Sagar Defence Engineering has achieved a major milestone with the groundbreaking of the world’s first Autonomous Maritime Shipbuilding and Systems Centre at Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour in Andhra Pradesh. The initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and advancing maritime innovation.
The foundation stone for the project was laid by Nara Lokesh, Hon’ble Minister for Human Resources Development, IT, Electronics & Communications, and Real Time Governance, Government of Andhra Pradesh. The ceremony was presided over by Dagumati Venkata Krishna Reddy, Member of Legislative Assembly, Kavali, and attended by key dignitaries including Members of Parliament, state officials, and industry leaders.
Founded in 2015, Sagar Defence Engineering began as a small startup in Mumbai and has grown into a leading defence technology company with a strong focus on unmanned and autonomous systems. Today, it operates a 10-acre manufacturing and R&D facility in Pune and has developed advanced technologies across maritime, aerial, terrestrial, and underwater domains. Central to its innovation is GENISYS, a platform-agnostic, AI-driven command and control system that enables intelligent autonomous operations.
The establishment of the new centre has been made possible through support from the Government of Andhra Pradesh, which allocated 29.58 acres of land at Juvvaladinne, including waterfront access. This strategic location enables seamless vessel construction, testing, and deployment, creating a fully integrated ecosystem for maritime innovation.
The Autonomous Maritime Shipbuilding and Systems Centre is designed to become a hub for developing next-generation unmanned maritime technologies. It will focus on platforms such as Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), intelligent navigation systems, maritime sensors, and advanced communication networks. These technologies are expected to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and strategic capabilities with minimal human intervention.
The facility will incorporate advanced shipyard technologies, including AI-driven management systems to streamline design, production, and maintenance processes. Digital twin technology will allow virtual simulation of vessels and infrastructure, enabling performance testing and optimization before deployment. Smart manufacturing solutions such as robotic fabrication, automated material handling, and additive manufacturing will further enhance efficiency and precision.
In addition to defence applications, the centre will support sectors such as shipping, fisheries, offshore energy, disaster management, and ocean research. It is also expected to contribute to the development of smart fishing systems, providing real-time data on weather conditions, fish locations, and safety alerts. These capabilities will significantly improve safety and productivity for coastal communities, particularly in regions prone to extreme weather.
Speaking at the event, Capt Nikunj Parashar, Founder and CEO of Sagar Defence Engineering, highlighted the strategic importance of the project. He stated that the centre represents a major step in enabling India to design, test, and manufacture advanced autonomous maritime systems domestically, reducing dependence on foreign technologies.
Hon’ble Minister Nara Lokesh emphasized the broader impact of the initiative, noting its potential to drive economic growth, create employment, and transform coastal communities. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and innovators in shaping India’s future as a global maritime technology leader.
The project is expected to generate significant regional and national impact by strengthening maritime security, supporting indigenous defence production, and creating high-skilled employment opportunities. It will also position Andhra Pradesh as a key hub for advanced maritime manufacturing and innovation.
With global maritime industries increasingly adopting autonomous technologies, the centre is poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of maritime operations. The initiative aligns with India’s vision of self-reliance and long-term economic growth, contributing to a more secure, efficient, and technologically advanced maritime ecosystem.
