Navy Signs ₹66-Crore Deal with Odisha Start-Up for Underwater Robots

In a major boost to indigenous defence manufacturing, the Indian Navy has signed a ₹66-crore contract with Odisha-based deep-tech start-up Coratia Technologies for the supply of advanced Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (UROVs).

The homegrown underwater robots, designed and developed by Coratia, are equipped to carry out multiple critical tasks including cleaning ship hulls, undertaking minor salvage operations, and conducting surveys and inspections of submerged infrastructure.

Coratia Technologies co-founder and CEO, Debendra Pradhan, hailed the contract as a recognition of India’s growing technological capabilities. “This is not only a recognition of our capability to design and manufacture mission-critical underwater systems but also symbolises the Navy’s relentless efforts to strengthen India’s research and innovation ecosystem through well-structured initiatives like iDEX,” he said.

The collaboration comes under the Navy’s continued push for indigenisation and self-reliance in defence technology, aligning with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. Through the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) initiative, the Navy has been actively encouraging start-ups and innovators to contribute cutting-edge solutions for maritime security.

Defence experts say the induction of these UROVs will significantly enhance the Navy’s operational capabilities in underwater maintenance, reconnaissance, and infrastructure monitoring, reducing reliance on imported technology.

This marks yet another milestone in India’s journey towards strengthening indigenous defence production while nurturing the country’s innovation ecosystem.