Kochi-based marine robotics and AI deep-tech company EyeROV has delivered two EyeROV TROUT military-grade underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) systems to the Indian Navy. The delivery is part of the Navy’s order for five TROUT systems and marks a major milestone in India’s efforts to develop indigenous underwater robotic capabilities.
TROUT is the first military-grade ROV built in India for naval operations. The system has been designed, developed, manufactured and qualified in India for mission-critical underwater applications. It is intended for underwater inspection, surveillance and reconnaissance, search and recovery, detection and robotic intervention.
The platform was developed under the iDEX DISC 7 SPRINT Challenge, which supports strategically important indigenous technologies for the Indian Armed Forces. The programme involved the development and integration of an underwater robotic system with support from the Indian Navy.
Before delivery, TROUT underwent extensive field trials and system-level validation. The trials assessed manoeuvrability, deep-dive capability, performance in strong underwater currents, detection, navigation, endurance and operator control. The system also went through the quality assurance framework of the Directorate of Quality Assurance (Naval), or DQA(N), and environmental stress screening requirements.
The ROV is designed to operate in challenging underwater environments where poor visibility, strong currents, deep-water conditions and limited accessibility can make conventional operations difficult. Its capabilities can support naval inspection, maritime security, underwater infrastructure protection, port and harbour security, and search and recovery missions.
The delivery moves TROUT from development and qualification into operational supply with the Indian Navy. The Navy’s five-system order was valued at around ₹47 crore and was announced in 2025 under the iDEX ecosystem.
EyeROV’s achievement also highlights the growing role of Indian deep-tech startups in defence technology. The indigenous development of TROUT supports the broader Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat push while strengthening domestic expertise in marine robotics, underwater sensing, navigation and robotic control.
