In a significant step towards bolstering Indo-Pacific maritime security, Liquid Robotics, a Boeing company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt. Ltd., a leading Indian unmanned systems startup. This landmark agreement, the first of its kind between a U.S. company and an Indian startup, aims to co-develop and co-produce Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASV) to enhance undersea domain awareness and fortify defence cooperation between the two nations.
The partnership aligns with the joint U.S.-India Roadmap for Defence Industrial Cooperation, fostering deeper collaboration in maritime defence technologies. It will focus on manufacturing, system-of-systems interoperability, ocean testing, and the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capacity for the Wave Glider ASV platform in India. The initiative also supports the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA), which seeks to expand industry partnerships and strengthen production capabilities across the Indo-Pacific region.
“The U.S.-India relationship continues to strengthen, and we see immense potential in deepening our collaboration,” said Salil Gupte, President of 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 outlined in the recent U.S.-India Joint Leaders Statement.”
Shane Goodenough, CEO of Liquid Robotics, emphasized the strategic importance of the Wave Glider ASV in advancing bilateral defence cooperation. “The Wave Glider is a key platform for U.S.-India collaboration, strengthening tactical readiness in the Indo-Pacific. Partnering with Sagar Defence advances defence cooperation and supports the ASIA initiative to expand industry partnerships and production across the region,” he noted.
From the Indian perspective, Capt. Nikunj Parashar, Founder of Sagar Defence Engineering, highlighted the partnership’s role in fostering innovation within India’s defence ecosystem. “This strategic collaboration brings together the best of U.S. and Indian defence capabilities in co-developing advanced technologies like the Wave Glider. Our aim is to contribute towards global maritime security while reinforcing India’s position as a hub for defence innovation.”
Beyond enhancing maritime domain awareness, the collaboration positions India as a key player in MRO and the sustainment of autonomous defence platforms with significant export potential. The partnership is expected to drive innovation and growth within next-generation defence technologies by accelerating advancements in autonomous underwater capabilities, further solidifying the U.S.-India defence industrial partnership.
Team BharatShakti
