July 22, 2026: Apollo Micro Systems Ltd. has secured a major defence contract from the Indian Navy, receiving a Make-II Prototype Sanction Order (PSO) for the development of SAVIOR-ASW (Semi-Submersible Autonomous Vessel for Intelligence, Operations and Reconnaissance). The project marks the company’s formal entry into autonomous maritime warfare and underwater surveillance, strengthening its position in India’s rapidly evolving defence technology ecosystem.

Author: Aadarsh Patel | EQMint 

The order is one of the biggest milestones in Apollo Micro Systems’ journey and reinforces the government’s push towards Atmanirbhar Bharat by encouraging indigenous development of advanced defence technologies.

Indian Navy Backs Indigenous Defence Innovation

The Make-II category under India’s Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) is designed to promote domestic innovation by enabling Indian companies to develop advanced military systems. A Prototype Sanction Order serves as the official approval to begin developing the prototype, with successful systems expected to move towards procurement by the armed forces.

For Apollo Micro Systems, the order represents more than a development contract. It reflects the Indian Navy’s confidence in the company’s ability to design and manufacture sophisticated autonomous maritime surveillance systems entirely within India.

What Is SAVIOR-ASW?

The SAVIOR-ASW is India’s first indigenously developed semi-submersible autonomous vessel built specifically for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) surveillance.

The unmanned vessel is capable of operating independently beneath the sea surface for extended periods. Equipped with advanced hydrophone arrays, it can detect submarines and underwater threats while transmitting real-time intelligence to naval command centres without requiring any onboard crew.

The platform has been designed to strengthen underwater surveillance, improve maritime domain awareness, and enhance India’s coastal and ocean security.

Why This Project Matters

The Indian Ocean Region has become one of the world’s most strategically important maritime zones.

According to the company, nearly 95% of India’s trade by volume moves through sea routes. The region also handles approximately 42% of global crude oil trade, 30% of the world’s containerized cargo, and witnesses nearly 1,00,000 merchant vessel movements every year.

As submarine activity continues to increase across the Indian Ocean Region, continuous underwater surveillance has become a strategic necessity.

Apollo believes the SAVIOR-ASW platform offers several operational advantages:

• Continuous autonomous underwater surveillance
• Lower acquisition and operating costs compared to conventional ASW frigates
• Long-duration missions without human intervention
• Wider maritime coverage using multiple autonomous platforms
• Better deployment of high-value naval assets for combat operations rather than routine surveillance

A Major Opportunity in Autonomous Defence

Apollo Micro Systems estimates that the global autonomous maritime systems market could reach nearly $10 billion by 2032, making it one of the fastest-growing segments within the global defence industry.

The company believes autonomous vessels, artificial intelligence, and network-centric warfare will define the next generation of naval operations.

Its long-term vision focuses on three emerging trends:

• Autonomous swarms of unmanned vessels
• AI-driven intelligence for underwater threat detection
• Persistent and affordable maritime surveillance at significantly lower costs than traditional warships

Management Calls It a Defining Moment

Commenting on the development, Baddam Karunakar Reddy, Managing Director of Apollo Micro Systems, described the Indian Navy’s order as a defining milestone in the company’s history.

He said the project represents years of investment in indigenous defence electronics and mission-critical technologies. He also acknowledged the contribution of DRDO, noting that several building blocks of the SAVIOR-ASW platform have been developed through capabilities built over years of participation in underwater warfare programmes.

Strengthening India’s Defence Manufacturing Ecosystem

Apollo Micro Systems has over 41 years of experience in defence electronics and specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced electronic, electro-mechanical, and engineering systems.

The company continues to position itself as a Tier-I original equipment design and manufacturing partner for India’s defence sector, supported by strong engineering capabilities and large-scale manufacturing infrastructure.

The latest Indian Navy order further strengthens Apollo’s role in developing indigenous technologies for India’s strategic defence requirements.

Conclusion

The Make-II Prototype Sanction Order marks a significant achievement for Apollo Micro Systems and reinforces India’s commitment to indigenous defence manufacturing. As autonomous maritime technologies become increasingly important for national security, the SAVIOR-ASW programme positions the company at the forefront of next-generation naval defence systems.

With growing defence spending, increasing emphasis on self-reliance, and expanding opportunities in autonomous warfare, Apollo Micro Systems is well placed to participate in one of the fastest-growing segments of India’s defence industry.

Key Highlights

• Apollo Micro Systems secured a Make-II Prototype Sanction Order from the Indian Navy.
• The company will develop SAVIOR-ASW, India’s first indigenous autonomous anti-submarine surveillance vessel.
• The system will strengthen India’s underwater surveillance and maritime security capabilities.
• The Indian Ocean Region carries 95% of India’s trade by volume and 42% of global crude oil trade.
• Apollo estimates the global autonomous maritime systems market could reach $10 billion by 2032.

FAQs

What order did Apollo Micro Systems receive?

Apollo Micro Systems received a Make-II Prototype Sanction Order from the Indian Navy to develop the SAVIOR-ASW autonomous underwater surveillance platform.

What is SAVIOR-ASW?

SAVIOR-ASW is India’s first indigenous semi-submersible autonomous vessel designed for anti-submarine warfare surveillance and underwater intelligence gathering.

Why is this project important?

The project strengthens India’s indigenous defence capabilities and improves underwater surveillance in the strategically important Indian Ocean Region.

What is the estimated market opportunity?

Apollo Micro Systems estimates the global autonomous maritime systems market could reach $10 billion by 2032.

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Disclaimer: This article is not an investment advice and is for educational purpose only.