What is Varunastra?

Varunastra is a ship launched, heavy weight, electrically-propelled anti-submarine torpedo.

What is Varunastra?

About Varunastra:

  • It is ship launched, heavy weight, electrically-propelled anti-submarine torpedo capable of targeting quiet submarines, both in deep and shallow waters in an intense countermeasures environment. 
  • It was designed and developed by Vizag-based Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and is manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL).
  • Varunastra can be fired from all Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ships capable of firing heavy weight torpedoes.
  • Features:
    • It has a length of 7.78 meters (25.5 feet) and a diameter of 533.4 mm (21.00 in).
    • It is capable of being launched from surface ships and submarines.
    • It can achieve speeds in excess of 40 knots (74 km/h; 46 mph) and has a range of 40 km (25 mi). 
    • Weighing around 1.5 tonnes, it can carry a 250 kg (550 lb) high-explosive warhead and has a maximum operating depth of 600 metres (2,000 ft).It has long range with multi maneuvering capabilities.
    • The torpedo’s guidance system uses active-passive acoustic homing, wire guidance, and GPS/NavIC satellite guidance.
    • It has conformal array transducers that allow it to look at wider angles than most common torpedoes.
    • It also has an advanced autonomous guidance algorithm with low drift navigational aids, an insensitive warhead that can operate in various combat scenarios, and a GPS-based locating aid.

 


Q1) What is a Torpedo?

A torpedo is essentially a guided missile that happens to “fly” underwater. A torpedo therefore has a propulsion system, a guidance system and some sort of explosive device.

Source: Indigenous heavy weight torpedo hits bull’s eye in live test by Indian Navy

Latest UPSC Exam 2025 Updates

Last updated on July, 2025

UPSC Notification 2025 was released on 22nd January 2025.

UPSC Prelims Result 2025 is out now for the CSE held on 25 May 2025.

UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2025 and Unofficial Prelims Answer Key 2025  are available now.

UPSC Calendar 2026 is released on 15th May, 2025.

→ The UPSC Vacancy 2025 were released 1129, out of which 979 were for UPSC CSE and remaining 150 are for UPSC IFoS.

UPSC Mains 2025 will be conducted on 22nd August 2025.

UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.

→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.

UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!

UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.

→ Also check Best IAS Coaching in Delhi

Vajiram Editor
Vajiram Editor
UPSC GS Course 2026
UPSC GS Course 2026
₹1,75,000
Enroll Now
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
₹2,45,000
Enroll Now
Prelims PowerupTest Series
Prelims PowerupTest Series
₹13000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mains Test Series
UPSC Mains Test Series
₹16000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mentorship Program
UPSC Mentorship Program
₹85000
Enroll Now
Enquire Now