Liquid Robotics team with Sagar Defence to co-produce autonomous surface vessels

Liquid Robotics, a Boeing company, has signed a MoU with Sagar Defence Engineering Private Ltd, a leading Indian unmanned systems start-up, to co-develop and co-produce autonomous surface vessels (ASV).

The MoU comes after Sagar Defence’s own developed ASV completed a 1,500-km voyage from Mumbai to Thoothukudi without human intervention last November, which was the first of its kind and demonstrated India’s growing expertise in autonomous maritime technology.

This partnership aims to enhance undersea domain awareness through manufacturing, system interoperability, ocean testing, and the establishment of a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capacity for the Liquid Robotics’ Wave Glider ASV platform, Boeing said in a statement to media.

The agreement between the two companies builds on the joint US-India Roadmap for Defence Industrial Cooperation.

“The US-India relationship continues to strengthen, and we see immense potential in deepening our collaboration,” said Salil Gupte, President, Boeing India and South Asia. “This partnership with Sagar Defence Engineering underscores our commitment to co-developing and co-producing critical systems in India, fully aligning with the collaborative vision of both the US and Indian governments outlined in the US – India Joint Leaders Statement last month.”

“The Wave Glider is a key platform for US-India collaboration, strengthening tactical readiness in the Indo-Pacific. Partnering with Sagar Defence advances bilateral defence cooperation and supports the ASIA initiative to expand industry partnerships and production across the region,” said Shane Goodenough, CEO of Liquid Robotics.

“This strategic partnership brings together the best of US and Indian defence capabilities by co-developing advanced technologies like the Wave Glider, strengthening our aim to contribute towards fostering innovation within India’s defence ecosystem. This collaboration reinforces our shared vision of providing solutions for complex maritime challenges to enhance global maritime security,” said Nikunj Parashar, Founder, Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt. Ltd.

It reinforces India’s potential to be developed as a hub for MRO and sustainment of such platforms, with export potential across the region.