India is making significant advances in defense technology with the development of indigenous quantum sensing capabilities poised to detect submarines at depths of 100-200 meters. Announced by DRDO Chief Dr. Samir V. Kamat on October 24, 2025, this technology employs ultra-sensitive atomic magnetometers integrated on UAVs and aircraft to detect subtle disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field caused by submarines. This breakthrough will augment India’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities by enabling passive detection methods that do not reveal the detector’s location, providing a critical edge in the Indian Ocean Region where Chinese and Pakistani submarine activities have been increasing. DRDO expects to operationalize this system within 2-3 years, reinforcing India’s strategic autonomy by minimizing reliance on foreign tech. The new quantum sensors align with the launch of DRDO’s Quantum Technology Research Centre and complement ongoing initiatives such as the Indian Navy’s underwater sensor network, which aims to enhance maritime domain awareness against growing submarine threats. This indigenous advancement positions India as a leader in next-generation maritime defense technologies, crucial for safeguarding vital sea routes and national security interests.