Rajnath Singh, the Defence Minister, inaugurated a cutting-edge Large Cavitation Tunnel (LCT) facility at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam on April 3, 2026. This development signifies a significant advancement in India’s naval research and testing capabilities.
Managed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the facility aims to enhance India’s indigenous hydrodynamic research capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign testing facilities. Singh highlighted that the project will empower India to independently design, develop, and test equipment, systems, and sub-systems using domestic resources.
Emphasizing the project’s importance, Singh stated that it would bolster India’s position as a formidable naval power and a frontrunner in defense technology. He stressed the facility’s role in supporting submarine and ship design, propulsion systems, noise reduction, and stealth capabilities.
Singh lauded the initiative as a reflection of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a self-reliant India, directly linking self-sufficiency with national security. He attributed the progress towards technological independence to the collaborative efforts of domestic industry, academia, MSMEs, youth, and researchers.
During his visit, Singh received updates on ongoing projects from DRDO Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D, Samir V Kamat. He also toured the Seakeeping and Manoeuvring Basin, where advanced underwater systems such as torpedoes, naval mines, decoys, and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) were demonstrated.
A live display featuring a swarm of man-portable AUVs showcased India’s advancements in autonomous maritime operations and next-generation underwater warfare technologies. Singh also examined spin-off technologies developed by naval systems materials cluster labs post Operation Sindoor.
Singh commended NSTL’s work in various areas, including torpedo systems, underwater mines, decoys, and AUVs, noting the significance of advancements in swarm technology and lithium-ion battery development for future warfare readiness. He emphasized that reliable technological systems enhance the confidence and operational efficiency of sailors at sea.
The event was attended by Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Dinesh K Tripathi, Flag Officer Commander-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Sanjay Bhalla, and other senior officials.
The Large Cavitation Tunnel project, conceived as a vital national asset, is being executed with international technical collaboration in a turnkey model. This project combines global expertise with indigenous innovation and will facilitate closed-loop simulations for submarine studies and free surface simulations for surface ship research within a unified framework.
Once operational, the LCT is projected to significantly enhance India’s shipbuilding sector by providing precise validation of hydrodynamic designs and propulsion systems for key naval platforms like destroyers and aircraft carriers.