DRDO Hands Over Six Indigenous Radiation Monitoring Systems to Indian Navy
In a major step toward enhancing India's naval preparedness against nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) threats, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has formally handed over six indigenously developed radiation surveillance systems to the Indian Navy. This significant transfer of technology reflects India’s growing self-reliance in critical defence domains and strengthens the Navy’s operational safety in sensitive environments.
The handover ceremony took place at the Defence Laboratory in Jodhpur, a key DRDO establishment, and was attended by senior defence officials, including Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of DRDO and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, and Rear Admiral Sriram Amur, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Submarines and Strategic Projects).
A Comprehensive Radiation Detection Suite
The six systems handed over to the Navy are designed to detect, monitor, and mitigate radiological threats in a variety of operational settings—on land, at sea, underwater, and even in the air. All six products meet the Naval Staff Qualitative Requirements (NSQR) and were developed through indigenous research and engineering, underlining DRDO’s capability to deliver sensitive systems tailored to the specific needs of the armed forces.
1. Gamma Radiation Airborne Surveillance System (GRAS)
A cutting-edge airborne platform designed to detect gamma radiation over large areas, GRAS can be deployed rapidly using aircraft to survey suspected nuclear-contaminated zones. It is especially critical for reconnaissance missions and post-nuclear incident assessment in remote or inaccessible areas.
2. Environmental Surveillance Vehicle (ESV)
This mobile ground-based platform allows continuous monitoring of radiation levels in the environment. It’s equipped with real-time sensors that help identify hotspots and guide decontamination operations. The ESV will be particularly valuable for naval bases and facilities dealing with nuclear material.
3. Vehicular Radiological Contamination Monitoring System (VRCMS)
Mounted on standard military or logistic vehicles, this system monitors radiological contamination on land surfaces, including roads and equipment. It will assist naval units during NBC drills, disaster response missions, and while handling contaminated cargo or assets.
4. Underwater Gamma Radiation Monitoring System (UGRMS)
A specialized unit developed for sub-surface gamma detection, the UGRMS can monitor underwater platforms like submarines, ship hulls, or ports for radioactive contamination. Its deployment will significantly enhance naval capability to manage nuclear safety below the waterline.
5. Dirt Extraction and Cross-contamination Monitoring System (DECCOM)
DECCOM is tailored for detecting cross-contamination in soil and other particulates. This is particularly useful in ensuring cleanliness and safety in nuclear-sensitive areas, as well as forensics and decontamination verification.
6. Organ Radioactivity Detection System (ORDS)
This human-body monitoring system helps detect internal radioactive contamination in naval personnel. It plays a key role in medical triage and post-exposure assessment, ensuring that affected individuals receive timely diagnosis and treatment.
Strategic Impact
These systems collectively form a multi-layered radiation surveillance network for the Indian Navy. From real-time aerial monitoring to underwater gamma detection and human exposure assessment, this suite of tools will enable commanders to respond quickly and efficiently to radiological threats—intentional or accidental.
Speaking at the event, DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir Kamat highlighted the importance of such technologies for modern naval forces:
"These systems mark a significant stride in strengthening the Indian Navy’s NBC defence capabilities. The fact that all six are indigenously developed reflects India’s growing technological maturity and our commitment to Aatmanirbharta."
Rear Admiral Sriram Amur commended DRDO’s achievement, noting that these systems will provide the Navy with a critical edge in radiation detection and management, especially during high-risk missions and strategic operations involving nuclear-powered platforms.
Aligned with Aatmanirbhar Bharat
The handover of these strategic tools comes at a time when India is pushing aggressively toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Each of these systems not only substitutes foreign imports but also reflects the technological capabilities of Indian scientists and engineers working within the DRDO ecosystem.
In the broader context, this initiative supports the Indian government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan and the Navy’s objective to modernize with home-grown, customized technologies that meet operational requirements and reduce dependency on external suppliers.
With the induction of these six advanced systems—GRAS, ESV, VRCMS, UGRMS, DECCOM, and ORDS—the Indian Navy has significantly enhanced its NBC defence readiness. Developed through indigenous R&D, these systems showcase the capability of Indian defence science and mark another milestone in India’s journey toward strategic autonomy in critical defence technologies.
These tools will now become part of naval operations, exercises, and readiness drills—quietly, but crucially, safeguarding the nation's maritime forces in an increasingly unpredictable security environment.
