DRDO Launches Underwater Fiber Optic Sensing System Project

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Key takeaways

DRDO is deploying the Underwater Fiber Optic Sensing System (UFOSS) on the Indian Ocean seabed to detect stealthy foreign submarines.
The network features hydrophones that capture engine and propeller acoustic signatures, transmitting data to naval shore stations via subsea fiber-optic cables.
Designed for a 20-year lifespan, the system uses deep-buried cables and targets completion within 48 months through a multi-firm consortium.

The DRDO has initiated a major naval project to deploy the indigenous Underwater Fiber Optic Sensing System (UFOSS) on the Indian Ocean floor.
This underwater surveillance network aims to detect foreign submarines and counter growing Chinese and Pakistani naval activities in the region.

The Underwater Fiber Optic Sensing System (UFOSS) is a permanent network of acoustic and hydrographic sensors anchored to the seabed.
It acts as a strategic surveillance grid that offers continuous monitoring of underwater activity across vital maritime choke points.

The system eliminates surveillance gaps left by traditional ship and aircraft patrols in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
It can track quiet conventional submarines, such as Pakistan's Hangor-class boats with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP), and Chinese nuclear submarines.

Acoustic Capture: Seabed hydrophones capture propeller noise, engine vibrations, and machinery hums whenever an unauthorized vessel passes over the network.
Optical Transmission: Sound waves are converted into optical signals and sent through subsea fiber-optic cables, junction boxes, and branching units.
Shore Station Analysis: High-speed computers at naval shore stations receive the data and match acoustic signatures against a database to identify the ship.
Active Deployment: Once a threat is confirmed, shore stations send exact coordinates to deploy P-8I aircraft, MH-60R helicopters, or nearby warships for interception.

Advanced Wet-Plant Architecture: The system uses marine-grade components designed to endure intense ocean pressure and saltwater corrosion.
20-Year Operational Lifespan: The network is engineered to operate continuously underwater for 20 years without needing regular maintenance.
Deep Sea Burial Protection: Specialized plows and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) bury cables deep in the seabed to prevent damage from anchors, trawlers, or sabotage.
Consortium-Led Integration: A lead bidder can collaborate with up to 5 engineering firms to pool expertise in subsea cables, marine surveys, and monitoring software.
48-Month Execution Target: The setup and procurement timeline spans 48 months from the contract award, led by a dedicated system integrator.