The lightweight torpedo can be launched by ships, helicopters and previously the now retired Ilyushin Il-38, named after the divine hawk identified with Agni.

[7] Shyena is a processor based torpedo which incorporates solid-state electronics, digital technology and has been equipped with an integrated Active/Passive sensor package for homing.

[6] Development of this missile was started by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in 1990s, under the Advanced Experimental Torpedo (TAE) program.

The computers perform their respective tasks, which are the successful launch of the torpedo, the homing of the target and its control and finally the recording of the data for analysis.

[6][9] On 8 March 2021, the Indian Navy successfully cleared Shyena's maiden flight trial with a parachute system from the Ilyushin Il-38 maritime aircraft.

The torpedo is developed by Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) of DRDO and produced by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

On 17 July 2024, it was announced that ALWT has completed all the user trials and is poised to replace Mark 46 torpedo in the Indian Navy's inventory.

[17] In his book "Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World: Their Ships, Aircraft, and Systems", Eric Wertheim has described the Shyena as an up-and-coming torpedo developed by the DRDO.