Indian Navy Lands 47 Crore Order On Kochi Robotics Startup Eyerov
In a significant boost to India’s defense self-reliance efforts, Kochi-based robotics startup …
30. September 2025
In a significant boost to India’s defense self-reliance efforts, Kochi-based robotics startup EyeROV has secured a whopping ₹47 crore contract with the Indian Navy to supply advanced Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (UWROVs). This agreement not only underscores the growing importance of domestic innovation in the defense sector but also marks a major milestone for the company, which has been making waves in the marine robotics industry since its inception.
Founded in 2017 by Kannappa Palaniappan P and Johns T. Mathai, EyeROV has quickly established itself as one of India’s leading players in the field of underwater robotics. With its cutting-edge technology and commitment to indigenous development, the company has been making strides in the marine robotics sector, completing over 100 deployments across various regions, including India, West Asia, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.
The Indian Navy’s decision to partner with EyeROV is a testament to the company’s capabilities and expertise in designing and developing advanced UWROVs. These vehicles are equipped with state-of-the-art technology that enables them to operate in challenging marine environments, including those as deep as 400 meters. The TROUT model, a 300-meter depth-rated remotely operated vehicle, will be part of the Navy’s arsenal, supporting missions such as underwater surveillance and reconnaissance.
EyeROV has been testing its underwater systems in some of the harshest environments on Earth, including the cold Antarctic Sea and underwater volcanic studies. “For eight years, we have engineered underwater systems tested in the harshest conditions,” said Palaniappan P, Co-founder and CTO of EyeROV. This partnership with the Navy is proof that Indian innovation can set benchmarks globally in defense deep-tech.
The agreement with the Indian Navy is significant not only for EyeROV but also for the country’s defense self-reliance efforts. The Indian government has been aggressively promoting indigenous development in various sectors, including defense, to reduce dependence on imports and enhance national security. This push towards self-reliance has led to a surge in innovation and entrepreneurship in the defense sector, with companies like EyeROV leading the charge.
Johns T. Mathai, Co-founder and CEO of EyeROV, emphasized the importance of indigenous development in delivering technologies that are at par with global standards. “We sincerely thank the iDEX and Navy teams for their support in fostering advanced indigenous solutions,” he said. “Our vision has always been to serve the nation by delivering technologies that are at par with global standards.”
EyeROV’s success story is a testament to the power of innovation and entrepreneurship in driving growth and development in India’s defense sector. The company’s product line features the EyeROV TUNA and TROUT vehicles, as well as the iBoat Alpha surface vessel, which have been recognized among India’s top five defense technology startups.
The company has also received several awards and recognition for its contributions to the defense sector. It was awarded the National Startup Award in 2022, a testament to its commitment to innovation and growth. Its customers include some of the most prestigious institutions in India’s defense sector, including the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Coast Guard, CSIR, and NCPOR.
The success of EyeROV is also a reflection of the growing importance of marine robotics in various sectors, including defense, research, and exploration. As the world becomes increasingly dependent on technology to address complex challenges, companies like EyeROV are playing a critical role in developing innovative solutions that can tackle some of the most pressing issues facing humanity.
EyeROV aims to prove that it provides the Navy with systems designed for real-world challenges, where precision, safety, and reliability are of foremost importance. With this agreement, the company is poised to take its place among the leading players in the marine robotics industry, delivering cutting-edge technology that will enhance naval underwater capabilities and support national security.
As India continues to push forward with its defense self-reliance efforts, companies like EyeROV will play a critical role in driving innovation and growth in the sector. With its commitment to indigenous development and its focus on delivering technologies that are at par with global standards, EyeROV is poised to make a significant impact in the years to come.
The partnership between EyeROV and the Indian Navy marks an important milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a defense technology powerhouse. It showcases the potential for domestic innovation to drive growth and development in the sector, and highlights the importance of investing in research and development to stay ahead of global trends.
India’s defense self-reliance efforts have been gaining momentum in recent years, with several initiatives aimed at promoting indigenous development and reducing dependence on imports. The success of companies like EyeROV will be crucial in driving this growth forward, as it demonstrates the potential for innovation and entrepreneurship to deliver cutting-edge technologies that meet global standards.
With its expertise in underwater robotics, EyeROV is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, delivering advanced technology solutions that support national security and enhance naval capabilities. As India continues to push forward with its defense self-reliance efforts, companies like EyeROV will play a critical role in driving innovation and growth in the sector.