To enhance India’s underwater military capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to develop ground breaking underwater-launched unmanned aerial vehicles (ULUAVs) with the assistance of a Pune-based defence start-up. These ULUAVs, designed to be launched from submarines, will be created in collaboration with Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd. This start-up was awarded the technology development contract by DRDO’s Technology Development Fund (TDF) after being selected from 17 competing firms through a competitive bidding process.
The Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) of the DRDO will support Sagar Defence in developing ULUAV technology. Sagar Defence, which previously created a maritime spotter drone for the Indian Navy, signed the agreement in the presence of DRDL Director Dr. G A S Murthy and Indian Navy officials.
A ULUAV will be designed for rapid, safe, and autonomous deployment from a moving submarine. With high endurance and long-range capabilities, it offers a significant surprise advantage. Additionally, it will facilitate discreet surveillance missions, enabling submarines to monitor potential threats without exposing their location.
Mridul Babbar, Director & Vice-President of Business Development, Sagar Defence, Said, “This ULUAV technology is going to be highly advanced. Only a few countries in the world possess ULUAVs but they are not highly advanced. Like the US ULUAV has a range of 7 km and its endurance is for 30 minutes.
However, DRDO has entrusted us to develop a ULUAV that will have a longer endurance of more than one hour and will have a range of over 20 km. And we are the first to develop this technology in India. This ULUAV will be for maritime and underwater domain awareness and will be used for data gathering”. This will be expandable, and in the future, weapons can also be installed on it, he added.
The project highlights the Modi government’s proactive commitment to promoting indigenous innovation and technological advancement. Sagar CEO Captain Nikunj Parashar said, “This contract not only underscores the trust and confidence that DRDO has in our capabilities but also serves as a testament to the strides we are making in defence innovation”.
ULUAVs are autonomous aerial drones capable of being deployed discreetly and swiftly from submarines, offering a significant advantage in surveillance missions.
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These drones will enable submarines to monitor potential threats without revealing their own presence, enhancing their operational effectiveness. By harnessing the capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles in underwater environments, the defence industry stands to gain a decisive edge in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, enhancing situational awareness and operational effectiveness across the maritime domain.
This project aligns with the Modi government’s commitment to fostering indigenous innovation and technological advancement within the defence sector. Sagar Defence CEO Captain Nikunj Parashar expressed pride in the partnership, highlighting the trust and confidence placed in their capabilities by DRDO.
By leveraging the capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles in underwater environments, the defence industry can achieve a significant advantage in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. This advancement will enhance situational awareness and operational effectiveness across the maritime domain.
Key Features of The Project
Contract Award: DRDO’s Technology Development Fund (TDF) awarded the technology development contract for ULUAVs to Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd after a competitive bidding process. Sagar Defence had previously developed a maritime spotter drone for the Indian Navy.
Capabilities: The ULUAVs will have the capability to be deployed quickly, safely, and autonomously from moving submarines. They will offer high endurance and long range, providing a significant advantage for discreet surveillance missions. Submarines can monitor potential threats without revealing their presence.
Advanced Technology: Unlike existing ULUAVs with limited range and endurance, DRDO has entrusted Sagar Defence to develop a ULUAV with more than one hour of endurance and a range exceeding 20 km. This technology will enhance maritime and underwater domain awareness and can be expanded to include weapon installations in the future.
Indigenous Innovation: The project reflects the Indian government’s proactive approach to fostering indigenous innovation and technological advancement in defence.
Agencies
