Rajnath Singh lays foundation stone of a Large Cavitation Tunnel at NSTL, Visakhapatnam

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates a Large Cavitation Tunnel in Visakhapatnam to enhance India's naval research and testing capabilities.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone of a state-of-the-art Large Cavitation Tunnel (LCT) facility at the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam on Friday (April 3, 2026).

The LCT itself is conceived as a unique global asset, capable of conducting both closed-loop simulations for submarines and free surface simulations for surface ships within a single setup.

Once operational, it will provide precise validation for the hydrodynamic designs of major naval platforms, such as destroyers and aircraft carriers.

This strategic project, a premium laboratory under the DRDO, is designed to significantly enhance India’s naval research and testing capabilities, marking a critical milestone in achieving technological self-reliance in maritime defence.

Addressing scientists and defence personnel, the Minister asserted that this initiative will allow India to design, develop, and test complex equipment and propulsion systems indigenously, positioning the nation as a formidable naval power. He highlighted that the LCT is more than just infrastructure; it is an enabling system that will serve as the backbone for the development of future submarines and ships.

“By focusing on noise reduction and stealth capabilities, the facility ensures that India no longer needs to rely on foreign nations for critical hydrodynamic testing,” he said.