The partnership marks a significant milestone in India’s ongoing efforts to modernise its defence capabilities and promote technological self-reliance under the Make in India initiative.

Sagar Defence Engineering, alongside Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), will serve as one of DRDO’s key industrial partners to scale up the production of UXOR units for deployment across the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Enhancing Safety and Precision in Defence Operations

The UXOR system represents a breakthrough in the field of autonomous and semi-autonomous bomb disposal technology. Designed to neutralise explosive devices weighing up to 1,000 kilograms, the robot combines advanced engineering and artificial intelligence to carry out delicate and high-risk tasks with precision.

Developed indigenously by DRDO over the past decade, UXOR is equipped with high-powered water jet cutting tools capable of slicing through bomb casings up to 25 millimetres thick.

The system can be remotely operated from a safe distance of up to two kilometres, significantly reducing the risk to personnel during unexploded ordnance handling and disposal.

According to defence experts, the introduction of UXOR is expected to enhance operational safety across forward airbases, strategic installations, and sensitive conflict zones.

Its cross-terrain mobility allows it to function efficiently on diverse surfaces such as airstrips, tarmacs, and rugged terrain, while its ability to perform continuous six-hour missions makes it suitable for extended disposal or reconnaissance tasks.

Successful Field Trials and IAF Integration

Sources familiar with the project have confirmed that UXOR has undergone extensive testing with the Indian Air Force, including simulated bomb disposal drills and live field trials in secure environments.

The system reportedly exceeded expectations in precision handling, situational awareness, and reliability under challenging conditions.

The integration of UXOR into IAF operations aligns with global defence trends where advanced robotics and remote systems are increasingly used to enhance human safety and mission effectiveness.

Similar systems are deployed by defence forces in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel, making India’s UXOR an important addition to this growing technological ecosystem.

Expanding Public-Private Collaboration

Under the Technology Transfer (ToT) agreement, DRDO will provide Sagar Defence Engineering and BEL with comprehensive access to UXOR’s design documentation, manufacturing processes, software integration frameworks, and quality assurance protocols.

This collaboration reflects a strategic shift within DRDO — from traditional in-house production to a more inclusive partnership model that leverages the strengths of both public and private sectors.

A senior defence official noted that such partnerships are key to accelerating the deployment of advanced technologies, fostering innovation, and strengthening India’s defence industrial base.

“By engaging dynamic private companies, we are able to scale faster and bring cutting-edge systems like UXOR into operational service much sooner,” the official said.

The production contract includes delivery of multiple UXOR units over the next two fiscal years, comprehensive training for IAF personnel in operation and maintenance, and field support during initial deployment.

Analysts view the UXOR programme as a reflection of India’s growing role in global defence innovation. With a focus on indigenous research and strategic partnerships, India is positioning itself not just as a major consumer of defence technology, but as a contributor to the international defence ecosystem.

The successful rollout of UXOR demonstrates how technological collaboration, innovation, and safety-focused design can advance both national security and industrial capability — signaling India’s readiness to compete and collaborate on a global scale.

The company, a key part of India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat defence initiatives, has fully cooperated with government agencies and clarified all queries raised during the process.

According to government sources, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) initiated a routine examination of imported parts used in missile manufacturing earlier this year.

The exercise, officials say, is part of a broader national effort to ensure fair trade practices and compliance with evolving customs regulations across India’s expanding defence industry.

In a statement, an Adani Group spokesperson emphasized that the company has provided all necessary clarifications supported by documentation, stating: “The issue stands closed from our end.”

This reflects the company’s proactive and transparent approach in aligning with India’s regulatory frameworks while supporting defence modernization and industrial growth.

Adani Defence Systems and Technologies, which manufactures missiles, drones, and small arms for Indian security forces, has been an active contributor to domestic defence capability development.

The company’s collaboration with India’s armed forces and partnerships with global technology providers have positioned it as a key player in advancing aerospace innovation and indigenous production.

Officials familiar with the matter highlighted that such reviews are not uncommon, particularly given the government’s increased focus on ensuring precision and compliance in the defence import process.

These checks are part of a broader drive to maintain the credibility of India’s defence sector, which continues to expand rapidly amid global recognition of India as a rising defence manufacturing hub.

Industry observers note that the government’s ongoing vigilance in defence trade reflects New Delhi’s policy of balancing national security with economic integrity.

By reinforcing transparent practices, India aims to build a globally trusted and self-sustaining defence ecosystem that encourages innovation, collaboration, and long-term investment.

Adani Defence’s role in supplying short-range missile systems and non-explosive missile components has helped strengthen India’s indigenous production capabilities.

The company also collaborates with international partners from Russia, Israel, and Canada, facilitating the transfer of advanced defence technologies while adhering to national policy frameworks.

While the investigation focused on classification details of certain imported materials, government sources have clarified that the matter relates to technical interpretation of import rules, not operational conduct or integrity issues.

Experts note that Adani’s engagement and responsiveness demonstrate its commitment to full compliance and cooperation.

The Indian government’s recent rule revision, which allows a wider range of missile components to be imported without tariffs, is expected to streamline future defence production and enhance India’s strategic readiness.

Industry insiders believe this policy shift will boost local manufacturing, lower costs, and attract further private-sector participation.

In recent years, Adani Group’s defence unit has aligned closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of turning India into a global defence export powerhouse.

The company’s drone technologies and surveillance systems have been successfully deployed by the Indian military, showcasing India’s progress toward technological self-sufficiency.

With India continuing to expand its defence manufacturing base, such regulatory measures represent an essential step in upholding transparency, boosting investor confidence, and ensuring that all private participants operate within a clearly defined and fair framework.

The developments surrounding Adani Defence highlight India’s institutional maturity, where strong oversight coexists with robust industrial growth.

As the government and the private sector work hand in hand, India’s vision of becoming a trusted global defence manufacturing partner is steadily becoming a reality.