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Sagar Defence Engineering
IndustryDefence technology; robotics; autonomous and unmanned systems
Founded2015
FoundersNikunj Parashar; Mridul Babbar; Lakshay Dang
Headquarters
Mumbai, Maharashtra
,
India
ProductsUncrewed surface vessels; autonomous navigation systems; unmanned aerial vehicles; autonomous underwater vehicles; robotic systems
Websitewww.sagardefence.com

Sagar Defence Engineering Limited (SDE) is an Indian defence technology company that develops autonomous and unmanned systems for maritime, aerial and underwater applications. It was founded in 2015 by Nikunj Parashar, Mridul Babbar and Lakshay Dang.[1] The company has developed uncrewed surface vessels, autonomous navigation systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles and robotic systems for defence and security applications.[2][3]

Technology and projects

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Sagar Defence has developed GENISYS, a command-and-control system for autonomous navigation and vehicle control, intended for integration with maritime and unmanned platforms.[4] In 2024, Matangi, a 13-meter autonomous surface vessel, completed a 1,500-kilometer voyage from Mumbai to Thoothukudi under the Sagarmala Parikrama initiative, demonstrating long-distance autonomous maritime navigation without a crew. [5] Sagar Defence has also worked on autonomous underwater vehicles for the Indian Navy for surveillance, reconnaissance, environmental monitoring, and data collection.[6] In June 2024, DRDO’s Technology Development Fund awarded Sagar Defence a contract to develop an underwater-launched unmanned aerial vehicle (ULUAV) in cooperation with the Indian Navy, selected after a competitive process involving 17 firms.[3]Sagar Defence developed Varuna, a heavy-lift multicopter for Indian Navy requirements. It can carry payloads of up to 130 kilograms and transfer stores and personnel between naval platforms.[7] In December 2022, the Indian Coast Guard contracted Sagar Defence for 10 multicopter VTOL drones for maritime surveillance and interdiction operations.[8] In October 2024, Sagar Defence won an iDEX ADITI 1 Indian Army challenge titled “Two Man Tactical Aerial Vehicle for High Altitude.[9] In 2025, DRDO selected Sagar Defence as an industry partner for the production of the Unexploded Ordnance Handling Robot (UXOR), involving a transfer of technology from DRDO.[10]

Partnerships

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In 2023, Sagar Defence Engineering and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop autonomous weaponized boat swarms for the Indian Navy.[11] [12] In 2025, Sagar Defence and Liquid Robotics, a Boeing company, announced cooperation on uncrewed surface vehicle systems.[13]

Manufacturing and infrastructure

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In December 2025, Sagar Defence opened a manufacturing facility in Pune for uncrewed surface vehicles.[14] In March 2026, Sagar Defence began work on the world's first Autonomous Maritime Shipbuilding and Systems Development Centre at Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour in Andhra Pradesh.[15]

See also

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References

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  1. ↑ "A drone that can carry humans? Meet the Pune startup that is working wonders for Indian defence". The Indian Express. 6 June 2023. Retrieved 13 September 2026.
  2. ↑ "A former sailor, a "boat in a box": This Pune startup is shaping India's autonomous maritime vigil". The Economic Times. 17 January 2023. Retrieved 13 September 2026.
  3. 1 2 "Pune-based firm bags DRDO, Navy contract for development of underwater-launched UAV". ThePrint. 12 June 2024. Retrieved 13 September 2026.
  4. ↑ "Self-learning command & control module for navigation (GENISYS) and system thereof". Google Patents. Retrieved 13 September 2026.
  5. ↑ "Autonomous surface vessel completes 1,500-km voyage from Mumbai to Thoothukudi". The Hindu. 6 November 2024. Retrieved 13 September 2026.
  6. ↑ "Indian Navy to boost underwater capabilities with indigenous AUVs by Sagar Defence Engineering". Financial Express. 2 December 2024. Retrieved 13 September 2026.
  7. ↑ "Pune defence company's human carrying drone to be inducted in Indian Navy". Hindustan Times. 6 August 2022. Retrieved 13 September 2026.
  8. ↑ "Drone startup wins ICG contract for 10 VTOLs". Financial Express. 31 December 2022. Retrieved 13 September 2026.
  9. ↑ "Results for ADITI 1 – Indian Army" (PDF). Innovations for Defence Excellence, Ministry of Defence. 21 October 2024. Retrieved 13 September 2026.
  10. ↑ "DRDO to tie up with Pune defence firm for production of ordnance disposal robot". The Times of India. 20 October 2025. Retrieved 13 September 2026.
  11. ↑ "Sagar Defence Engineering and IAI to develop Autonomous Weaponized Boat Swarms for Indian Navy". GBP. Retrieved 16 September 2026.
  12. ↑ Agency, India Strategic Staff/ (16 February 2023). "Sagar Defence Engineering has signed a MoU with Israel Aerospace Industries to develop Autonomous Weaponised Boat Swarms for Indian Navy". India Strategic. Retrieved 16 September 2026.
  13. ↑ "Liquid Robotics and Sagar Defence Engineering Sign MoU to Strengthen Maritime Security". Defence Research and Development Organisation. Retrieved 13 September 2026.
  14. ↑ "Sagar Defence inaugurates plant in Pune to manufacture uncrewed surface vehicles". The Economic Times. Press Trust of India. 5 December 2025. Retrieved 13 September 2026.
  15. ↑ "Indian company lays foundation of world's 1st autonomous". The New Indian Express. 14 March 2026. Retrieved 13 September 2026.
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