Coratia Technologies Bags ₹66 Crore Deal from Indian Navy for Indigenous Underwater Robots

In a major boost to India’s defence indigenisation drive, Rourkela-based Coratia Technologies has won a ₹66 crore contract from the Indian Navy to supply indigenous Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (UWROVs). Valued at around $7.5 million, the deal underscores the Navy’s confidence in Indian startups to deliver advanced deep-tech solutions for maritime operations.

A Startup Making Waves

Founded by engineers incubated at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela, Coratia Technologies has emerged as one of the few deep-tech startups in India working on advanced underwater robotics. The company’s journey from academic research to securing a multi-crore defence contract reflects the growing synergy between India’s innovation ecosystem and the armed forces.

Role of UWROVs in Naval Operations

UWROVs are unmanned submersible platforms designed to be remotely operated from the surface. They are critical for:

• Underwater surveillance and reconnaissance

• Seabed mapping and exploration

• Inspection of underwater pipelines, ship hulls, and naval infrastructure

• Salvage assistance in recovery of objects and wreckage

• Mine countermeasures and disposal of hazardous objects

With growing maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean Region, these capabilities are vital for safeguarding naval assets, enhancing situational awareness, and reducing risks to divers in hostile environments.

Specifications and Features

While the Navy has not disclosed exact classified specifications, Coratia’s indigenous UWROV prototypes are reported to feature:

• Depth capability: up to 300 metres, suitable for most littoral and harbour operations.

• Payload options: High-definition cameras, sonar systems, manipulators for gripping and cutting tools.

• Endurance: Around 4 to 6 hours of continuous operation, depending on payload configuration.

• Real-time data relay: Fibre-optic tethered systems ensuring low-latency transmission.

• Navigation: Equipped with advanced DVL (Doppler Velocity Log), INS (Inertial Navigation System), and GPS for precise underwater positioning.

• Multi-mission adaptability: Can switch between surveillance, inspection, and light intervention roles.

These features will enable the Indian Navy to conduct operations that traditionally required expensive imported systems.

Strategic Significance

The deal aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, cutting dependence on foreign vendors for specialised underwater technologies. It also marks a recognition of startups as trusted suppliers in defence contracts, an area traditionally dominated by large public sector units and established private defence firms.

For the Indian Navy, the induction of indigenous UWROVs will provide greater flexibility, lower lifecycle costs, and faster deployment of systems tailored for Indian waters. For Coratia Technologies, this breakthrough establishes it as a credible player in the global underwater robotics space, potentially opening doors to exports in friendly navies.

With this contract, India joins the league of nations developing their own underwater robotic systems. The Navy is expected to deploy these UWROVs for both coastal security and offshore operations, strengthening maritime domain awareness.

This development not only strengthens India’s defence preparedness but also demonstrates the rising role of homegrown startups in shaping the future of advanced military technology.