The project is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs across technical, operational and various other support roles, with a strong focus on local recruitment, says Captain Nikunj Parashar, founder and CEO of Sagar Defense Engineering. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
The Autonomous Naval Shipyard and Systems Development Center, set up by Pune-based Sagar Defense Engineering at Juvvaladinne village in Bogole mandal of SPSR Nellore district, will not only strengthen indigenous defense capabilities with advanced naval technologies, but also enhance livelihood opportunities for local residents.
Captain Nikunj Parashar, founder and CEO of Sagar Defense Engineering, said in an email interaction with The Hindu, “The fishing community is an integral part of the long-term vision of the project. We see strong opportunities to work with them, especially in areas such as real-world testing, operation and validation of marine technologies with their generations of marine knowledge.”
Describing the fishermen as “the real guardians of the coast”, he said there would be a strong focus on capacity building along with two-way skill development.
“The upcoming center is expected to generate over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs across technical, operational and various other support roles and there will be a strong focus on local recruitment,” he said.
After the AP government allotted 29.58 acres of land, including 7.58 acres of waterfront, to this project, a section of political leaders alleged that the Juvvaladinne fishing port was getting into the clutches of private players.
Refuting the allegations, Mr Nikunj said, “Our focus is purely on building better infrastructure and creating value for the fishing community through this project. We are committed to transparency and compliance.”
The unmanned marine surface vessel manufacturer aims to work with micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region. “MSMEs will play a key role in the supply chain, from manufacturing and components to services and logistics, creating a strong local and regional industrial ecosystem around the hub,” he said.
Last month, IT and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh laid the foundation stone for the world’s first autonomous naval shipyard and system center near the fishing port of Juvvaladinne. “The project will establish AP as a center for maritime innovation, robotics and advanced shipbuilding. The state’s journey to the blue economy has begun,” X wrote on the social network.
Published – 02 Apr 2026 19:08 IST
