MoU supports the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) aimed at expanding industry partnerships
– The first such project by an Indian startup with a U.S.
New Delhi, March 19, 2025: Liquid Robotics, a Boeing company, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt. Ltd, a leading Indian unmanned systems startup, to co-develop and co-produce Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASV). The agreement builds on the joint U.S.-India Roadmap for Defense Industrial Cooperation,
This partnership aims to enhance undersea domain awareness through manufacturing, system interoperability, ocean testing, and the establishment of a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capacity for the Wave Glider ASV platform. The MoU supports the ASIA aimed at expanding industry partnerships and strengthening production capabilities across the Indo-Pacific region.
“The U.S.-India relationship continues to strengthen, and we see immense potential in deepening our collaboration,” said Salil Gupte, president, Boeing India and South Asia. “This partnership with Sagar Defence Engineering underscores our commitment to co-developing and co-producing critical systems in India, fully aligning with the collaborative vision of both the U.S. and Indian governments outlined in the U.S. – India Joint Leaders Statement last month.”
“The Wave Glider is a key platform for U.S.-India collaboration, strengthening tactical readiness in the Indo-Pacific. Partnering with Sagar Defence advances bilateral defense cooperation and supports the ASIA initiative to expand industry partnerships and production across the region,” said Shane Goodenough, CEO of Liquid Robotics.
“This strategic partnership brings together the best of U.S. and Indian defence capabilities by co-developing advanced technologies like the Wave Glider, strengthening our aim to contribute towards fostering innovation within India’s defence ecosystem strengthens. This collaboration reinforces our shared vision of providing solutions for complex maritime challenges to enhance global maritime security.” Capt. Nikunj Parashar, Founder, Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt. Ltd.
As the first such project by a U.S. company in partnership with an Indian startup, this collaboration marks a milestone in U.S.-India defense industrial cooperation, with undersea domain awareness as a key focus. It reinforces India’s potential to be developed as a hub for MRO and sustainment of such platforms, with export potential across the region. Additionally, advancing autonomous underwater capabilities will accelerate ecosystem growth and drive innovation in next-generation defense technologies.