Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a leading Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, has achieved a significant milestone in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing programme with the delivery of a production-grade Wire Guided Heavy Weight Torpedo (WGHWT) to the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL). The handover took place at BDL’s Visakhapatnam unit on April 23, 2026.
The event was attended by Dr RVHara Prasad, Distinguished Scientist and Director General (NS&M), Commodore A Madhavarao (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director of BDL, Dr Abraham Varughese, Director of NSTL, along with representatives from BDL, NSTL and the Indian Navy.
BDL, acting as the Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP), worked closely with NSTL in the successful realisation of India’s first indigenous production-grade wire guided heavy weight torpedo. The system has been developed in both practice and combat variants and delivered to NSTL, marking a major advance in the country’s drive for self-reliance in sophisticated naval weapon systems under the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat programme.
The torpedo incorporates advanced homing and propulsion technologies, supported by intelligent search, attack and re-attack capabilities. These features are expected to significantly strengthen the Indian Navy’s underwater warfare preparedness and enhance mission effectiveness in complex maritime environments.
Heavy weight torpedoes are among the most advanced underwater weapon systems used by modern navies. Their design requires precision engineering, secure guidance systems, propulsion efficiency and high operational reliability. Achieving domestic production capability in this segment is regarded as an important strategic step for India’s defence sector.
The successful productionisation of the WGHWT reflects close cooperation between DRDO’s NSTL and BDL, supported by a broader network of industrial partners, including micro, small and medium enterprises. The programme demonstrates how collaboration between research institutions, public sector manufacturers and private industry can accelerate the development of strategic defence capabilities.
Officials noted that the project also highlights India’s growing expertise in complex underwater weapons and advanced naval technologies. Building such systems within the country reduces import dependence, supports supply chain resilience and strengthens long-term defence readiness.
During the ceremony, dignitaries commended the dedication and technical excellence of the scientists, engineers and production teams who contributed to the programme. Their efforts, they said, have helped transform a critical indigenous design into a production-ready weapon system.
The delivery of the production-grade Wire Guided Heavy Weight Torpedo represents another important step in India’s broader mission to develop advanced defence systems through domestic design and manufacturing. It also reinforces BDL’s role as a key contributor to the nation’s missile and underwater weapons programmes.
With growing emphasis on maritime security and indigenous capability development, the milestone is expected to support future naval modernisation plans while strengthening India’s position as an emerging centre for advanced defence manufacturing. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is a prominent Indian defense public sector enterprise specializing in the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced weapon systems for the Indian Armed Forces. Established in 1970, the company is known for producing a wide range of defense products, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-tank guided missiles, torpedoes, and electronic warfare systems.
BDL plays a vital role in enhancing India’s defense capabilities and is a key supplier of indigenous defense technologies. The company operates manufacturing units in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and other locations, and it continues to invest in cutting-edge research and development to strengthen India’s defense infrastructure. Bharat Dynamics has consistently contributed to the country’s self-reliance in defense and has expanded its footprint in both domestic and international markets.
