The Indian Navy has begun trials of the indigenously developed Autonomous Weaponized Boat Swarm (AWBS) by Sagar Defence Engineering in Mumbai's coastal waters. This marks a significant step towards modernizing India's naval capabilities with cutting-edge autonomous technology.
The AWBS is a groundbreaking system featuring unmanned surface vessels equipped with advanced surveillance and combat capabilities. Each boat is fitted with dual cameras, day and night radar tracking, and a 12.7 mm SRCG gun, enabling it to identify and neutralize threats autonomously. Control is maintained through a remote station, allowing operators to oversee and direct the swarm's actions.
Adding to its versatility, the AWBS incorporates an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for enhanced situational awareness and can be operated in conjunction with multiple boats from a single monitoring station. Navigation relies on a combination of GPS and India's own NaVIC system, ensuring operational reliability even in GPS-denied environments.
The Indian Navy has approved the acquisition of 12 AWBS units, with 10 designated for naval operations and 2 allocated to the Indian Army for deployment at Pangong Lake. This strategic distribution highlights the system's adaptability for both maritime and inland water body security.
Sagar Defence Engineering, a Pune-based company, has been instrumental in developing this innovative technology. The AWBS aligns with India's increasing focus on indigenous defense manufacturing and the integration of unmanned systems into its armed forces.
This development has garnered significant attention as it positions India among the few nations with such advanced autonomous naval capabilities. The AWBS is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing maritime security and safeguarding India's coastal borders. Further development and integration of the AWBS are anticipated to continue as the system proves its effectiveness in operational deployments.
