India Develops Indigenous Underwater Acoustic Communication System

New Delhi: In a strategic boost to India’s marine technology capabilities, the Technology Development Board under the Department of Science & Technology signs an agreement with Xalten Systems Pvt. Ltd. to develop a high performance acoustic antenna system for underwater high data rate communication, including real time video transmission.

The project focuses on building next generation hydrophone array sensor systems that enable reliable, high bandwidth data exchange between autonomous underwater platforms.

It addresses a critical technology gap in underwater acoustic communication and aims to deliver megabit per second data speeds in challenging marine environments.

Xalten Systems Pvt. Ltd. collaborates with Subnero Pte Ltd to combine Indian expertise in underwater acoustics with advanced software defined communication systems.

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The partnership integrates hardware precision with intelligent communication frameworks. It strengthens cross border technology collaboration while building domestic capability.

The rapid deployment of autonomous underwater vehicles and AUV swarms in offshore energy operations, deep sea exploration, marine research and strategic sectors increases demand for high speed underwater communication.

Existing global solutions from companies such as Kongsberg Maritime, Sonardyne and EvoLogics focus largely on long range but low bandwidth systems built on legacy architectures. These systems prioritise distance over data speed.

The indigenous system under development focuses on wideband hydrophones optimised for short range, high speed communication between multiple autonomous platforms. It supports real time video transmission. It enables coordinated navigation. It enhances data sharing across marine robotic systems.

The project also establishes scalable manufacturing capabilities within India for advanced acoustic sensors. This reduces reliance on imported underwater communication technologies. It strengthens domestic competence in ocean sensing and marine electronics.

Shri Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary of the Technology Development Board, says advanced underwater communication systems play a critical role in maritime research, offshore infrastructure and strategic applications.

He further states that the Indo Singapore collaboration supports the development and commercialization of high performance indigenous acoustic technologies and positions India as a key player in the emerging blue economy.

The promoter of Xalten Systems Pvt. Ltd. says TDB’s support accelerates the development of application optimised acoustic antenna systems tailored for next generation underwater robotics and communication networks.

He adds that the collaboration strengthens India’s technological capabilities in marine sensing and high data rate underwater communication.

The project aligns with TDB’s mandate to commercialise indigenous technologies through industry led research and strategic partnerships.