Giving details, officials said Matangi- an
Autonomous Surface Vessel developed by Sagar Defence Engineering was flagged
off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh here during the
Plenary Session of Swavlamban 2024 at Bharat Mandapam.
The sea transit from Mumbai to Tuticorin spans a distance of 850
nautical miles or 1500 kilometers. During
the transit Matangi will proceed in Autonomous mode without human intervention,
using the indigenously developed 'navigation and collision avoidance software'.
Matangi has successfully completed the first leg of the Autonomous mode
transit from Mumbai to Karwar covering about 600 km (350 nm) passage at night.
Nearly 1,000 km more are to go to Tuticorin for the expedition, they added.
Startup`s and MSMEs lead the way to successful
development and validation of niche technology embodying the spirit of
Swavlamban 2024. Strength and power
through innovation and indigenization to make science, technology and
innovation a revolutionary idea in the country is the objective.