Indian Navy Signs ₹66 Crore Deal To Induct Indigenous Underwater Robots

The Indian Navy has signed a ₹66 crore contract with Odisha-based Coratia Technologies to procure indigenously developed Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (UWROVs) and an Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV).

The deal, signed in the presence of senior Navy officials, represents the first large-scale induction of India-built underwater robots into active naval operations.

As part of the agreement, Coratia will supply three advanced platforms, Jalasimha, Jaladuta and Navya (ASV). These systems are designed to carry out sonar mapping, seabed surveys, ship hull cleaning, minor salvage activities, and inspections of submerged infrastructure, while also offering real-time data processing powered by AI-driven analytics.

Coratia Technologies’ flagship product Jalasimha has already undergone rigorous trials and has been certified at Technology Readiness Level-9 (TRL-9), the highest certification for operational readiness.

The company says the robot is cost-efficient, advanced, and marks India’s first significant step in building affordable underwater robotics.

Debendra Pradhan, Founder and CEO stated that the contract demonstrates their ability to design and build mission-critical underwater systems, but also the Navy’s commitment to strengthening India’s innovation through initiatives like the Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX). Coratia had earlier won the iDEX challenge in January 2023.

Biswajit Swain, Co-founder and CTO said using indigenous underwater robots will lower costs, reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, and protect India from trade restrictions. The company aims to support both defence readiness and India’s growing blue economy.

The startup, incubated at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, has quickly emerged as a strong player in India’s defence-tech sector. In July 2025, Coratia raised ₹17.4 crore in a pre-Series A round led by MGF Kavachh with support from Pontaq Ventures India.

According to investor Raj Sethia, Founder and Managing Partner of MGF Kavachh, supporting Coratia is not just about backing a promising startup but also about reinforcing the ‘Make in India’ vision and helping India become a global leader in technology.

The underwater robotics market, valued at USD 5.08 billion in 2025, is projected to reach USD 9.53 billion by 2030, according to data from Mordor Intelligence. Coratia Technologies plans to expand its R&D, intellectual property, and export capabilities to meet the growing international demand.

Reference: startuppedia

Source: Maritime Shipping News