Subhamaykarjee at 21:43, 31 March 2026

2026-03-31T21:43:29Z

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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2020}}
{{infobox weapon
| name = Shyena
| image = BEML stall at Defexpo 2016.jpg
| image_size = 300
| caption = Advanced Light Torpedo Shyena
| type = Lightweight [[anti-submarine warfare|ASW]] [[torpedo]]<ref name="Torpedo Advanced Light (TAL) DARDO"/>
| is_vehicle =
| service =
| wars = 
| spec_label =
| length = {{convert|2.75|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| diameter = {{convert|324|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| origin = [[India]]
| is_ranged = yes
| is_bladed =
| is_explosive = yes
| is_artillery =
| is_missile = yes
| is_UK =
| used_by = See ''[[Torpedo Advanced Light (TAL) Shyena#Operators|Operators]]''
| designer = [[Naval Science and Technological Laboratory]]<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com" />
| manufacturer = [[Bharat Dynamics Limited]] <br />[[Larsen & Toubro Limited]]
| production_date = March 2012 – present
| number = 2,000+
| weight = {{convert|220|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
| filling = [[High explosive]]
| filling_weight = {{convert|50|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
| detonation =
| yield = 
| engine = Electric
| engine_power =
| pw_ratio =
| transmission =
| payload_capacity =
| suspension =
| clearance =
| fuel_capacity =
| vehicle_range = {{convert|19|km|nmi|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite news | url =https://affairscloud.com/india-successfully-conducts-maiden-flight-trial-of-indigenous-torpedo-shyena/ | website =Affairs Cloud | title =India successfully conducts maiden flight trial indigenous torpedo 'Shyean' | access-date =23 July 2021 | archive-date =22 July 2021 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20210722231943/https://affairscloud.com/india-successfully-conducts-maiden-flight-trial-of-indigenous-torpedo-shyena/ | url-status =live }}</ref>
| speed = 45+ knots (83+ km/h, 50+ mp/h)
| guidance = [[Acoustic homing]] (active/passive)
| steering = 
| depth = >450 m (>1,480 ft)<ref name="Torpedo Advanced Light (TAL) DARDO"/>
| launch_platform = Ships, helicopters<ref name="Torpedo Advanced Light (TAL) DARDO"/>
}}

The '''Torpedo Advanced Light (TAL) Shyena''' ([[Sanskrit]]: श्येन, "Falcon or Hawk"<ref>{{Cite web|title=Wiktionary|url=https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A8|url-status=live|website=[[Wiktionary]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126151010/https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A8 |archive-date=26 January 2021 }}</ref>) is the first indigenous advanced lightweight [[Anti-submarine weapon|anti-submarine]] [[torpedo]] of [[India]], developed by the [[Naval Science and Technological Laboratory]] (NSTL) of the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO) for the [[Indian Navy]]. The lightweight torpedo can be launched by ships, helicopters and previously the now retired [[Ilyushin Il-38]], named after the divine hawk identified with [[Agni]].<ref name="rakshak">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MONITOR/ISSUE3-4/joseph.html |title=Modern Torpedoes And Countermeasures |access-date=2012-02-20 |publisher=BHARAT RAKSHAK MONITOR Volume 3(4) |date=January–February 2001 |author=Austin Joseph |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222222226/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MONITOR/ISSUE3-4/joseph.html |archive-date=2012-02-22 }}</ref><ref name=spsnf>{{cite web|title=Indian Navy to receive Indigenous Light Torpedo SHYENA |url=http://www.spsnavalforces.net/exclusive/?id=18&h=Indian-Navy-to-receive-Indigenous-Light-Torpedo-SHYENA |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130222040521/http://www.spsnavalforces.net/exclusive/?id=18&h=Indian-Navy-to-receive-Indigenous-Light-Torpedo-SHYENA |url-status=usurped |archive-date=22 February 2013 |publisher=SPS Naval Forces |access-date=13 January 2013 }}</ref><ref name="Torpedo Advanced Light (TAL) DARDO">{{cite news | url =https://www.drdo.gov.in/torpedo-advanced-light-tal | title =Torpedo Advanced Light (TAL) | website =DRDO | location =New Delhi | access-date =23 July 2021 | archive-date =22 July 2021 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20210722231232/https://www.drdo.gov.in/torpedo-advanced-light-tal | url-status =live }}</ref>

Shyena also utilizes [[SMART (missile)|SMART missile]] as long-range delivery platform.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Negi |first=Manjeet |date=2024-05-01 |title=Long-range anti-submarine missile system successfully tested |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/drdo-successfully-tests-long-range-smart-anti-submarine-missile-system-2533905-2024-05-01 |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

==Introduction==
Shyena is a processor-based torpedo which incorporates solid-state electronics, digital technology and has been equipped with an integrated active/passive sensors for [[Homing torpedo|homing]]. It is capable of being launched from a helicopter or surface vessels. Its key design feature are maneuverability and ability to transition from warm to cold medium to ensure a hunt and kill.<ref name="rakshak" /><ref name=spsnf /> The development period of the torpedo was quite long, starting in the 1990s, and concluding with its induction into the Indian Navy on 3 March 2012. On that date, the [[Minister of Defence (India)|Defence Minister]] [[A. K. Antony|A.K. Antony]] handed over the first consignment of TAL to the Navy in [[Hyderabad]].<ref name=spsnf />

== Design and development==

Development of this missile was started by the [[Naval Science and Technological Laboratory]] (NSTL) in 1990s, under the Advanced Experimental Torpedo (TAE) program.<ref name=spsnf /><ref name="express">{{Cite web|url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/19970604/15550553.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130122144303/http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/19970604/15550553.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-01-22 |title=Indian Navy's own torpedo 'Shyena' ready for trials |access-date=2012-02-20 |work=The Indian Express|year=1997 |author=Vishwanath Hiremathpune }}</ref> It is an advanced capability torpedo and is heavily based on the Whitehead [[A244-S]] torpedo.<ref name="rakshak"/> NSTL had faced a difficult task of developing a torpedo which could sustain its efficiency, in particular the maneuverability and structural integrity while travelling from the air medium to water after being launched from the air. The computers perform their respective tasks, which are the successful launch of the torpedo, the homing of the target and its control and finally the recording of the data for analysis.<ref name="rakshak"/>

Shyena is electrically propelled, and can target submarines with a speed of 33 [[Knot (unit)|knots]] with endurance of six minutes in both shallow and deep waters. It can operate at depths of a few hundred metres and has self-homing, i.e. it can home in on targets by passive/active homing and explode on impact. Once launched, it can perform pre-programmed search patterns for available targets. The torpedo weighs around 220 kg.<ref name=spsnf />

==Deployment==
By 1998, ''Shyena'' was ready for trials, and it was tested 24 times by the NSTL from 1998 to 2000. During trials, thrust was laid on monitoring of various factors through four computers fitted on board Shyena.<ref name="express" /> User evaluation tests with designed and engineered models of the TAL took place in 2003–2005. The tests convinced the Navy of the system's capabilities. Ninety-five per cent of the components were indigenous except a few integrated circuits and sensors. The Navy ordered 25 units, and was considered likely to order more. The TAL is currently being manufactured by [[Bharat Dynamics Limited]] at its Visakhapatnam unit.<ref name=spsnf /><ref>{{cite news |author=T. S. Subramanian |url=http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/torpedo-akash-missile-to-be-handed-over-to-navy-and-iaf-on-saturday/article2951593.ece |title=Torpedo, Akash missile to be handed over to Navy and IAF on Saturday |work=The Hindu |date=2012-03-02 |access-date=2013-04-05 |archive-date=15 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215044814/http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/torpedo-akash-missile-to-be-handed-over-to-navy-and-iaf-on-saturday/article2951593.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 8 March 2021, the Indian Navy successfully conducted ''Shyena's'' maiden flight trial with a parachute system from the [[Ilyushin Il-38]] maritime patrol aircraft. While NSTL developed the Torpedo Release Mechanism (TRM) and [[Fire Control System]] (FCS) for the launch, the parachute which would deployed on its way to descent to the water by the TRM was developed by the [[Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment]] (ADRDE).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/lightweight-torpedo-test-fired-successfully/article34022882.ece|title=Lightweight torpedo test-fired successfully|work=The Hindu|date=9 March 2021|last1=Bhattacharjee|first1=Sumit|access-date=9 March 2021|archive-date=10 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310073028/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/lightweight-torpedo-test-fired-successfully/article34022882.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Advanced Light-Weight Torpedo (ALWT) ==
Advanced Light-Weight Torpedo (ALWT) is the 2nd generation of Shyena [[Anti-submarine weapon|anti-submarine]] [[torpedo]]. The torpedo is developed by [[Naval Science and Technological Laboratory]] (NSTL).<ref name=":0">{{Cite tweet |number=1653712681449426944 |user=indiannavy |title=#IndianNavy & #NSTL undertook a successful hover drop of Advance Light Weight Torpedo #02May 23 from a SeaKing 42B. Designed & developed by #NSTL, with safe release & separation achieved... |date=2023-05-03 |access-date=2025-09-25}}</ref> It can be launched from ship, helicopter or from a fixed wing aircraft. Based on inputs from the platform's sonar and Fire Control System inputs, certain preset parameters are given to the torpedo prior to launch in order to ensure the target is in a favourable position to acquire, home in and destroy the it.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Year End Review – 2020 Ministry of Defence |date=2021-01-01 |publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]] |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1685437 |quote=Advanced Light weight Torpedo (ALWT) is an anti-submarine torpedo launched from ship, helicopter or from a fixed wing aircraft. The presence of enemy target is detected by the sonar onboard a ship or an aircraft. |access-date=2025-09-25}}</ref> The torpedo boasts a dual-speed capability for which it has a range of {{Convert|25|km|mi|abbr=on}} at {{cvt|25|kn|km/h|order=}} and a range of {{Convert|12|km|mi|abbr=on}} at {{cvt|50|kn|km/h|order=}}. It uses sea-water powered battery which eliminates the requirement of pre-launch charging.{{Citation needed|date=September 2025}} The ALWT will also form the warhead of the [[SMART (missile)|SMART]] [[anti-submarine missile]] along with a parachute-based release system.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo system successfully flight-tested by DRDO off the Odisha coast |date=2024-05-01 |publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]] |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2019266 |quote=The system carries advanced light-weight torpedo as payload along with parachute-based release system. |access-date=2025-09-25}}</ref> The torpedo is meant to replace [[Mark 46 torpedo]] in the Indian Navy's inventory. The torpedo will also be integrated on the [[Boeing P-8 Poseidon|Boeing P-8I Neptune]] fleet of the Indian Navy for [[anti-submarine warfare]] operations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Indian Navy must finalise its torpedo requirements as new generation torpedoes are now beginning to emerge |url=https://forceindia.net/feature-report/undersea-attack/ |access-date=2024-08-30 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2024-07-17 |title=BEL's Advanced Lightweight Torpedo (ALWT) Clears User Trials, Set to Revolutionize Anti-Submarine Warfare |url=https://defence.in/threads/bels-advanced-lightweight-torpedo-alwt-clears-user-trials-set-to-revolutionize-anti-submarine-warfare.8433/#google_vignette |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=Defence.in |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-29 |title=India's P-8I Aircraft to be Armed with Indigenous Dual-Speed Light Torpedo to Bolster Aerial Anti-Submarine Defence |url=https://defence.in/threads/indias-p-8i-aircraft-to-be-armed-with-indigenous-dual-speed-light-torpedo-to-bolster-aerial-anti-submarine-defence.9557/ |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=Defence.in |language=en-US}}</ref>

In March 2020, two dynamic trials including homing and guidance logics was conducted. ALWT had consistently achieved satisfactory homing range including 3 steer away with increased target range & reduced target strength.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Year End Review – 2020 Ministry of Defence |date=2021-01-01 |publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]] |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1685437 |quote=During the month of March 2020, two nos of dynamic trials including homing and guidance logics was conducted. ALWT has consistently achieved good homing range including 3 steer away with increased target range & reduced target strength. |access-date=2025-09-25}}</ref> On 2 May 2023, the Navy and NSTL undertook a hover drop test of the ALWT from a [[Westland Sea King#India|Sea King 42B]]. The objectives of the trials, safe release & separation, was achieved.<ref name=":0" /> As of July 2024, the ALWT had reportedly completed all its user trials.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 October 2025 |title=2023-24 Annual Report |url=https://mod.gov.in/sites/default/files/AR_2023-24-new-23-9-2025.pdf |access-date=10 October 2025 |website=Ministry of Defence, Government of India}}</ref>

By 22 September 2025, the procurement of the torpedoes was cleared by the Defence Procurement Board, chaired by the [[Defence Secretary (India)|Defence Secretary]], and has now been forwarded to the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by the [[Minister of Defence (India)|Defence Minister]], for further discussion and evaluation of the project. Both of the development and user trials by the Indian Navy has been concluded. If the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) is cleared by the DAC, the project will proceed to serial production stage likely to be undertaken by [[Bharat Dynamics Limited]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chowdhury |first=Srinjoy |date=2025-09-22 |title=India Strengthens Defence Self-Reliance with DRDO Torpedo, Tejas Engine Push |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/indian-navy-defence-procurement-board-advanced-light-weight-torpedo-alwt-drdo-dac-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-article-152872661 |access-date=2025-09-23 |website=Times Now |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chowdhury |first=Srinjoy |date=2025-08-29 |title=Torpedoes, Smart Ammo, 100 Guns On The Agenda For Next DAC Meet After Operation Sindoor Success |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/torpedoes-smart-ammo-100-guns-on-the-agenda-for-next-dac-meet-after-operation-sindoor-success-article-152545738 |access-date=2025-09-23 |website=Times Now |language=en}}</ref>

The project was cleared by the DAC on 23 October 2025.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=DAC clears proposals, worth about Rs 79,000 crore, to enhance the capability of the Armed Forces |date=2025-10-23 |publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]] |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2181814 |access-date=2025-10-23}}</ref>

== Exports ==
In March 2017, India signed a $37.9 million deal to supply ''Shyena'' to the [[Myanmar Navy]].<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://thediplomat.com/2017/03/india-to-supply-torpedoes-to-myanmar/|title=India to Supply Torpedoes to Myanmar|last=Diplomat|first=Prashanth Parameswaran, The|work=The Diplomat|access-date=2017-04-29|archive-date=11 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111190848/https://thediplomat.com/2017/03/india-to-supply-torpedoes-to-myanmar/|url-status=live}}</ref> The first batch of 20 torpedoes were delivered in July 2019.<ref name="TDMN">{{cite web|first1=Ankit|last1=Panda|access-date=2020-04-21|title=India Delivers Initial Batch of Indigenously Built Torpedoes to Myanmar Navy|url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/07/india-delivers-initial-batch-of-indigenously-built-torpedoes-to-myanmar-navy/|website=[[The Diplomat (magazine)|The Diplomat]]|date=16 July 2019|archive-date=28 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028005735/https://thediplomat.com/2019/07/india-delivers-initial-batch-of-indigenously-built-torpedoes-to-myanmar-navy/|url-status=live}}</ref>

BDL signed a third and fourth export contract for the ''Shyena'' torpedo in 2019 to an undisclosed friendly country. The value of the contract is {{INRConvert|455.27|c|lk=on|year=2019}} and {{INRConvert|1.43|c|year=2021}} respectively. The order is planned to be executed in 2020–21.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bdl-india.in/sites/default/files/2020-09/BDL%20AR%2019-20.pdf|title=Annual Report 2019-20 BDL|publisher=BDL India|access-date=11 October 2020|archive-date=15 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015212826/https://bdl-india.in/sites/default/files/2020-09/BDL%20AR%2019-20.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

BDL has signed a total of 5 export orders for Shyena torpedoes to an undisclosed friendly country(s). Four orders has been successfully delivered while the fifth one is under execution in 2021–22.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bdl-india.in/sites/default/files/2022-10/Annual%20Report%202021-22.pdf|title=Annual Report 2021-22|publisher=BDL India|date=2022-09-01}}</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:Shyena advance light torpedo operators.png|thumb|300px|Map of Shyena torpedo operators in blue]]
;{{IND}}
*[[Indian Navy]]<ref>{{Cite journal |date=2020 |title=Enhancing Indian Defence Exports |url=https://www.sidm.in/files/1582713845_Enhancing_Indias_export.pdf |journal=Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers |pages=27 |access-date=15 May 2023 |archive-date=30 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430111547/https://www.sidm.in/files/1582713845_Enhancing_Indias_export.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
;{{MMR}}
*[[Myanmar Navy]]<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com">{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-steps-up-supply-of-military-equipment-to-myanmar-to-counter-china/articleshow/57815200.cms | title=India steps up supply of military equipment to Myanmar to counter China | first=Rajat | last=Pandit | date=24 March 2017 | newspaper=The Times of India | access-date=19 January 2020 | archive-date=22 May 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522104310/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-steps-up-supply-of-military-equipment-to-myanmar-to-counter-china/articleshow/57815200.cms | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="TDMN"/>
**[[Kyan Sittha-class frigate]]
**[[Anawrahta-class corvette]]
**[[Yan Nyein Aung-class submarine chaser]]

== Coverage==
In his book "''Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World: Their Ships, Aircraft, and Systems''", [[Eric Wertheim]] has described the Shyena as an up-and-coming torpedo developed by the DRDO.<ref name="Wertheim2007">{{cite book|author=Eric Wertheim|title=Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World: Their Ships, Aircraft, and Systems|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TJunjRvplU4C&pg=PA288|date=March 2007|publisher=Naval Institute Press|isbn=978-1-59114-955-2|page=288}}</ref>

''Pursuit and Promotion of Science'', a report published by [[Indian National Science Academy]] mentions Shyena as an advanced experimental torpedo.<ref>{{citation |chapter-url=http://www.iisc.ernet.in/insa/ch31.pdf |chapter=31 Defence Research and Development Organisation |title=Pursuit and Promotion of Science : The Indian Experience |page=4 |publisher=[[Indian National Science Academy]] |oclc=52079109 |access-date=27 February 2012 |archive-date=25 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025000248/http://www.iisc.ernet.in/insa/ch31.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[APR-3E torpedo]] – Russian equivalent
* [[A244-S]] – Italian equivalent
* [[Mark 54 Lightweight Torpedo]] – US Navy's equivalent
* [[MU90 Impact]] – French/Italian equivalent
* [[Sting Ray (torpedo)]] – British equivalent
* [[Yu-7 torpedo]] – Chinese equivalent
* [[Chung Sang Eo|K745 Chung Sang Eo]] – South Korean equivalent
* [[Type 97 light weight torpedo (G-RX4)]] – Japanese equivalent

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)}}
{{Indian missiles}}

[[Category:Torpedoes of India]]
[[Category:Indian Navy]]
[[Category:Aerial torpedoes]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2010s]]

Torpedo Advanced Light Shyena - Revision history

Subhamaykarjee at 21:43, 31 March 2026