Anticipation is growing as India prepares for the second edition of the Indian Navy’s Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Seminar, Swavlamban, which will commence from October 4 to October 5, 2023, in the national capital of India, New Delhi. The event is poised to introduce groundbreaking developments, including the Autonomous Weaponised Boat Swarms for the Indian Navy and along with the debut of the Autonomous Underwater Vessel (AUV).
Indian Navy’s Partnership
The Indian Navy has recently entered into a significant partnership with Sagar Defence Engineering Private Limited for the advancement of Autonomous Weaponised Boat Swarms. Moreover, Sagar Defence Engineering Limited has confirmed the issuance of an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of 30 AUVs, thus marking a significant step to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Navy.
About Sagar Defence Organisation
Sagar Defence Engineering Private Limited has emerged as the winner of the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) DISC-7 program, particularly under the SPRINT (Supporting Pole-Vaulting in Research and Development for Defence Excellence) framework.
The agreement between the Indian Navy and the organisation marks the 50th contract awarded under the SPRINT program. It is dedicated to creating 75 indigenous technologies for the Indian Navy, contributing to the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration.
All About SPRINT
This initiative, inaugurated by PM Modi and Defence Minister (Raksha Mantri) Rajnath Singh, aims to stimulate innovation and technological advancements within the Aerospace and Defence Sector. The Indian Defence Minister has expressed optimism that the implementation of the SPRINT Initiative will lead to a more robust and self-sufficient Indian military sector. It will strengthen to overall defence and security system.
This initiative actively engages various sectors, including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), start-ups, and individual innovations to cultivate special technologies. The recent agreement between Sagar Defence Engineering Limited and the Indian Navy to develop Autonomous Weaponised Boat Swarms marks the 50tth Contract awarded under the SPRINT Program that aims to create 75 indigenous technologies for the Indian Navy as a part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration.
The Defence Minister has expressed optimism that the implementation of the SPRINT Initiative will invigorate the Indian Industry, making it very reliant, robust and self-sufficient. This, in turn, will contribute to strengthening the country’s security infrastructures.
In recent years, India has actively fostered a favourable atmosphere and environment for domestic industries and nurtured the growth of local companies while addressing the security needs of friendly nations. This aligns with the vision of Make In India, Make for the World, emphasising self-reliance and global cooperation.
About Autonomous Weaponised Swarms
The Autonomous Weaponised Boat Swarms are poised to be game changers in naval operations, enhancing India’s capabilities in maritime defence These swarms are expected to offer new tactical advantages and strengthen national security. They provide and feature a diverse array of weaponry and cutting-edge sensors, enhancing their capabilities for remote or autonomous operations.
They also have an integrated system which enables them to carry out a wide spectrum of naval and security operations, such as Littoral Patrol, High-Speed Interdiction, Coastal Surveillance, Local Naval Defence, Constabulary operations C4ISR (Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) coupled with Medium Sized Unmanned Surface Vessels and Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO).
They can be deployed for a range of missions such as Mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, hydrographic and oceanographic data acquisition and homeland security operations (coastal security, wreck localisation). The AUVs can undertake multiple missions, maintain low capital and operational expenses, and can be fitted with payloads and battery sizes. They provide enormous advantages in surface as well as underwater warfare due to their swarming capabilities.
