The Defence Research and Development Organisation has developed a compact, portable seawater desalination system that can convert saline water into safe drinking water without the use of electricity, offering a critical solution for soldiers deployed in remote and coastal regions. The system, called the Sea Water Desalination System, was unveiled in early January 2026 by DRDO’s Defence Laboratory in Jodhpur following requirements raised by the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
Designed to support troops operating far from established water sources, the system can process seawater as well as brackish water and make it potable at the point of use. DRDO officials said the technology is aimed at improving logistical self-sufficiency in challenging terrains such as coastal outposts, islands, deserts and high-altitude regions where access to freshwater is limited.
The desalination system is available in two variants. The manual, hand-operated version is lightweight and portable, allowing a single soldier to carry and operate it without any power source. According to DRDO, this version can generate enough drinking water to support up to a dozen personnel in emergency conditions. The second variant uses a small engine to power the desalination process and has a higher output capacity, enabling it to serve up to 25 personnel per day after a setup time of just a few minutes.
The system is capable of treating seawater with high salinity levels and reducing total dissolved solids to well within internationally accepted drinking water standards. Both variants have successfully completed DRDO’s Acceptance Test Procedures, confirming their reliability and readiness for field deployment.
Officials said the system can be used across multiple terrains, including inland saline water bodies such as Pangong Tso in Ladakh, where freshwater availability remains a challenge despite a strong military presence. The hand-operated model, in particular, is expected to be useful in power-starved locations and during emergencies.
While developed primarily for military use, experts noted that the technology could also have wider civilian applications, especially for coastal communities, island regions and disaster-hit areas where access to clean drinking water is disrupted. DRDO described the project as part of its broader effort to promote self-reliance in defence technology while addressing critical survival needs in extreme environments.