VISAKHAPATNAM: Varunastra, India's yet another powerful underwater weapon, is all set for the test trials. Developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam with indigenous technology, Varunastra will be tested by the Indian Navy shortly. With this, India is likely to be a part of the select group of nations to operate an underwater weapon with such technology.Weighing around 1.25 tonne, the underwater weapon carries about 250 kg of explosives at a speed of 38 nautical miles per hour. With a circular trajectory, which makes it difficult for the enemy to target it, Varunastra smashes the target (underwater) from both top and bottom. Equipped with the most advanced automatic and remote-controlled guidance system, the weapon uses its own intelligence in tracing the target."With its self-intelligence, Varunastra detects enemy object and informs the control room. It is a clever underwater spy, which when inducted by the Indian Navy will have India joining the group of countries possessing a weapon with such advanced technology," a senior NSTL scientist told Express. The NSTL has earlier developed autonomous underwater vehicles - TAL (light water torpedo), and Takshak (heavy weight torpedo). Varunastra carries the Takshak.Varunastra's technology and chemistry are completely indigenous, developed by a group of scientists specially deputed for the project.Meanwhile, the NSTL is also working on updating the TAL by the end of 2014.Recently, the Union government has announced the prestigious DRDO AGNI-2011 award to the Project Varunastra team of NSTL for its excellence in self-reliance.
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