India Develops Its First Underwater-Launched UAVs in Collaboration with DRDO and Sagar Defence Engineering

India's DRDO and Sagar Defence Engineering collaborate to develop the nation's first underwater-launched UAVs, enhancing submarine surveillance capabilities and marking a significant technological milestone.

In a significant step towards enhancing India's underwater military capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has partnered with Pune-based startup Sagar Defence Engineering to develop the country's first underwater-launched unmanned aerial vehicles (ULUAVs). This initiative aims to provide submarines with advanced surveillance and reconnaissance tools, thereby improving situational awareness in maritime operations.

The collaboration between DRDO and Sagar Defence Engineering marks a milestone in India's defense technology. Through a competitive selection process involving 17 firms, Sagar Defence emerged as the winner and was awarded the technology development contract under DRDO's Technology Development Fund (TDF). This fund is designed to promote indigenous innovation and technological advancements within the defense sector.

Sagar Defence, recognized for its maritime spotter drones developed for the Indian Navy, will work closely with DRDO's Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) on this ambitious project. The primary goal is to create ULUAVs that can be discreetly launched from submarines, providing a strategic advantage in surveillance missions.

Capabilities and Advancements

ULUAVs are autonomous aerial drones capable of being deployed underwater. These drones are designed to be launched from submarines, allowing them to conduct surveillance without compromising the submarine's position. This capability significantly enhances the operational effectiveness of submarines.

According to Mridul Babbar, Director & Vice-President of Business Development at Sagar Defence, the new ULUAVs will surpass current systems in both range and endurance. While the U.S. currently has ULUAVs with a range of 7 km and an endurance of 30 minutes, the DRDO-Sagar Defence project aims to develop drones with a range exceeding 20 km and an endurance of over an hour. This improvement will place India at the forefront of ULUAV technology.

Future Potential

The ULUAVs are primarily intended for enhancing maritime and underwater domain awareness. By gathering critical data, these drones will provide valuable intelligence, helping to identify potential threats without revealing the presence of the submarine. The design also allows for future upgrades, including the integration of weapon systems, which could further enhance the strategic capabilities of the drones.

Strategic Importance

This development aligns with the Indian government's commitment to promoting indigenous defense technologies. The partnership between DRDO and Sagar Defence Engineering is a testament to the trust and confidence placed in local companies to deliver cutting-edge technology solutions. Sagar Defence CEO Captain Nikunj Parashar expressed pride in this collaboration, emphasizing the significance of DRDO's support in realizing this advanced technological venture.

Conclusion

The development of India's first underwater-launched unmanned aerial vehicles represents a significant advancement in the country's defense capabilities. By equipping submarines with advanced surveillance tools, this initiative will enhance maritime security and operational effectiveness. The collaboration between DRDO and Sagar Defence Engineering not only highlights the potential of indigenous innovation but also underscores India's growing expertise in defense technology.