The Indian Ministry of Defence has approved a landmark program to develop 100-tonne Extra-Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (XLUUVs) with a budget of approximately $290 million. Led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), these XLUUVs will enhance the Indian Navy’s underwater capabilities for deep-sea surveillance, intelligence gathering, mine warfare, and anti-submarine operations. This initiative represents a strategic move toward autonomous naval warfare in the Indo-Pacific, addressing the growing challenges posed by rival powers, notably China. Beyond the 100-tonne XLUUVs, India is advancing plans for a 500-tonne armed unmanned submarine designed as a “hunter-killer” platform capable of offensive operations against enemy submarines and surface ships. Equipped with advanced AI systems for stealth, long endurance, and heavy torpedo armament, the 500-tonne autonomous submarine will be critical to India’s underwater deterrence and power projection. Together with smaller unmanned vehicles, these developments will establish a layered autonomous naval force, reinforcing India’s maritime security posture and strategic influence in the region. This program complements ongoing conventional submarine modernization under Project 75 and aligns with enhanced Indo-Pacific security cooperation.