India and U.S. Forge Stronger Ties in Underwater Surveillance

Strengthening Underwater Domain Awareness: India-U.S. Partnership

India and the U.S. are reinforcing their collaboration in underwater domain awareness (UDA) by launching the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA). This initiative aims to bolster technology development, co-production, and cooperation in maritime security, particularly within the Indo-Pacific region. The collaboration comes in response to increasing maritime threats, especially from China’s expanding naval presence in the Indian Ocean.

Why is Underwater Domain Awareness Important?

Underwater domain awareness is crucial for multiple reasons, including:

• Monitoring enemy submarines and naval movements
• Enhancing anti-submarine warfare capabilities
• Strengthening maritime security and disaster response

Key Technologies Being Developed

As part of this initiative, India and the U.S. are focusing on advanced maritime surveillance and underwater defense technologies. Notable systems being developed include:

• Sea Packet System – A sonar-based autonomous surveillance system
• Wave Glider Systems – Unmanned surface vehicles for monitoring ocean activities
• Low-Frequency Active Towed Sonar – Used for submarine detection
• Multistatic Active Sonobuoys (MSA) – Aids in tracking submarines deep underwater
• Large Autonomous Undersea Vehicles – Advanced robotic submarines
• Triton Vehicles – Unmanned systems for surface and underwater operations

Co-Development and Partnerships

The U.S. has agreed to co-produce sensitive military technologies with India for the first time, marking a significant advancement in trust between the two nations. Companies such as Boeing, L3 Harris, and Bharat Electronics Ltd are currently in discussions to manufacture these systems in India. A first-of-its-kind co-production partnership was announced for sonobuoys in January 2024.

Strategic Implications

• Enhancing India’s Defense Capabilities – This initiative significantly improves India’s ability to detect and counter submarine threats in the Indian Ocean.
• Strengthening the QUAD Alliance – India, the U.S., Japan, and Australia are collaborating on joint maritime patrols and military exercises to reinforce regional security.
• Advanced Military Cooperation – Both countries have committed to expanding cooperation across air, land, sea, space, and cyber warfare, integrating cutting-edge technologies.
• Support for Humanitarian Missions – The agreement encompasses logistics support and arrangements for rapid response during natural disasters.

Additional Military Procurement

In addition to UDA technologies, India is procuring advanced military assets from the U.S., including:

• 12 P-8I maritime patrol aircraft (already in service)
• 24 MH-60R multi-role helicopters (currently being inducted)
• 15 MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones (scheduled for delivery from January 2029)
• 31 additional MQ-9Bs as part of an October 2023 deal

The growing India-U.S. military collaboration, particularly in underwater surveillance and naval security, is anticipated to enhance India’s strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region.

FAQs

• What is the purpose of underwater domain awareness? It aids in detecting and tracking submarines, preventing underwater threats, and improving maritime security.
• Why is India partnering with the U.S. in UDA? The U.S. possesses advanced underwater surveillance technologies, and this partnership enables India to build its capabilities, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Which technologies are being co-developed? Key systems include sonar surveillance, unmanned underwater vehicles, sonobuoys, and autonomous defense platforms.
• How does this benefit India’s security? It enhances India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities, strengthens defense cooperation with allies, and ensures maritime security in the Indian Ocean.
• What role does the Quad alliance play in this initiative? The Quad (India, U.S., Japan, Australia) is collaborating to improve military coordination, intelligence sharing, and joint maritime patrols.

“Security and freedom of navigation are the foundation of a strong maritime nation.”