India to Develop First Underwater-Launched UAV as DRDO Partners with Sagar Defence

India is set to achieve a major technological breakthrough in underwater warfare as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) partners with Pune-based start-up Sagar Defence Engineering to develop the country’s first underwater-launched unmanned aerial vehicle (ULUAV). This ambitious project, awarded under DRDO’s Technology Development Fund (TDF), aims to enhance India’s naval capabilities by equipping submarines with advanced surveillance tools.

The ULUAVs will be designed to launch autonomously from submerged submarines, providing long-range and high-endurance reconnaissance without compromising the vessel's stealth. These drones will allow submarines to monitor enemy activity, track naval movements, and gather intelligence while remaining undetected.

India’s ULUAV technology is being developed to outperform similar systems currently in use. While the U.S. Navy’s ULUAVs have a range of 7 km and an endurance of 30 minutes, DRDO’s planned version is expected to exceed 20 km in range with over an hour of flight endurance. This significant advancement will give the Indian Navy an edge in underwater domain awareness and maritime surveillance.

The UAVs will primarily serve intelligence and reconnaissance missions, but future upgrades could include weaponization, making them a potential game-changer in submarine warfare. The project aligns with India's push for self-reliance in defence technology and innovation, reinforcing the country’s commitment to indigenous military advancements.

Sagar Defence was selected after a competitive bidding process involving 17 firms, highlighting the growing role of Indian start-ups in cutting-edge defence research. This partnership marks a crucial step in strengthening India’s naval deterrence and underscores DRDO’s confidence in homegrown technological expertise.