India has operationally deployed its first indigenously developed Maritime Spotter Drone from INS Vikrant, marking a significant advancement in the country’s naval aviation and maritime surveillance capabilities. Built by Mumbai-based Sagar Defence Engineering, the drone is designed for autonomous launch and recovery from moving warships, even at high speeds.

The Indian Navy has officially inducted the Maritime Spotter Drone, the country’s first indigenous ship-launched tactical multi-copter capable of operating from dynamic naval platforms. Unlike conventional UAVs that require fixed bases, this system can seamlessly take off and land on manoeuvring vessels such as INS Vikrant, placing India among a select group of nations with such advanced capability.

During trials, the drone successfully performed spotting missions while the carrier moved at speeds of up to 20 knots before autonomously returning to the deck. It demonstrated an endurance of nearly two hours in rough sea conditions, covering ranges of up to 20 kilometres while carrying payloads weighing up to 3 kilograms.

Equipped with electro-optic and thermal imaging systems, the drone delivers real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support, greatly improving situational awareness and operational response during critical missions. The Spotter Drone has already played a role in active naval operations. During the rescue mission involving the hijacked merchant ship MV Ruen, captured by Somali pirates, the drone provided continuous aerial surveillance and assisted naval forces and MARCOS commandos in tracking the vessel accurately. Reports indicate that pirates even attempted to target the drone during the operation, highlighting its frontline utility.

The Indian Navy has procured 60 units of the system, integrating them across multiple warships to strengthen anti-piracy, anti-smuggling, and maritime security missions in the Indian Ocean Region. The drones also support broader strategic objectives, including persistent ocean surveillance and protection of vital sea routes.

According to Captain Nikunj Parashar, co-founder and managing director of Sagar Defence Engineering, the system was developed with a focus on saving lives and improving maritime awareness through indigenous innovation. Developed under India’s Indigenous Design, Development and Manufacture (IDDM) initiative, the drone aligns closely with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision of defence self-reliance. The induction of the Maritime Spotter Drone aboard INS Vikrant marks both a technological and strategic milestone, showcasing India’s growing capability to integrate advanced autonomous systems into frontline naval operations.