In a major boost to India’s naval self-reliance, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully developed and indigenised a signal star naval flare for deployment on Kalvari-class submarines. The system, developed by DRDO’s High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) in Pune, was officially handed over to the Director General – Naval Armament Inspection (DG-NAI) on Saturday.
The flare, a specialised underwater pyrotechnic communication device, is designed to enhance submarine safety and tactical communication. Launched from a submarine’s signal ejector, it ascends to the surface and activates through a hydrostatic mechanism, producing a high-intensity star-like illumination visible across long distances, even in poor weather or night conditions.
A key feature of the flare is its dual-colour capability:
- Red light for distress, emergency, or urgent tactical communication.
- Green light for identification, recognition, or coordinated fleet maneuvers.
Engineered with a pressure-resistant casing, the device is capable of withstanding extreme underwater pressures, ensuring reliability during deep-sea operations. Optimised for durability and long shelf-life, it can also be employed in peacetime for fleet training, rescue operations, and friendly vessel identification.
By indigenising this critical naval system, India has eliminated dependence on foreign suppliers, plugging a key vulnerability in submarine operations. Officials stressed that the development marks a significant milestone under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, reinforcing India’s drive toward defence manufacturing self-reliance.
“The induction of the signal star naval flare strengthens both the Navy’s operational preparedness and India’s strategic autonomy,” DRDO officials said, adding that the achievement highlights indigenous expertise in advanced pyrotechnics, material science, and naval warfare technology.
