Bio-mimicry for Underwater Domain Awareness
Dr Vijay Sakhuja
Former Director National Maritime Foundation, New Delhi.
Bio-mimicry for Underwater Domain Awareness
The U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs office, in a press statement, has stated that USS Connecticut (SSN 22) a Seawolf-class fast-attack submarine collided with an “unknown object” while submerged in the waters of the Asia Pacific region. At least 11 crew members sustained injuries that “ranged from moderate to minor, including scrapes and bruises”.
It is not surprising that the location of the incident has not been disclosed keeping in mind the strategic nature of nuclear submarine operations and the concomitant secrecy and purpose attached to such deployments. However, by some accounts the incident took place in the South China Sea and the submarine limped back to Guam for repairs and investigations into the incident.
There are numerous issues related to the incident that range from safety and security of nuclear platforms, operational constraints and in particular about knowledge of the underwater domain which remains underexplored due to lack of technology and investments made by States.
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Dr Vijay Sakhuja
Former Director National Maritime Foundation, New Delhi.