India-U.S. Partnership on Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) Technologies

Syllabus: GS2/ IR

In News

• India and the United States strengthen cooperation in Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) with the launch of the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) during the PM Modi visit to the US. 

About

• Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) refers to the capability of a nation or an organization to monitor, detect, and assess activities occurring beneath the surface of water bodies like oceans and seas.
• It plays a crucial role in maritime security, resource management, environmental protection, and disaster response.
• This collaboration marks a historic first—India is the only country with which the U.S. defense industry has offered to work on such sensitive technologies.

Significance of India-U.S. UDA Cooperation

• Geopolitical and Strategic Importance: Strengthening Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) is crucial for India’s national security, particularly due to:
  • China’s growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
  • The need for enhanced submarine detection and tracking capabilities.
  • Increased cooperation within the Quad (India, U.S., Australia, Japan) to counter common threats.
• Defense Technology Collaboration: The U.S. has offered several cutting-edge underwater surveillance and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) technologies, including:
  • Sea Picket: An autonomous sonar surveillance system by Thayer Mahan.
  • Wave Glider: Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) by Boeing’s Liquid Robotics, with plans for co-production with Sagar Defence Engineering (60 units).
  • Low-Frequency Active Towed Sonar: Discussions underway between L3 Harris and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
• Impact on India’s Defense Capabilities:  India’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities will be significantly strengthened, complementing existing assets such as:
  • 12 P-8I Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft already in service.
  • 24 MH-60R Multi-Role Helicopters (being inducted).
  • 15 MQ-9B Sea Guardian UAVs, part of a 31-unit contract with deliveries starting from 2029.
• Technology Transfer, Make-in-India, and Economic Impact: First-of-its-kind co-production and technology transfer in sensitive underwater systems.
  • Strengthens India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem under Make in India & Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Challenges and Considerations

• Technology Transfer and Data Security: Concerns over sharing sensitive UDA data and sovereign control over surveillance systems.
• Financial and Operational Challenges: High cost of procurement, deployment, and maintenance of advanced underwater systems.
• Technology Dependence: Advanced sonar and AI systems require high-end research and funding.
• Legal and Diplomatic Complexities: Underwater domain awareness in disputed waters can create tensions with neighboring nations.
• Environmental Impact: Use of sonar technologies can impact marine biodiversity and aquatic ecosystems.

Conclusion

• Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) is a critical component of maritime security, economic sustainability, and environmental conservation. Given the growing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean, India’s focus on UDA, in collaboration with the U.S. and Quad partners, will significantly enhance its maritime defense capabilities and strategic positioning.

Source: TH