Marine Robotics Startup EyeROV Bags ₹47 Cr Order from Indian Navy to deliver Underwater Remotely operated Vehicles (UWROVs)

EyeROV, India’s pioneering underwater robotics startup, has announced the signing of a landmark ₹47 Cr contract with the Indian Navy for advanced Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (UWROVs). The deal strengthens India’s naval capability with field-tested, indigenously built technology.

EyeROV’s UWROVs have been tested in the most demanding environments, from the turbulent seas for deep water missions as deep as 400+ m for underwater volcanic studies to the coldest depths of the Antarctic Sea. These successful tests prove that the Navy receives systems designed for real-world challenges where precision, safety and reliability are paramount.

EyeROV TROUT, a 300m depth rated, is a military grade rugged ROV developed for dual applications of defence as well as commercial. It can deep dive equipped with advanced payloads to carry out multiple missions like underwater surveillance & reconnaissance to monitor naval environments and more.

Commenting on the development, Johns T. Mathai, Co-Founder & CEO, EyeROV, said, “This recognition is a true reward for our dedicated efforts over the past eight years. We sincerely thank the iDEX and Navy teams for their support in fostering advanced indigenous solutions. Our vision has always been to serve the nation by delivering technologies that are at par with global standards.”

EyeROV brings nearly a decade of field experience delivering underwater intelligence in mission-critical projects — from disaster & recovery to dam safety inspections to offshore energy operations and naval operations.

EyeROV’s indigenous technology stack is fully developed in India, reinforcing the nation’s push towards self-reliance in defence. Beyond cost efficiency, EyeROV’s systems deliver operational resilience, strategic autonomy, and global competitiveness — making the company a national asset in India’s defence deep-tech landscape.

Kannappa P., Co-Founder & CTO, EyeROV, added, “For eight years, EyeROV has engineered underwater systems tested in the harshest conditions. This partnership with the Navy is proof that Indian innovation can set benchmarks globally in defence deep-tech.”

Founded in 2017, EyeROV has completed more than 100 successful deployments across India, West Asia, APAC and Europe. The Company has more than 80 customers including some of the most prestigious names like DRDO, Indian Coast Guard, CSIR and NCPOR. Key product portfolio includes EyeROV TUNA (ROV), EyeROV TROUT (ROV), iBoat Alpha (USV) serving sectors like Defence & Security, Hydro & Marine Infrastructure, Disaster Management, Energy, Environmental Conservation. The Company also raised a Pre Series A round of $1.2 million from Unicorn India Ventures last year. EyeROV has been recognised among the top 5 def-tech startups in India and has won the National Startup Award in 2022.

About EyeROV

EyeROV is India’s pioneering deep-tech company specializing in underwater robotics and marine technology solutions. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Kochi, EyeROV designs, develops, and deploys indigenously built Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) that serve critical applications across Defence & Security, Hydro & Marine Infrastructure, Disaster Management, Energy, and Environmental Conservation. With over 100 successful deployments across India, West Asia, APAC, and Europe, EyeROV has earned the trust of 80+ customers including DRDO, Indian Coast Guard, CSIR, and NCPOR. Recognized among the Top 5 Defence Startups in India, EyeROV continues to drive innovation, delivering mission-critical systems that combine precision, resilience, and cost efficiency. EyeROV’s vision is to empower nations with strategic autonomy in underwater intelligence and contribute to global advancements in marine robotics.

Indian Navy Revives Ancient Shipbuilding: Hand-Stitched Vessel Set to Sail Historic Trade Routes

The Indian Navy is set to induct the Ancient Stitched Ship, a remarkable recreation of a 5th-century CE vessel, inspired by a painting from the Ajanta Caves. This ship was constructed using traditional methods by artisans from Kerala, led by master shipwright Babu Sankaran, who meticulously executed thousands of hand-stitched joints.

The ancient stitching technique in shipbuilding, known as the Tankai method, involved sewing wooden planks together rather than using nails. This method provided flexibility and durability, making ships more resistant to damage from shoals and sandbars. The Hand-Stitched Joints were done by artisans using ropes or strings to sew planks together, sealing them with a mix of coconut fiber, resin, and fish oil.

 

Unlike modern vessels, this ship features square sails and steering oars, requiring a unique blend of archaeological interpretation, naval architecture, and hydrodynamic testing to ensure seaworthiness. The Indian Navy collaborated with IIT Madras to validate its hydrodynamic behavior at sea.

Following its induction, the Navy plans to sail the vessel along ancient maritime trade routes, with preparations already underway for its maiden voyage from Gujarat to Oman. This initiative not only revives India's rich shipbuilding legacy but also showcases the Navy’s commitment to preserving maritime heritage.

#IndianNavy to induct & name the Ancient Stitched Ship on #21May at Naval Base, Karwar.
Reconstructed from a 5th century Ajanta painting, the ship was built using the ancient technique of stitching, with square sails & steering oars.
A rare feat in our modern shipbuilding… pic.twitter.com/cWn4EGJWac

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) May 20, 2025

L&T Launches INS Utkarsh, Its 2nd Multi-Purpose Vessel for Indian Navy

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) on Monday launched the second Multi- Purpose Vessel (MPV) for the Indian Navy from its Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai.

The vessel, christened INS Utkarsh, was launched by Dr Sushmita Misra Singh, the wife of Union Defence Secretary Mr Rajesh Kumar Singh. Mr Singh, Vice Admiral B Sivakumar (Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition), Rear Admiral Vishal Bishnoi (Assistant Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition) and senior leaders of L&T were present.

Following an accelerated production schedule, the launch of INS Utkarsh comes within three months of the launch of the first MPV INS Samarthak. The first vessel is now being readied for undergoing tests and trials prior to its delivery to the Indian Navy.

The MPVs are highly specialised, and play multiple roles, including serving as trial platforms, for the development of next generation weapons and sensors. They will perform maritime surveillance, humanitarian assistance, combat sea pollution, besides taking up launch and recovery of surface and aerial assets, etc.

The MPVs are 107m long, 18.6m wide with a displacement over 3,750 tonnes. In keeping with Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission and Make in India initiative, the design engineering of the MPVs has been undertaken at L&T’s in-house Warship Design Centre at Chennai and the construction is accomplished at L&T’s Katupalli Shipyard.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr A T Ramchandani, Senior Vice President & Head - L&T Precision Engineering & Systems, said:

The successful launch of the second MPV ahead of schedule underscores L&T’s unwavering commitment to bolster India’s national security. With our unmatched in-house design expertise and execution prowess, we are committed to providing cutting-edge defence platforms to support Indian Navy’s fleet expansion needs.

L&T’s Kattupalli Shipyard is one of the most advanced shipbuilding and ship repair facilities in India and is equipped with ship-lift, dry and wet berths to concurrently undertake new ship building and repairs.

Besides the two MPVs, L&T is also constructing three Cadet Training Ships and six other defence vessels for the Indian Navy on public-private-partnership model. This apart, the repair of the Indian naval ship INS Tir is also currently underway at the Kattupalli Shipyard.

Indian Navy and ISRO Conducted Welldeck Recovery Trials for Gaganyaan in Visakhapatnam

The Indian Navy and ISRO recently conducted well deck recovery trials for the Gaganyaan mission on December 6, 2024. These trials took place at the Eastern Naval Command using a well deck ship off the coast of Visakhapatnam.

The well deck recovery process involves flooding the deck of the ship with water, allowing the Crew Module to be towed inside where the crew can exit comfortably. This method ensures quick and safe recovery of astronauts after splashdown.

The trials validated the sequence of operations, including attaching the recovery buoy, towing, entering the well deck, positioning the Crew Module, and draining the well deck.

These steps are crucial for finalizing the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for both nominal and off-nominal recovery conditions.

The Gaganyaan mission aims to demonstrate India's human spaceflight capability by sending a crew of three members to orbit for a three-day mission and safely returning them to Earth.

Indian Navy and IIT Kanpur Sign MoU To Drive Innovation through Research Partnership

Indian Navy and Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today at Naval Headquarters, New Delhi, symbolising their commitment to promote technology development, innovative solutions and joint R&D. Rear Admiral K Srinivas, Asst Chief of Materiel (Dockyard & Refits) and Professor Subramaniam Ganesh, Officiating Director IIT Kanpur concluded this MoU.

Indian Navy and IIT Kanpur share common interest in academic exchange of scientific research activities in the field of Engineering related to defence technologies.

The MoU would serve as a broader framework and enable both sides to enhance capacity building, provide solutions to field level issues and enhance training effectiveness through exchange of faculty/ guest lectures. The structured collaboration focuses on joint Research and Development initiatives involving teams from Centre of Excellence (Marine Engg) at INS Shivaji, Lonavla and IIT Kanpur.

This Strategic alignment signifies a move towards a symbolic relationship between the academia and the armed forces, fostering a conducive environment for innovation and knowledge exchange.

Indian Navy and RRI To Jointly Develop Quantum Technologies for Secure Maritime Communications

Department of Science & Technology (DST) Institute to partner Indian Navy in developing secure maritime communications using Quantum Technology

In order to develop secure maritime communications, Quantum technologies will soon be used by Indian Navy, in a joint effort by the Raman Research Institute (RRI), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and the Indian Navy, said a public press release by Ministry of Science & Technology.

RRI has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Navy's R&D unit Weapons and Electronics Systems Engineering Establishment (WESEE), during a ceremony held in New Delhi recently. The MoU, which is for a period of 5 years, was signed between Professor Tarun Souradeep, Director, RRI, and Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani, Chief of Materiel, Indian Navy.

Under this agreement, RRI’s Quantum Information and Computing (QuIC) lab will lead the research efforts towards developing quantum key distribution techniques that the Indian Navy could leverage in the nation's efforts towards securing free space communications.

The MoU was signed in New Delhi (Image Credit: Indian Navy) 

"I am absolutely delighted that Indian Science and Technology ecosystem has been opening borders in recent years that enable talented and world-class researchers in the academic research institutions to contribute to the growth of Science and Technology capabilities in strategic areas of national importance. Porosity of the perceived boundary between fundamental and applied sciences as well as Science and Technology, will bode well in the coming decades. RRI feels proud to partner with WESEE in cutting edge Science and Technology," said Prof. Souradeep.

Professor Urbasi Sinha, Group Head, QuIC lab, said, “This is a great opportunity to use indigenously developed science and technology knowledge to serve our nation. We are excited with the collaboration and believe that with our expertise in the domain of secure quantum communications, we will be able to help foster cutting-edge research towards identification of potential maritime use-cases for the Indian Navy.”

This lab has been leading the country’s research in the field of secure quantum communication. Some of its major achievements include the development of an end-to-end simulation toolkit named “qkdSim”, ensuring safety in communication platforms, establishing secure communication between two buildings, and, more recently, between a stationary source and a mobile receiver.

QuIC lab also happens to be India’s first laboratory to propose and implement a wide range of applications using single and entangled photons, particularly towards establishing secure communications in strategic areas like banking, defence, and cyber security.

Earlier this month, International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIITH) partnered with Synergy Quantum India (SQ India) to establish Quantum Solution Lab with an aim of developing financially feasible quantum technologies and their applications in both military and civilian use cases.

In December 2020, India's DRDO unveiled "Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)" as a new technology developed by DRDO's Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) and DRDO Young Scientist Laboratory (DYSL-CT).

Last year in August, it was reported that, QNu Labs, a Bengaluru-based Deep Tech Start-up, supported by the Defence Ministry's iDEX, did successful trials of QKD system and even equipping Indian Army with Quantum Communication technology.

IIT Hyderabad Joined Hands with Indian Navy/ WESEE for Establishing Co-developmental Technology Innovation Centre (CTIC)

Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) Joined hands with Indian Navy/ WESEE for establishing a Co-developmental Technology Innovation Centre (CTIC) at IITH Technology Research Park (IITH - TRP)

It will promote academic cooperation, enhance scientific understanding of technologies related to defence and undertake research and development activities in mutually beneficial areas.

Formulation of and participation in Joint Research Programs to leapfrog integration of Transformational Technology into products to be deployed on Indian Navy platforms.

Prof B S Murty, Director IITH (R) with Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani (L)

Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), a public engineering and research institution, known for its academic strength, research, and publication and in proximity to IT & Industrial Hub has joined hands with Indian Navy’s Weapons and Electronics Systems Engineering Establishment. Weapons and Electronics Systems Engineering Establishment (WESEE); to make its research & academics focused more towards national safety & security. Prof B S Murty, Director, IITH has signed an MoU with Indian Navy, represented by Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani, Chief of Materiel on Jan 09, 2023, to Work in tandem towards Aatma Nirbhar Bharat & Harness in-house Tech Prowess. On the occasion, Prof Sumohana S Channappayya, Faculty-in-Charge, Technology Research Park and Rear Admiral Ankur Sharma, DG WESEE from India Navy were also present.

The Project being steered by WESEE aims to collaborate with IITH on innovative & pioneering projects related to contemporary & emerging technologies in the maritime domain.

Team IITH with Team WESEE Indian Navy

Expressing delight at the opportunity to contribute to National Security, Prof B S Murty, Director, IITH, said, “As a civilian, it is a matter of pride to use our technological expertise and research acumen in the defense of our Nation. We are glad to host Indian Navy’s WESEE Innovation Centre on IITH Campus. I am confident that this CTIC at our TRP will nurture national building spirit on campus and lead to top-notch and futuristic innovations to serve humanity at large.”

“The MoU between WESEE, Indian Navy and IIT Hyderabad paves the way for long-term collaboration between the two organisations. The establishment of the Co-Developmental Technology Innovation Centre (CTIC) at IIT Hyderabad’s Technology Research Park (TRP) is the crucial first step for this engagement. The collaboration is aimed at solving real-world problems by leveraging the deep tactical and technical expertise of WESEE and IIT Hyderabad. The collaboration aligns with the goal of building an Atma Nirbhar Bharat”, added Prof Sumohana S Channappayya, Faculty-in-Charge, Technology Research Park.

About IIT Hyderabad

Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) is one of the eight new IITs established by the Government of India in 2008. In a short span of 14 years, the institute has become a top-ranker. It has 290+ full-time faculty, ~4,200 students, 18 Departments + Centre for Interdisciplinary Programs, nearly 200+ state-of-the-art laboratories, and five research and entrepreneurship centers. The institute has a strong research focus with approx. Rs ~700 crores of sanctioned research funding, with PhD scholars accounting for about 30% of total student strength. IITH has more than 8100+ research publications with 1,20,000+ Citations, 190+ Published Patents, 1,700+ sponsored/consultancy projects with 500+ running projects, and about 100+ startups.

To know more, please visit https://www.iith.ac.in/.

IDFC First Bank Signs Up With Indian Navy to Offer Honour First Banking Solutions

Commodore Neeraj Malhotra, Commodore – Pay and Allowances, Indian Navy and Colin D’Souza, Head – Corporate Salary, IDFC FIRST Bank after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Naval Headquarters in New Delhi.

IDFC FIRST Bank announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Navy to offer Honour FIRST, a premium banking solution, to serving personnel and veterans of the Indian Navy.

The Honour FIRST Defence Account is specially designed keeping in mind the needs of the Armed Forces and its veterans. Account holders of Honour FIRST are supported by a dedicated team of defence veterans.

The MoU for Honour FIRST was signed at the Naval Headquarters in New Delhi between Commodore Neeraj Malhotra, Commodore - Pay and Allowances, Indian Navy and senior officials of IDFC FIRST Bank.

Commodore Neeraj Malhotra, Commodore-Pay and Allowances of Indian Navy, said, “I welcome the initiative of IDFC FIRST Bank to offer customized banking solutions to suit the needs of the Indian Navy and its personnel.”

Speaking on the occasion, Amit Kumar, Head – Retail Liabilities, IDFC FIRST Bank, said, “This is indeed a proud moment for us. The association couldn’t have come at a better time as the Indian Navy commemorates the 50th anniversary of India’s historic victory in the 1971 war. We look forward to serving the banking needs of the prestigious Indian Navy as its safeguards the maritime frontiers of our country. This association is rooted in our nation-first approach to banking and reiterates our longstanding commitment to meeting the needs of our Armed Forces.”

The Honour FIRST Defence account comes with a range of privileges and features such as a zerobalance salary account that earns up to 5 per cent interest per annum and a netbanking and mobile App that offers superior user interface and experience.

Honour FIRST Account holders get a free enhanced Personal Accident Insurance Cover of Rs. 46 lakhs for both on-duty and off-duty incidents. This not only covers accidental death but also total and partial permanent disability. This Personal Accident Insurance Cover includes a Child Education Grant of Rs. 4 lakhs, and a marriage cover of Rs 2 lakh.

In addition, other best-in-class features include a top-of-the-line Visa Signature Debit Card with no annual charges, free Air Accidental Insurance cover of Rs. 1 crore and complimentary airport lounge access at domestic airports, twice a quarter.

Honour FIRST Defence Account also offers free lost card liability and fraud protection of up to Rs. 6 lakhs, purchase protection against burglary, theft and damage up to 90 days from date of purchase up to Rs. 1 lakh.

Account holders of Honour FIRST are eligible for a ‘Free for Life Credit Card’ with variable APR and 10X Reward Points, 1.5% forex markup, complimentary access to select spas and lounges at domestic and international airports, travel insurance and other benefits round the year. Privileges also include 10X reward points on spends greater than Rs. 20,000, 6X rewards on all online spends, complimentary for life & interest-free credit for purchases and cash withdrawals.

Other benefits comprise free unlimited ATM transactions across all domestic ATM’s, free online payment transactions, unlimited cheque books and anywhere banking across the Bank’s network of branches and ATMs.

The Bank is constantly investing in state-of-the-art technology to bring digital innovations to its customers, with a view to enhancing customer convenience and experience.


About IDFC FIRST Bank

Created in 2018 by the merger of renowned infrastructure financing institution IDFC Ltd. and leading technology NBFC, Capital First, IDFC FIRST Bank, with a balance sheet of over Rs. 1,68,000 crore, has provided over 30 million loans in its combined history and serves customers in over 60,000 villages cities and towns across the length and breadth of the country. IDFC FIRST Bank’s vision is to serve an aspiring India, backed by human values and technology and to be a force for social good. The Bank’s mission is to touch millions of Indians in a positive manner.

In a short time, the Bank has expanded to 601 branches, 161 asset service centres, 609 ATMs and 94 recyclers and 623 rural business correspondent centres across the country, a next-generation net and mobile banking platform and 24/7 Customer Care services, and is incrementally growing digitally. IDFC FIRST Bank is committed to bring high-quality banking at affordable rates to India. The Bank also offers technology-enabled corporate banking solutions.