The Indian Navy is preparing to host the second edition of the Naval Innovation and Indigenization Seminar, known as Swavlamban, scheduled to take place on October 4th and 5th in the vibrant city of New Delhi. This eagerly anticipated event promises to be a milestone moment, showcasing groundbreaking developments in naval technology. In particular, the Indian Navy is set to unveil two remarkable platforms at this event: the Autonomous Weaponized Boat Swarms and the Autonomous Vessel Underwater (AUV).
A Initiative to Foster Innovation in the Defense and Aerospace Sector
This initiative, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, aims to foster innovation and technology development within the Defense and Aerospace Sector, actively engaging Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), start-ups, and individual innovators to develop specialized technologies.
Indian Navy Inks Crucial Pact with Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt. Ltd
The Indian Navy has entered into a significant agreement with Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt. Ltd for the development of Autonomous Weaponized Boat Swarms.
Swarm boats have demonstrated effectiveness across various tasks, including oceanography, bathymetry, hydrography, environmental monitoring, freight transport, search and rescue, as well as military applications. These swarms are strategically designed for naval tactics, employing a coordinated deployment of numerous small unmanned boats to overwhelm an adversary’s naval defenses.
More About Autonomous Weaponized Boat Swarms
These swarm boats are equipped with various types of weaponry and sensors, capable of remote or autonomous operation. They incorporate an integrated system capable of executing a range of naval and security missions. These initiatives are carried out under the aegis of the Naval Innovation and Indigenization Organization (NIIO) and Technology Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC).
About AUVs: Enhancing Underwater and Surface Warfare Capabilities
An Acceptance of Necessity has been issued for the acquisition of 30 AUVs for the Indian Navy, offering significant tactical advantages in underwater and surface warfare through their swarming capabilities.
These AUVs can be deployed for various missions, including Mine Counter Measures (MCM), anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), hydrographic and oceanographic data acquisition, as well as homeland security tasks such as wreck localization, port and coastal security.
AUVs: Cost-Efficient and Customizable Solutions with Modular Architecture
They possess swarming capabilities, enabling multiple missions with low capital and operational expenses. Additionally, their modular architecture allows customization with various payloads and battery sizes, tailoring them to user-specific requirements and diverse environmental conditions.
The Advantages of This System
With the implementation of an integrated autonomous system, the foremost objective is to address India’s maritime security needs by executing diverse naval and security missions. These missions encompass high-speed interdiction, surveillance, constabulary operations, C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), along with low-intensity maritime operations carried out through our Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs).