DRDO’s HEMRL Pune Develops Advanced Naval Flare System for Indian Navy’s Kalvari-Class Submarines
DRDO’s HEMRL Pune Develops Advanced Naval Flare System for Indian Navy’s Kalvari-Class Submarines
In a significant step towards enhancing India’s underwater defence capabilities and advancing self-reliance in critical technologies, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a cutting-edge naval flare system for the Indian Navy’s Kalvari-class submarines.
The innovation comes from DRDO’s High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) in Pune, which specializes in advanced energetic materials. The newly designed Signal Star Naval Flare was formally handed over to Rear Admiral Rupak Barua, Director General of Naval Armament Inspection (DG-NAI), during a ceremony in Pune.
The Signal Star Naval Flare serves as an underwater signalling device, tailored for submarine operations. It can be launched from a submarine’s signal ejector, rising to the surface before activating. Once surfaced, it ignites a powerful pyrotechnic charge, producing a bright, star-like flare visible over long distances, even at night or in challenging weather conditions.
Encased in a pressure-resistant body, the flare ensures reliable performance under deep-sea conditions. Its hydrostatic mechanism allows ignition only at the surface, providing an added layer of safety. Depending on the mission, the flares emit either red or green light—red for distress or urgent communication, and green for identification, recognition, or fleet coordination.
Designed for high luminosity and extended burn time, the system supports a range of operations including emergency signalling, location marking, fleet manoeuvres, and tactical communication during both exercises and real missions.
By indigenising this critical capability, DRDO eliminates reliance on imports, boosting India’s defence autonomy and aligning with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The development highlights DRDO’s expertise in pyrotechnic formulation, pressure-resilient engineering, and reliable marine-grade systems.
