India’s ‘Made-in-India’ Unmanned Interceptor Craft to Strengthen Navy’s Combat Edge

New Delhi: The Indian Navy is set to receive the country’s first “Made-in-India” unmanned interceptor craft (UIC), marking a significant boost to its maritime capabilities. Developed by Pune-based defence firm Sagar Defence Engineering, these automated, weaponized fast interceptor craft are designed to secure India’s coastal waters and support specialized naval missions.

Enhancing Naval Strength

The introduction of these unmanned fast interceptor craft (FICs) will considerably enhance the Navy’s ability to safeguard maritime borders. With these weaponized vessels, India will join an exclusive group of nations equipped with “vessel swarm” technology capable of deploying multiple armed crafts in coordinated operations.

Designed, Developed, and Manufactured in India

Sources confirmed that the first batch of two FICs has been dispatched from Sagar Defence’s Pune facility for deployment along India’s western coast. The Navy had signed a deal with the company on 5 January 2022, commissioning a total of 12 armed craft under this program. These FICs have been fully designed, developed, and manufactured in India, reflecting the nation’s push for self-reliance in defence technology.

Key Features of the Unmanned Fast Interceptor Craft

• Developed under the iDEX–DIO framework, the FICs align with India’s vision of defence technology self-reliance.
• Each craft can carry more than 14 personnel for special missions when required.
• Operational range is approximately 400 nautical miles (around 800 km), enabling flexible deployment for coastal operations.
• Can be rapidly deployed for emergency response, evacuation, or precision missions.
• Equipped to carry multiple types of weapons, allowing swift action in high-intensity maritime combat situations.

Strategic Impact for the Indian Navy

Previously, the Indian Navy relied on unmanned surface vessels imported from Israel, which primarily supported mine countermeasure operations. The arrival of India’s indigenous unmanned interceptor craft will multiply the Navy’s operational capabilities, including long-range patrolling and rapid response to maritime threats. These craft will enable India to join the elite group of navies worldwide with advanced automated combat vessel technology.

With the induction of these FICs, the Indian Navy not only strengthens its coastal defense but also advances toward a self-reliant, technologically advanced naval force ready to respond effectively to emerging maritime challenges.