Sagar Defence Engineering Private Limited began construction of an Autonomous Maritime Shipbuilding and Systems Development Centre at Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour in SPSR Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. The facility will support the development and manufacturing of unmanned and autonomous maritime systems and is expected to begin trial production in October 2026, with commercial operations scheduled for November 2026.
According to a statement by Nikunj Parashar, Founder of Sagar Defence Engineering Private Limited, the foundation-laying ceremony marked the start of a facility envisioned as a dedicated centre for unmanned and autonomous maritime systems. “Today marks a proud and deeply emotional milestone for the entire Sagar Defence Engineering family,” Parashar said. “At Juvvaladinne Harbour in SPSR Nellore district, we witnessed the groundbreaking of the Autonomous Maritime Shipbuilding and Systems Development Centre envisioned as the world’s first dedicated facility for unmanned and autonomous maritime systems.”
The centre is being developed on a 29.58-acre site at Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour, with plans to expand the project area to around 200 acres in the future. The facility is intended to integrate the lifecycle of autonomous maritime vessels in a single location, including design, modular construction, sea trials, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), supported by direct sea access.
The technology focus of the centre will include Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). Manufacturing processes planned for the site include the use of digital twins to simulate vessel performance before construction, robotic fabrication systems for automated welding and painting, and three-dimensional printing for specialised maritime components.
The initial phase of the project involves an investment of approximately INR 450 million. Bharat Biotech has been identified as a strategic investor supporting Sagar Defence in the development of the facility. The project is expected to generate more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, including roles in marine engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
In addition to defence-related applications, the facility will support the development of “Smart Fishing Fleet Networks”, intended to provide local fishermen with satellite-based information on fish locations and weather alerts.
Sagar Defence has also undertaken several partnerships and investments in the past year. In February 2026, the company made a strategic investment in EndureAir Systems, an aerial robotics firm, to support the integration of maritime and aerial autonomous systems. In December 2025, Sagar Defence inaugurated a plant in Pune to co-produce the Wave Glider autonomous surface vessel in partnership with Liquid Robotics, a Boeing company.
Sagar Defence Engineering Private Limited develops autonomous maritime systems and engineering technologies focused on unmanned platforms and ocean technology applications.
