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Indian Navy Signs ₹47 Crore Deal With EyeROV For Advanced Underwater Drones
The Indian Navy has signed a ₹47 crore contract with Kochi-based underwater robotics startup EyeROV for a supply of Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (UWROVs). The agreement brings indigenous deep-tech systems directly into naval operations, reinforcing India's push for self-reliance in maritime defence technology.
EyeROV's Underwater ROVs have undergone rigorous field trials across extreme environments, including underwater volcanic studies at depths of more than 400 metres and challenging expeditions in the Antarctic Sea. These missions validated the systems' resilience and reliability, establishing their suitability for demanding naval deployments in both shallow and deep waters.
Central to the deal is the EyeROV Trout, a military-grade Remotely Operated Vehicle designed for use across defence and commercial applications. With a depth rating of 300 metres, the Trout can support varied missions, including surveillance, reconnaissance, inspection, and underwater infrastructure monitoring, depending on payload configuration.
The EyeROV Trout integrates autonomous navigation, a 4K primary camera with 10x optical zoom, and a robotic arm capable of cutting ropes, grabbing objects, and performing recovery tasks. Navigation systems include Doppler Velocity Log, Ultra Short Baseline acoustic positioning, and multiple sensors to ensure control in limited-visibility conditions.
The EyeROV Trout measures 890 mm in length and weighs under 40 kilograms without payloads. Its propulsion system consists of four vectored horizontal thrusters and three vertical thrusters, providing full six degrees of freedom manoeuvrability and forward speeds exceeding three knots in still water conditions.
The tether arrangement supports safe operation up to 400 metres and is reinforced with modular ballast blocks for fine-tuning buoyancy. Lighting is handled by high-output LEDs, while dual cameras provide detailed imaging and wide-angle coverage during inspection and surveillance activities.
The EyeROV control hub supports simultaneous viewing of camera feeds, imaging sonar, and positional data overlaid on electronic navigation charts. Operators have access to programmable controls, station-keeping, auto-depth and heading functions, as well as waypoint navigation and automated survey patterns for consistent underwater operations.
| EyeROV Trout - Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Depth Rating | 300 metres |
| Navigation | Autonomous with GPS, DVL, USBL |
| Camera | 4K primary with 10x optical zoom + full-HD wide-angle secondary |
| Robotic Arm | Grabber, rope cutter, recovery jaws |
| Lighting | Four 1500-lumen LED units |
| Thrusters | Four vectored horizontal + three vertical |
| Manoeuvrability | Six degrees of freedom |
| Speed | Above three knots in still waters |
| Weight | |
| Tether Length | 400 metres |
Speaking about the contract with the Indian Navy, Johns T. Mathai, Co-Founder and CEO of EyeROV, said, "This recognition is a true reward for our dedicated efforts over the past eight years. We sincerely thank the iDEX and Navy teams for their support in fostering advanced indigenous solutions."
Kannappa P., Co-Founder and CTO of EyeROV, said, "For eight years, EyeROV has engineered underwater systems tested in the harshest conditions. This partnership with the Navy is proof that Indian innovation can set benchmarks globally in defence deep-tech."
Founded in 2017, EyeROV has completed over 100 operational deployments across India, West Asia, the Asia-Pacific, and Europe. Its product portfolio includes EyeROV Tuna and iBoat Alpha in addition to the Trout, serving diverse sectors spanning defence, energy, infrastructure, and environmental research with specialised robotics platforms.
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