New Delhi: Indian private firm Sagar Defence Engineering and Liquid Robotics (LR), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Boeing company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to co-develop and co-produce Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs) for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)—Wave Glider.
This partnership aims to enhance maritime security and Undersea Domain Awareness (UDA) through manufacturing, full system integration, rigorous testing, and the establishment of robust maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capacity for the ASV ASW platform.
The MoU also supports the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA), which is aimed at expanding industry partnerships and strengthening production capabilities across the Indo-Pacific region.
ThePrint had reported on 14 February that this was one of the key projects under discussion between the US and India following Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump’s talks.
Wave Glider, powered by wave and solar energy, is an autonomous, uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) that operates individually or in fleets, delivering real-time data for up to a year.
It is an open platform where new sensors and software capabilities can be added, and which can also be integrated with other systems.
The float, which is like a surfboard, rides on the ocean surface, while the submerged glider is connected to it by an umbilical cord.
As the float moves up and down with the waves, the submerged glider’s articulated fins translate this motion into forward thrust.
It is currently primarily used by the oil and gas industry to monitor offshore structures and communicate with subsea wellheads but has defence applications as well.
“The US-India relationship continues to strengthen, and we see immense potential in deepening our collaboration,” Salil Gupte, president, Boeing India and South Asia, said Wednesday.
Captain Nikunj Parashar, founder of Sagar Defence Engineering, said that the MoU is a testament to India’s growing role in the global defence ecosystem.
“This strategic partnership brings together the best of US and Indian defence capabilities. By co-developing advanced technologies like the Wave Glider, our aim to contribute towards fostering innovation within India’s defence ecosystem strengthens,” he said.
(Edited by Radifah Kabir)