Indian Navy explores weaponised USV swarms
This image shows the configuration of the USV that Sagar Defence Engineering is working on for the Indian Navy. (Image: SDEL)
The Indian Navy is looking into how it might utilise USV swarms, and is working in conjunction with a local company.
The first prototype USV for a weaponised 12-boat swarm ordered by the Indian Navy (IN) will be demonstrated by the end of this year.
A contract for India’s first armed autonomous uncrewed boat with swarming capabilities was awarded early this year to private start-up Sagar Defence Engineering Ltd (SDEL). The company has been working on complete indigenisation of USVs for the past decade, including improved autonomy, electric propulsion and battery capacity.
The IN is using the project to understand and evaluate USV swarm capabilities for practical exploitation. If successful, the order could run into higher numbers.
Nikunj Parashar, co-founder of
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Anduril awarded $642 million counter-drone contract with US Marine Corps]()
Anduril awarded $642 million counter-drone contract with US Marine Corps
The contract will see counter-small uncrewed aerial systems (CsUAS) installed at bases, with the initial contract covering site survey and engineering services as well as some system procurement. Work is expected to be completed over the next ten years.
-
![Canada awards Seaspan a construction contract for the first Coast Guard’s Polar Icebreaker]()
Canada awards Seaspan a construction contract for the first Coast Guard’s Polar Icebreaker
CCGS Arpatuuq will be the first heavy cold weather vessel entirely built in Canada.
-
![Denmark places $184 million contract for Naval Strike Missiles]()
Denmark places $184 million contract for Naval Strike Missiles
The missiles are being purchased through a government-to-government sale with Norway and will be operated from Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates.
-
![Navantia combat systems selected for Chinese-built Thai LPD]()
Navantia combat systems selected for Chinese-built Thai LPD
The landing platform dock, believed to be the largest naval vessel that China has exported, will see the Chinese-built vessel embrace Western technology.
