India is strengthening its maritime defence capabilities with the establishment of the world’s first autonomous maritime shipbuilding and systems centre in Andhra Pradesh.

BulletsIn

• India is setting up the world’s first autonomous maritime shipbuilding and systems centre at Juvvaladinne fishing harbour in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh.
•  The facility is being developed by Mumbai-based Sagar Defence Engineering to strengthen indigenous maritime technology and boost domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.
•  The Andhra Pradesh government has allocated around 29.58 acres of coastal land for the project, offering direct sea access for construction, testing, and deployment.
•  The centre will focus on developing advanced autonomous maritime technologies including unmanned surface vessels, underwater vehicles, navigation systems, sensors, and secure maritime communication networks.
•  Researchers will also build advanced command-and-control platforms that enable maritime systems to operate with minimal human intervention while improving surveillance and operational efficiency.
•  The facility will use digital twin technology to create virtual replicas of ships and shipyard infrastructure for simulation, testing, and optimisation before real-world deployment.
•  Smart manufacturing systems such as robotic fabrication, automated welding, cutting, painting, assembly processes, and automated guided vehicles will streamline shipyard operations.
•  The project is expected to enhance maritime security, encourage innovation in marine technology, and position India as a global hub for autonomous maritime systems.