SOURCE: AFI
Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) of the Indian Navy, recently visited SagarDefence Engineering Ltd. to review innovative projects under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) program. The visit underscored the Indian Navy’s commitment to adopting advanced technologies to enhance its operational capabilities. Admiral Tripathi’s engagement with SagarDefence was marked by a comprehensive review of two of their most promising technologies: the Autonomous Underwater Vessel (AUV) and the Weaponised Boat Swarm.
During his visit, Admiral Tripathi received in-depth briefings on various projects spearheaded by SagarDefence under the iDEX initiative. The iDEX program, launched by the Ministry of Defence, aims to foster innovation and technology development in the defense sector by involving startups, MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), and individual innovators.
SagarDefence is actively working on developing cutting-edge technologies that align with the Indian Navy’s future operational needs. Two standout projects were highlighted during Admiral Tripathi’s visit:
Weaponised Boat Swarm:
The Weaponised Boat Swarm is another innovative project showcased by SagarDefence. This technology involves a network of armed, unmanned surface vessels (USVs) capable of operating autonomously or semi-autonomously in a coordinated manner. The swarm technology can be employed in various tactical scenarios, including surveillance, area denial, and force protection. Admiral Tripathi noted the potential of such swarming tactics to revolutionize naval operations, offering flexible and scalable solutions for diverse mission profiles.
Autonomous Underwater Vessel (AUV):
The AUV developed by SagarDefence represents a significant advancement in underwater surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Designed for a variety of missions, including mine countermeasures, intelligence gathering, and underwater mapping, the AUV is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and navigation systems. Admiral Tripathi acknowledged the potential of the AUV to enhance the Navy’s underwater domain awareness and provide strategic advantages in submarine and anti-submarine warfare.
Admiral Tripathi took the opportunity to interact directly with the engineering team at SagarDefence, gaining insights into their development processes and technical challenges. He commended the team for their innovative approach and commitment to advancing indigenous defense technologies.