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Indian Navy got a brand new facility today for testing sonar equipment.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on 17th of April 2024, the state-of-the-art Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE), a key hub for testing sonar system for the Indian Navy was inaugurated at the Underwater Acoustic Research Facility, Kulamavu in Idukki, Kerala.

To inaugurate the state of art facility, the Secretary, Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat was also present along with senior officials from the MoD.

The SPACE set up by the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory of DRDO, has been designed as a premier testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems destined for Indian Navy onboard various platforms including ships, submarines and helicopters.

The SPACE marks a milestone in naval technology advancement.

It will consist of two distinct assemblages – a platform which floats on the water surface, and a submersible platform which can be lowered to any depth upto 100 m using winch systems.

Upon completion of operations, the submersible platform can be winched up and docked with the floating platform.

The SPACE will mainly be utilised for evaluation of complete sonar system, allowing for quick deployment and easy recovery of scientific packages such as sensors and transducers.

It will be suitable for survey, sampling, and data collection of air, surface, mid-water, and reservoir floor parameters using modern scientific instrumentation.

It will cater to the needs of data processing and sample analyses in modern, well equipped scientific laboratories heralding a new era of Anti-Submarine Warfare research capabilities.