In a move to bolster India's underwater military capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has joined forces with Pune-based startup Sagar Defence Engineering to develop the nation's first underwater-launched unmanned aerial vehicles (ULUAVs).
This groundbreaking initiative aims to equip submarines with advanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, enhancing situational awareness in the maritime domain.
Through a competitive bidding process, Sagar Defence was selected from 17 firms and awarded the technology development contract under DRDO's Technology Development Fund (TDF).
The company, known for its prior development of a maritime spotter drone for the Indian Navy, will receive assistance from DRDO's Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) in this ambitious endeavor.
ULUAVs are autonomous aerial drones capable of being deployed discreetly and swiftly from submarines, offering a significant advantage in surveillance missions. These drones will enable submarines to monitor potential threats without revealing their own presence, enhancing their operational effectiveness.
According to Mridul Babbar, Director & Vice-President of Business Development at Sagar Defence, the ULUAV technology under development will surpass existing systems in range and endurance. While the US currently possesses ULUAVs with a range of 7 km and 30 minutes of endurance, the DRDO-Sagar Defence project aims to develop drones with a range exceeding 20 km and an endurance of over an hour. This advancement will mark a significant milestone for India, becoming the first in the country to develop such sophisticated ULUAV technology.
The ULUAVs are primarily intended for maritime and underwater domain awareness, utilizing data gathering capabilities to provide valuable intelligence. Additionally, the design allows for future expansion, with the potential to integrate weapons systems onto the drones.
This project aligns with the Modi government's commitment to fostering indigenous innovation and technological advancement within the defense sector. Sagar Defence CEO Captain Nikunj Parashar expressed pride in the partnership, highlighting the trust and confidence placed in their capabilities by DRDO.
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