An Indian startup and a U.S.-based corporation are joining forces to collaboratively develop and manufacture autonomous surface vessels (ASVs), marking the first initiative of its kind by an Indian startup, according to a statement from American aerospace giant Boeing.
Liquid Robotics, a Boeing subsidiary, has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd, an Indian firm specializing in unmanned systems. This partnership aligns with the joint U.S.-India roadmap for defense industrial cooperation, Boeing stated.
The MoU also contributes to the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA), a framework designed to expand industry collaborations, Boeing noted.
As the first project of its kind between a U.S. company and an Indian startup, this initiative represents a significant milestone in defense collaboration between the two nations, with a particular emphasis on enhancing undersea domain awareness. It underscores India's potential as a hub for maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO), and sustainment of such platforms while positioning the country for exports across the region, Boeing added.
Furthermore, the advancement of autonomous underwater capabilities through this collaboration is expected to accelerate ecosystem growth and drive innovation in next-generation defense technologies.
The partnership aims to bolster undersea domain awareness by focusing on manufacturing, system interoperability, oceanic testing, and the establishment of an MRO facility for the Wave Glider ASV platform.
"The U.S.-India partnership continues to grow stronger, and we see tremendous opportunities to deepen our collaboration," said Salil Gupte, President of Boeing India and South Asia. "This initiative with Sagar Defence Engineering reaffirms our dedication to co-developing and co-producing critical systems in India, fully in line with the vision outlined in the U.S.-India Joint Leaders Statement last month."
Shane Goodenough, CEO of Liquid Robotics, emphasized that the Wave Glider plays a pivotal role in U.S.-India defense cooperation, enhancing tactical preparedness in the Indo-Pacific region.
Captain Nikunj Parashar, Founder of Sagar Defence Engineering, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, stating that it brings together leading U.S. and Indian defense expertise to co-develop cutting-edge technologies like the Wave Glider. This initiative, he added, aligns with efforts to foster innovation within India's defense ecosystem.
"This collaboration strengthens our shared commitment to addressing complex maritime challenges and enhancing global maritime security," he said.
Boeing described the Wave Glider as the most tested and reliable Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV). Powered entirely by wave and solar energy, it can remain operational for months, delivering real-time data and communication for various applications.