Pune : In a significant stride towards enhancing India’s underwater military capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has embarked on developing the nation’s first underwater-launched unmanned aerial vehicles (ULUAVs). This pioneering project is being undertaken in collaboration with Pune-based startup Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd, selected through a competitive bidding process involving 17 firms. The Technology Development Fund (TDF) of DRDO has awarded the contract to Sagar Defence, marking a crucial step in indigenous technological advancement.
The Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) of DRDO will provide technical assistance to Sagar Defence in developing the ULUAV technology. This collaboration builds on Sagar Defence’s previous success in creating a maritime spotter drone for the Indian Navy. The agreement was formalised in the presence of DRDL director Dr G A S Murthy and Indian Navy officials, underscoring the strategic importance of this initiative.
The ULUAV is designed to be launched from a moving submarine, offering rapid, safe, and autonomous deployment. Its high endurance and long-range capabilities are expected to provide a significant tactical advantage, particularly through discreet surveillance missions. This enables submarines to monitor potential threats while maintaining their stealth, thus enhancing operational effectiveness and situational awareness in the maritime domain.
This project underscores the Modi government’s proactive approach to fostering indigenous innovation and technological advancement within the defence sector. By leveraging unmanned aerial vehicle technology in underwater environments, the initiative is set to provide a decisive edge in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. This development is poised to significantly enhance India’s strategic and operational capabilities across the maritime theatre.
The introduction of ULUAVs represents a notable advancement in India’s defence technology, highlighting the country’s commitment to self-reliance and innovation in high-tech military solutions. This project not only aims to strengthen national security but also positions India as a significant player in the global defence technology landscape.
Through the development of ULUAVs, the Indian defence industry is expected to achieve greater situational awareness and operational efficacy, addressing emerging threats with enhanced precision and stealth. The strategic partnership between DRDO and Sagar Defence exemplifies the potential of public-private collaboration in driving technological breakthroughs that bolster national defence capabilities.
