India's Naval Research Self-Reliance Boost

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone for the state-of-the-art Large Cavitation Tunnel (LCT) facility at the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This facility, a key initiative of the India===Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), aims to significantly enhance India's naval research and testing capabilities, marking a major step towards technological self-reliance. The LCT will enable India to indigenously design, develop, and test naval equipment, systems, and sub-systems, strengthening its position as a naval power and leader in defense technology. Rajnath Singh emphasized that the project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision, linking self-reliance with national security. The facility will support advancements in propulsion systems, noise reduction, and stealth capabilities, serving as a foundational backbone for the design and development of submarines and ships. It is poised to become a globally unique infrastructure capable of both closed-loop and free surface simulations, enhancing India's shipbuilding ecosystem.