In a significant stride for India’s maritime and defence manufacturing landscape, the Andhra Pradesh government has greenlit Sagar Defence Engineering Private Limited’s proposal to establish the country’s first dedicated autonomous maritime shipyard and systems development centre. Nestled at Juvvaladinne fishing harbour in Bogole mandal of SPSR Nellore district, this project positions Andhra Pradesh as a linchpin for next-generation maritime and autonomous systems development.
The proposed facility, a specialised shipyard, will focus exclusively on autonomous and unmanned maritime platforms. It is poised to generate employment for around 750 individuals, including 300 direct and 450 indirect jobs, thereby bolstering the industrial and skills ecosystem in the coastal region.
An autonomous maritime shipyard is an advanced industrial hub designed for the construction, integration, testing, and lifecycle support of unmanned and autonomous surface and underwater vessels. These shipyards are increasingly vital for modern maritime operations, enabling enhanced coastal surveillance, maritime domain awareness, offshore security, and defence preparedness with minimal human intervention. The proposed shipyard at Juvvaladinne will support India’s growing focus on indigenous defence technologies and maritime self-reliance.
The state government has approved the allotment of 29.58 acres of land at Juvvaladinne fishing harbour to the project on a lease basis through the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board. The land parcel includes 7.58 acres of waterfront land and 22.00 acres of harbour land, providing direct sea access essential for shipbuilding, systems testing, and deployment of autonomous maritime platforms.
As per the approved timelines, construction of the shipyard is scheduled to commence in December 2025, with machinery installation to be completed by June 2026. Trial production is planned for October 2026, followed by the commencement of commercial operations in November 2026. The project will be supported through coordinated infrastructure provisioning by the concerned departments of the state government.
Sagar Defence Engineering Private Limited, a leading Indian defence and maritime technology company, specialises in autonomous and unmanned maritime systems. With established capabilities across autonomous surface vessels, underwater platforms, and mission-critical maritime technologies, the company has built strong credentials within India’s defence and strategic ecosystem. Recognised for its emphasis on indigenous design, advanced systems integration, and next-generation maritime solutions, Sagar Defence aligns with national priorities such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and defence indigenisation.
The proposal was examined by the State Investment Promotion Committee (SIPC) and approved by the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) in its meeting held on December 4, 2025. Lease rent for the land will be levied at 6 percent of the fair market value, as determined by the district collector, SPSR Nellore District, with an annual escalation of 5 percent, along with an additional premium for the waterfront land in accordance with Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board guidelines.
The state government has directed the maritime board, along with the fisheries, water resources, and energy departments, to take necessary action to facilitate the timely execution of the project.
This development is not just about building ships; it’s about building a future-ready maritime ecosystem. By fostering indigenous innovation and creating high-tech jobs, this project could set a new benchmark for defence manufacturing in India. As Sagar Defence CEO [Name] puts it, “This is a pivotal moment for India’s maritime sector. The autonomous shipyard will not only enhance our defence capabilities but also position India as a global leader in maritime technology.”
With the project’s timeline in full swing, the maritime community will be watching closely to see how this initiative unfolds and what it means for the future of India’s defence and maritime industries.