Sagar Defence Engineering completes Sagarmala Parikrama autonomous voyage with Indian Navy Support
Mumbai, November 6. Sagar Defence Engineering, an Indian defence manufacturer focusing on unmanned maritime surface vessels, undertook a first-of-a-kind autonomous voyage from Mumbai to Thoothukudi to showcase its expertise un autonomous maritime technology.
Undertaken with the support of the Indian Navy, the 1,500-km journey titled Sagarmala Parikrama highlighted India’s growing expertise in autonomous maritime technology and established a significant milestone in developing cutting-edge, unmanned systems for national security.
According to a statement issued by Sagar Defence Engineering, Sagarmala Parikrama showcased a fully autonomous surface vessel capable of performing complex maritime security operations without human intervention. Supported by the Indian Navy’s Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO), Technology Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC), and the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative under the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), the project marks a turning point in India’s strategic approach to maritime defence.
The vessel’s ability to navigate and execute security tasks autonomously underscores the nation’s commitment to enhancing naval safety and operational reach while reducing personnel risks.
“Today marks a momentous achievement not only for Sagar Defence Engineering but for India’s defence ecosystem as a whole,” Captain Nikunj Parashar, CEO of Sagar Defence Engineering, said. “The Sagarmala Parikrama’s success demonstrates India’s ability to build autonomous maritime systems indigenously, which is critical to our national security. This journey is a testament to the power of innovation, partnership, and our vision for Aatmanirbharta in defence technology.”
The Sagarmala Parikrama aligns with global advancements in autonomous surface and underwater systems, offering transformative applications in both military and civilian sectors. By integrating autonomous vessels capable of supporting missions such as littoral/ oceanic domain awareness (ODA) patrol, coastal surveillance, high-speed interdiction, and low-intensity maritime operations, Sagar Defence Engineering is advancing the capabilities of the Indian Navy through technology tailored to meet India’s unique security needs.
This historic voyage has paved the way for the future deployment of autonomous vessels in critical sea lanes, coastal surveillance, and anti-piracy operations, expanding the Indian Navy’s operational reach.
As global investments in autonomous systems continue to grow, Sagar Defence Engineering is playing a key role in strategic growth of maritime technology, setting new standards in unmanned systems for defence. This journey marked the beginning of a new era in maritime security, where autonomous solutions drive operational excellence and a safer, more secure future for India’s waters.
