Indian Navy gets Varunastra torpedo
The Indian Navy has taken delivery of Varunastra, a ship-launched heavy-weight torpedo, the Indian Ministry of Defence announced on 29 June.
Varunastra has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO's) NSTL laboratory based at Visakhapatnam in association with Bharat Dynamics. The torpedo has been built with 95% indigenous content.
Varunastra can be fired from the Indian Navy's Delhi-class ships and Rajput-class destroyers. It will also be carried by future anti-submarine warfare vessels capable of firing heavy-weight torpedoes.
The torpedo is designed to target stealthy submarines in littoral and deep waters in intense countermeasure environments.
The navy has ordered 73 of the torpedoes. The DRDO is also developing a submarine-launched heavy-weight torpedo, which is currently in an advanced user trial stage.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Europe turns to industrial and procurement co-operation with Ukraine as supplies continue]()
Europe turns to industrial and procurement co-operation with Ukraine as supplies continue
Equipment has continued to flow into Ukraine from the European Union (EU), NATO and western countries as the war against Russia continues but other types of support with longer-term prospects are appearing.
-
![UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost]()
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
-
![Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide]()
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
![Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans]()
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
