Pune: Sagar Defence Engineering, in partnership with Liquid Robotics, a Boeing company, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art facility in Pune to manufacture Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USVs), marking a significant step in strengthening India’s maritime defence capabilities. The move also reinforces the ongoing US-India Major Defence Partnership framework.
Boosting Local Production and Maritime Capabilities
The newly launched Pune facility will focus on the local production of USVs, including the Wave Glider platform, which is widely recognized as one of the most proven and experienced USVs globally. The Wave Glider operates entirely on wave and solar energy, allowing it to remain on missions for several months while transmitting real-time data and communications for a wide range of maritime applications.
By producing these advanced systems domestically, the facility will enhance India’s undersea domain awareness, strengthen operational capabilities, and expand the country’s capacity to maintain and sustain unmanned maritime systems. This step aligns with the “Make in India” initiative, fostering indigenous development while leveraging global expertise.
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Strengthening the US-India Defence Collaboration
The partnership between Sagar Defence Engineering and Liquid Robotics underscores the growing defence collaboration between India and the United States. The Pune facility enables co-development and co-production of advanced maritime systems, providing a platform for technology transfer, ocean testing, and skill development in unmanned maritime technologies.
“This plant opening is a proud milestone for Sagar Defence and for India’s defence ecosystem. It reflects our commitment to Make in India by building advanced maritime capability locally, and by partnering with Liquid Robotics, we are positioning India as a hub for next-generation maritime innovation,” said Capt. Nikunj Parashar, Founder of Sagar Defence Engineering.
Salil Gupte, President of Boeing India and South Asia, added, “As India and the United States deepen their defence partnership, this facility demonstrates how intent becomes reality. It supports Make in India while strengthening bilateral collaboration in defence technology.”
Shane Goodenough, CEO of Liquid Robotics, described the inauguration as a “critical step” in their collaboration, stating, “Building and sustaining the Wave Glider platform locally will enhance undersea domain awareness and accelerate deployment. Combining Liquid Robotics’ product expertise with Sagar’s innovation enables us to deliver operational capability effectively.”
Positioning India as a Maritime Innovation Hub
The Pune plant is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing India’s maritime defence technology ecosystem. It will facilitate local manufacturing, testing, and maintenance of USVs while positioning India as a regional hub for next-generation maritime innovation. The facility is also anticipated to expand industry participation, creating opportunities for domestic suppliers, engineers, and researchers in the Indo-Pacific region.
About Sagar Defence Engineering
Sagar Defence Engineering is an Indian defence company focused on developing innovative maritime solutions and platforms. The company collaborates with global technology leaders to strengthen India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, particularly in unmanned and autonomous systems.
About Liquid Robotics
Liquid Robotics, a Boeing company, designs and manufactures the Wave Glider, a solar and wave-powered USV that provides real-time data collection and communication for various ocean applications. The company is a global leader in unmanned maritime technology, driving innovation in autonomous surface vehicles.
