DRDO Develops Indigenous Seawater Desalination Technology for Indian Warships

In a significant boost to India’s self-reliance in defence technology, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully developed an indigenous seawater desalination technology specially designed for Indian warships. This new innovation promises to enhance the operational efficiency and safety of Indian naval forces patrolling coastal waters and far-off seas.

What is Seawater Desalination?

Desalination is the process of removing salts and other impurities from seawater to make it fit for drinking and other uses. For warships operating in the open sea for extended durations, the availability of fresh water is always a critical concern. Carrying large quantities of freshwater is not practical due to limited storage space. That’s why onboard desalination plants are essential.

A Breakthrough with Indigenous Polymeric Membranes

The new desalination technology has been developed by the Defence Materials Stores and Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE), a DRDO laboratory based in Kanpur. The key feature of this system is a nanoporous multilayered polymeric membrane designed to function effectively under high pressure in seawater desalination systems.

One of the biggest challenges in using desalination membranes onboard ships is their stability when exposed to chloride ions present in saline water. Prolonged exposure can weaken membranes and reduce their efficiency. The indigenous membranes developed by DRDO overcome this issue, ensuring both durability and long-term performance.

Quick Development and Successful Trials

Impressively, this advanced technology was developed in just eight months, addressing the urgent operational needs of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). Initial technical trials were conducted on an existing desalination plant installed on an Offshore Patrolling Vessel (OPV) of the Coast Guard.

The trials tested the safety, performance, and efficiency of the new membranes under real operating conditions at sea. The results were fully satisfactory, meeting all the critical parameters. The final operational clearance will be granted after 500 hours of continuous operational testing on the vessel.

Specifications and Key Features

• Type: Nanoporous multilayered polymeric membrane

• Use: High-pressure seawater desalination

• Key Advantage: High resistance to chloride ions in saline water

• Operational Life: Under testing — designed for long operational hours at sea

• Development Time: Completed within 8 months

• Applications:

  • Warships and Coast Guard vessels

  • Potential for coastal community desalination plants after modifications

This technology not only strengthens India’s naval capabilities but also holds potential for use in coastal areas where fresh water scarcity is a serious issue.

A Step Towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat

The successful development of this desalination technology reflects DRDO’s commitment to the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). It reduces dependence on foreign technology and adds to India’s growing list of indigenous defence innovations.

Over the years, DRDO has been at the forefront of developing critical systems for the armed forces, including the Agni and Prithvi missile series, Tejas light combat aircraft, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, Akash air defence system, and various advanced radars, electronic warfare systems, and combat vehicles.

With a network of 41 advanced laboratories and 5 Young Scientist Laboratories (DYSLs), DRDO is actively working across various fields such as aeronautics, armaments, engineering, life sciences, and naval systems.

The indigenous seawater desalination technology marks another important milestone for India’s defence sector. It ensures uninterrupted fresh water supply for Indian warships, enhances operational sustainability, and strengthens India’s capability to independently develop and deploy critical defence systems tailored to its unique operational needs.