DefExpo 2020: ‘Varunastra’ the Indian made heavyweight torpedo will boost Indian fire power on high seas

Varunastra, the Indian made heavyweight torpedo was also displayed by the Hyderabad-based missile systems and ammunition manufacturer Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and it was handed over to the Indian Navy on Saturday.

Lucknow: In the 11th edition of Defence Expo 2020, a heavyweight torpedo and underwater weapon, Varunastra was also displayed by the Hyderabad-based missile systems and ammunition manufacturer Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and it was handed over to the Indian Navy on Saturday.

It is a proud moment for India because the torpedo is made in India, developed by Naval Science and Technology Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam. The missiles weigh up to 1,500 kg and reach a length of 7-8 meters.

Bharat Dynamics Limited has already signed a contract worth Rs. 1,187 crore to manufacture the torpedo in collaboration with DRDO.

The underwater weapon is an advanced one with a variable speed facility at 20 and 40 knots. It is capable of successfully targeting quiet, anechoic submarines operating in shallow/deep waters in an intense Acoustic Counter Measure Environment.

The speciality of the Indian made torpedo is that it can hit enemy stealth submarines underwater that poses a threat to Indian vessels. The ship launched missiles can also be launched from shore.

According to DRDO, it can be launched from both navy ships and submarines. India is planning to sell Varunastra to friendly nations.

The event began on 5 February and will conclude on 8 February. Delegates from 70 countries and 172 foreign military manufacturers attended the five-day mega exhibition. As many as 856 Indian defence firms also showcase their products at the event.