India is set to strengthen its underwater defence capabilities with plans to deploy a fibre-optic seabed surveillance network designed to detect and track submarines operating in the Indian Ocean. The project, led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), aims to provide round-the-clock monitoring of underwater activity amid the increasing presence of Chinese and Pakistani naval assets in the region.
The proposed system will consist of underwater fibre-optic cables fitted with advanced acoustic sensors capable of detecting the movement and acoustic signatures of submarines. The surveillance grid is expected to significantly improve the Indian Navy’s underwater domain awareness by providing early warning of potential threats and enabling faster operational responses.
The initiative comes as Pakistan inducts new Chinese-built Hangor-class submarines equipped with air-independent propulsion technology, allowing them to remain submerged for extended periods. China’s expanding submarine deployments in the Indian Ocean have also heightened the need for enhanced underwater surveillance capabilities.
Once operational, the seabed surveillance network is expected to become a key component of India’s maritime security architecture, complementing naval patrols, satellite monitoring and anti-submarine warfare assets. The project underscores India’s focus on strengthening coastal security and safeguarding strategic sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific.
