In a significant development for India’s maritime and defense sectors, the Andhra Pradesh government has approved Sagar Defence Engineering Private Limited’s proposal to establish the country’s first dedicated autonomous maritime shipyard and systems development center at Juvvaladinne fishing harbor in SPSR Nellore district. This initiative is set to position Andhra Pradesh as a vital hub for the advancement of next-generation maritime and autonomous systems.
The proposed shipyard will focus on the construction and support of unmanned maritime platforms, aiming to create approximately 750 jobs—300 direct and 450 indirect. This facility is designed to enhance the coastal region’s industrial and skills ecosystem while supporting India’s emphasis on indigenous defense technologies and maritime self-reliance. The shipyard will play a crucial role in modern maritime operations, including coastal surveillance and defense preparedness with minimal human intervention.
The government has allocated 29.58 acres of land at the harbor, which includes essential waterfront access for shipbuilding and testing. Construction is set to begin in December 2025, with machinery installation by June 2026, and commercial operations anticipated to start by November 2026. Sagar Defence, known for its expertise in autonomous maritime systems, aligns its projects with national priorities like Atmanirbhar Bharat and defense indigenization.
The State Investment Promotion Committee reviewed and approved the proposal, with lease terms set at 6 percent of the land’s fair market value, escalating annually. The state government has instructed relevant departments to ensure the project’s timely execution, reflecting a strong commitment to bolstering India’s maritime capabilities.
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