The Author is Former Director General of Information Systems and A Special Forces Veteran, Indian Army

According to reports of January 31, 2026, the Indian Navy has begun receiving the delivery of the first batch of the country's first-of-its-kind autonomous weaponised fast interceptor crafts (FICs) from Pune-based Sagar Defence Engineering. This will help the Navy in securing India's maritime boundaries. As well as giving a big boost to the Navy's special missions along the Indian coast. With the induction of these unmanned weaponised crafts in the Navy, India will join the league of countries that possesses the technology to develop weaponised swarm (vessel) capability. These vessels are designed to combat terrorism, conduct coastal patrols, and engage in "swarm" tactics with minimal personnel risk.

With the induction of these unmanned weaponised crafts in the Navy, India will join the league of countries that possesses the technology to develop weaponised swarm (vessel) capability

Based on recent developments, several countries are developing or have deployed FICs for surveillance, anti-terrorism, anti-piracy, and combat roles. Prominent countries using FICs include the following:

• USA. The US Navy has tested and used various unmanned high-speed vessels, such as the 'MARTAC Devil Ray T38' and the 'Quickfish' interceptor unmanned surface vehicle (USV). These are used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) in littoral environments.
• Ukraine. Ukraine is using FICs in active combat. Notable models include the Magura V5 and Sea Baby, which are designed for both reconnaissance and kamikaze attacks against warships. Ukraine is also collaborating with Poland and Norway to produce the Seawolf naval drone.
• Russia. Russia has developed and deployed USVs. The Russian Navy is actively testing and employing kamikaze-style drones for reconnaissance, target acquisition, and offensive strikes, with models like 'Oduvanchik', 'Vizir' and Orcan/Zefir. Russian USVs are designed for multiple roles, including reconnaissance, maritime strike, protection of vessels, and countering enemy maritime drones. Russia is integrating these platforms into dedicated drone regiments and utilizing advanced features like fibre-optic tethers for better control in jammed environments.
• United Arab Emirates. The UAE, in collaboration with EDGE and Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding, has developed the 'CMN NAVAL DV10', an ultra-high-speed interceptor designed for both manned and unmanned operations, capable of speeds up to 90 knots.
• Israel. Israel is developing unmanned surface vessels, such as the 'BlueWhale', which can perform autonomous missions.
• Turkey. Turkey is rapidly expanding its unmanned naval capabilities, with the Turkish Navy set to operate armed drone boats (USVs) for maritime security.

Designed, developed and manufactured entirely in India, the unmanned FIC stands as a testament to the nation's vision of self-reliance in defence technologies under the iDEX–DIO framework

Designed, developed and manufactured entirely in India, the unmanned FIC stands as a testament to the nation's vision of self-reliance in defence technologies under the iDEX–DIO framework. The Navy had placed orders for 12 such weaponised boat swarms after signing a deal with Sagar Defence Engineering on January 5 in 2022. The first batch of two new FICs from Sagar Defence's Pune factory was dispatched to the Indian Navy on January 30, 2026 for deployment along the western coast. Till now, the Navy has been dependent on Israel-made USVs and that too for only mine counter-measure purpose.

The unmanned interceptor craft is fitted with a 12.7mm gun for close-range firepower and also equipped with the capability to deploy short-range missiles and loitering munitions. Multiple fast interceptor crafts can be controlled from a single control station, multiplying force projection while reducing risk to human operators. One of the most striking features of this interceptor craft is its ability to operate in a GPS-denied environment. Advanced navigation systems allow the craft to function reliably even under electronic warfare conditions, ensuring mission continuity where conventional platforms may falter. With an endurance exceeding two days at sea, the vessel offers sustained operational presence, enhancing maritime domain awareness.

One of the most striking features of this interceptor craft is its ability to operate in a GPS-denied environment

This unmanned FIC is also capable of carrying over 14 personnel, when required, for special missions, adding to its operational flexibility for coastal operations, rapid insertion or evacuation roles. This layered weapon architecture enables the craft to respond decisively to a wide spectrum of threats, from asymmetric maritime challenges to high-intensity combat scenarios. Its operational range of over 400 nautical miles or approximately 800 km, positions it as a formidable asset for extended patrols and rapid response operations.

These vessels can function in remote-controlled or fully autonomous modes at high speeds and carrying weapons – machine guns and drones

These vessels can function in remote-controlled or fully autonomous modes at high speeds and carrying weapons – machine guns and drones. This technological capability is aligned with emerging global trends in network-centric and autonomous warfare, placing India firmly at the forefront of naval innovation. These indigenous FICs will be a big boost in countering terror-related threats on the waters, particularly from countries like Pakistan.