries that will enable it to carry out missions for 45 hours. The XLUUV will be able to operate in a depth of up to 1km. The drone will have a top speed of nearly 15 km/h and a cruising speed of about 7.5 km/h.

The first XLUUV prototype will be available in 2025. The project will receive funding not only from the Indian Navy but also from private companies. The final version of the maritime drone will be able to carry out reconnaissance missions, destroy mines and launch torpedoes.

Source: Naval News