Sonobuoys: Enhancing Undersea Domain Awareness

Why in the News?

  • India-U.S.: Announced collaboration on co-producing U.S. sonobuoys for the Indian Navy’s Undersea Domain Awareness (UDA).
  • Purpose of Collaboration: Strengthen anti-submarine warfare capabilities and enhance India’s maritime security

SONOBUOYS: ENHANCING UNDERSEA DOMAIN AWARENESS

What are Sonobuoys?

  • Advanced Devices: Electro-mechanical acoustic sensors for detecting, classifying, and tracking underwater vessels.
  • Deployment Method: Dropped by naval helicopters or aircraft in canisters that deploy automatically upon water impact.
  • Operating Modes:
    • Active Mode: Emits sound waves, detects echoes to locate targets.
    • Passive Mode: Listens for sound signals from submarines or vessels.

Technological Features

  • Key Components: Buoyant housing, acoustic sensors, power source, and communication systems.
  • Communication: Relays acoustic information via radio transmitters to tracking ships or aircraft.
  • Impact: Enhances naval defense capabilities and undersea domain knowledge, crucial for maritime security.

Significance of Sonobuoys

  • Anti-Submarine Warfare: Pinpoint submarine locations using networked deployment patterns.
  • Environmental Monitoring: Collect data on water temperature, ambient noise, and marine life behavior.
  • Dual Utility: Vital for both defense operations and scientific research.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times