Rajnath Singh lays foundation of Large Cavitation Tunnel at DRDO's NSTL, Visakhapatnam
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 3 April 2026 laid the foundation stone of a Large Cavitation Tunnel at DRDO's Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam, to enable indigenous testing for naval systems.
Summary
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone of the Large Cavitation Tunnel (LCT) facility at the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), a DRDO laboratory in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on 3 April 2026. He said that India often had to look abroad for critical testing of naval equipment, and that the facility will strengthen capabilities in propulsion, noise reduction and stealth and serve as a backbone for the design and development of submarines and ships. DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V. Kamat briefed him on NSTL's programmes, and at the Seakeeping and Manoeuvring Basin he saw torpedoes, naval mines, decoys and autonomous underwater vehicles, including a live demonstration of a swarm of man-portable AUVs.
Key facts
- Date
- 3 April 2026
- Facility
- Large Cavitation Tunnel (LCT)
- Lab
- Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), DRDO, Visakhapatnam
- Purpose
- Indigenous testing: propulsion, noise reduction, stealth
- Demonstration
- Swarm of man-portable AUVs
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Where is the Large Cavitation Tunnel, whose foundation stone was laid on 3 April 2026, being built?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam
The Ministry of Defence said the LCT is at the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam.
The Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) at Visakhapatnam is a laboratory of:
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Correct answer: C — Defence Research and Development Organisation
The release describes NSTL as a premier laboratory of DRDO.
Who briefed the Defence Minister on NSTL's projects during his visit on 3 April 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Dr Samir V. Kamat, Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO
The release says he was briefed by Dr Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO.