Discuss salient features of Portable Diver Detection Sonar (PDDS). How will it boost India's Navy capabilities? Explain.

In furtherance of the Make in India Policy, the Indian Navy on 15th November 2017 has concluded a contract with Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division for the supply of Portable Diver Detection Sonar (PDDS). It is believed that the introduction of the PDDS will enhance Navy’s underwater surveillance capability with regard to the low intensity maritime operations. Portable Diver Detection Sonar (PDDS) system is devised for the protection of vessels at anchor and ships at berth against underwater threats. It is very convenient because of its fixed installations in cases where limited area needs to be covered. It’s lightweight and portability makes it easy for the purpose of rapid deployment and retrieval. It is so tough that it can withstand rough waters and thus can survive long-term continuous underwater operation as well. It is fully automatic in its operation i.e. from the point of detection to risk classification and alert, thus eliminating the need for a well-trained sonar operator. Its advanced signal processing algorithms provides a desired combination of very high Probability of Detection (PD) with very low False Alarm Rate (FAR). This system helps in detection of all kinds of underwater threats such as Scuba Divers, Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) etc. It provides Omni-Directional (360°) coverage, thus creating a security sphere which protects the object from all sides. Therefore, in all the parameters PDDS makes a good device for the Navy.

Topics: GS-III: Security Challenges and Their Management in Border Areas