According to sources familiar with the situation, Sagar Defence Engineering Ltd, a vertically integrated deep technology startup, has received a state industrial license to manufacture surface and submarine vessels for the needs of the military department. This occurred on Thursday.
The company is among a small number of private enterprises granted permission to produce ships for use by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.
Sources indicate that this license allows the company, subject to obtaining relevant regulatory approvals and adhering to the license terms, to engage in the design, production, construction, integration, assembly, testing, and supply of specific maritime defense platforms and related systems.
This development follows the company's earlier acquisition this year of an industrial license to manufacture weaponry, explosives, and ammunition. The previous approval pertained to the production of certain types of weapons, explosives, and ammunition, whereas the newest license relates to a separate category—surface and submarine vessels.
Captain Nikunj Parashar, founder and chairman of the company, noted that this is a 'significant milestone.' He informed PTI that it will strengthen the company's ability to participate in specific strategic projects.
This technology startup, based in Maharashtra, creates autonomous and unmanned marine and aerial systems for defense and commercial sectors, among other products. Obtaining this license also demonstrates confidence in the capabilities of Sagar Defence Engineering and its commitment to strengthening India's defense manufacturing ecosystem.
Adding this capability will allow the company to expand its role in the naval defense sector and contribute to the development of indigenous capabilities in designing and creating advanced surface and submarine systems.
Since its inception, this deep technology startup has been involved in marine and unmanned systems, developing autonomous and unmanned platforms for defense and maritime applications.