India’s First Autonomous Surface Vessel Completes 1,500-km Voyage: A Step Towards Aatmanirbharta in Maritime Technology

India’s First Autonomous Surface Vessel Completes 1,500-km Voyage: A Step Towards Aatmanirbharta in Maritime Technology

Sub : Sci

Sec: defence

Why in News

The successful completion of a 1,500-km autonomous sea voyage by an Indian-built vessel, flagged off by Defence Minister, marks a groundbreaking milestone for India in autonomous maritime technology. Supported by the Indian Navy, this endeavor showcases India’s growing capabilities in unmanned naval systems, advancing national security through indigenous innovations.

The ‘Sagarmala Parikrama’

Virtually flagged off by Union Defence Minister during the NIIO’s annual event, Swavlamban, the journey was an official collaboration between the Indian Navy and Sagar Defence Engineering.

Developed by Sagar Defence Engineering, the vessel completed its journey from Mumbai to Thoothukudi without human intervention, demonstrating robust autonomous control over long distances.

Sagar Defence Engineering emphasized that this initiative reflects the power of innovation, collaboration, and India’s commitment to Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence technology.

The Indian Navy’s Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO), alongside the Technology Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC) and Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative, played an essential role in guiding and supporting this project.

By offering testing facilities and operational feedback, the Indian Navy enabled Sagar Defence Engineering to refine and execute this autonomous journey successfully.

The vessel demonstrated India’s indigenous capabilities in developing autonomous maritime systems capable of performing tasks without direct human control.

The journey underscored technological advancements in unmanned systems, highlighting India’s potential to secure maritime regions using homegrown innovations.

The autonomous vessel technology can support coastal surveillance, littoral patrol, high-speed interdiction, and low-intensity maritime operations, thereby enhancing the operational reach of the Indian Navy.

Applications may extend to ocean research, environmental monitoring, and search-and-rescue missions.