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India joins elite club with indigenous unmanned surface vessel development

India has entered the ranks of select nations capable of manufacturing unmanned surface vessels (USVs), with Pune-based Sagar Defence Engineering developing the indigenous technology. The vessel is designed for both surveillance and maritime defence operations.

LSN India · 26 October 2026

India joins elite club with indigenous unmanned surface vessel development

India has now become part of an exclusive group of countries with the technological capability to develop unmanned surface vessels for maritime applications. Sagar Defence Engineering, headquartered in Pune, has successfully engineered the indigenous USV, marking a significant milestone in India's defence and maritime technology sector.

The remotely operated vessel represents a substantial advancement in India's indigenous defence capabilities. Equipped with surveillance systems, the USV can operate autonomously without onboard personnel, reducing risks to human operators while extending operational range and endurance in challenging maritime environments.

The platform's versatility extends beyond reconnaissance missions. Designed with dual-purpose functionality, the vessel can be deployed for both civilian maritime monitoring and naval defence applications. This flexibility makes it a valuable asset for India's expanding maritime security infrastructure.

The development underscores India's growing self-reliance in defence technology and represents a step forward in reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for specialized maritime systems. As nations worldwide increasingly invest in autonomous maritime platforms, India's entry into this domain strengthens its technological standing in the region and enhances its capacity for advanced naval operations.