DRDO Unveils New Portable Water Purification System for Armed Forces in Remote Deployments
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has introduced a new portable water purification system to address the critical drinking water needs of military personnel stationed in remote, high-altitude, and coastal regions.
Named the Sea Water Desalination System (SWaDeS), this innovation was developed by DRDO's Defence Laboratory in Jodhpur. It was created in response to the operational demands of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, designed to transform saline seawater and brackish water into drinkable water during extended deployments where fresh water is scarce or unavailable.
SWaDeS offers both manual and engine-operated options, providing versatility for various operational settings:
| Manual Variant: | Lightweight and operated by hand, this version can be carried by a single soldier, designed for emergencies such as long-range patrols or areas lacking power. It can produce enough potable water for 10–12 people. |
| Engine-Operated Variant: | This higher-capacity unit can desalinate seawater with total dissolved solids (TDS) of up to 35,000 mg/L, bringing it down to below 500 mg/L, meeting drinking water standards. It is deployable within 2–3 minutes and can fulfill the daily water requirements of 20–25 soldiers. |
Both variants have passed Acceptance Test Procedures (ATP), confirming their reliability for military use.
SWaDeS has demonstrated its effectiveness across various operational scenarios, including naval missions, coastal installations, and inland saline water sources like Pangong Tso in Ladakh. Its dual-mode capability ensures its functionality from deserts and high-altitude areas to maritime settings, greatly enhancing the endurance and self-sufficiency of troops.
The creation of SWaDeS is part of DRDO’s broader initiative to enhance water security for the armed forces. Additional systems developed include:
| CBRN Water Purification System Mk-II | Capable of treating water contaminated in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear environments. |
| Backpack-portable membrane-based purifiers | Suitable for sub-zero conditions in regions such as Siachen and Ladakh. |
| Emergency Sea Water Purification Kits (ESWPK) | Designed for naval aviation, life rafts, and special operations. |
| High-altitude RO units | More than 100 have been deployed in Ladakh since 2022. |
Although primarily intended for military use, SWaDeS also has significant potential for civilian applications in areas facing water stress, such as coastal and island regions, supporting the national initiative of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the development of indigenous technology.
The introduction of systems like SWaDeS enhances India’s operational capabilities in water-scarce areas and highlights DRDO’s contribution to providing life-support technologies that directly improve soldier survivability and mission success.
