Adani Defence and Sparton to Build India’s First Indigenous Sonobuoy Systems
In a landmark development for India’s maritime security and defence manufacturing capabilities, Adani Defence & Aerospace has announced a strategic partnership with Sparton DeLeon Springs LLC, a U.S.-based subsidiary of Elbit Systems. The collaboration will lead to the production of India’s first indigenously developed sonobuoy systems, critical for anti-submarine warfare (ASW).
Advancing Indigenous ASW Capabilities
The agreement will localize the assembly, and eventually full-scale manufacturing, of advanced sonobuoy systems in India. This initiative aligns with the national push under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ to reduce defence import dependency and establish sovereign capability in sensitive strategic technologies.
Jeet Adani, Vice President of Adani Enterprises, remarked, “In an increasingly volatile maritime environment, strengthening India’s undersea warfare capabilities is not merely a strategic priority but an imperative for safeguarding sovereignty and national interests.”
This partnership represents a first for the Indian private sector in the niche underwater surveillance segment and is expected to contribute significantly to naval self-reliance.
Significance of Sonobuoys
Sonobuoys are expendable sonar systems deployed by aircraft or ships to detect and track enemy submarines. They play a crucial role in real-time undersea surveillance, securing carrier strike groups and enabling offensive or defensive ASW operations.
These devices are central to the Indian Navy’s broader Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) architecture, especially in the context of increasing submarine activity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) by both state and non-state actors.
With the capability to integrate these systems locally, the Indian Navy can expect greater customization, faster delivery timelines, and lower lifecycle costs.
Strategic Implications and Future Scope
This development is not just about one product—it signals a transformation in India’s defence ecosystem. By becoming the first Indian private entity to produce sonobuoys domestically, Adani Defence will be positioned to expand into broader ASW solutions, potentially including underwater drones and advanced acoustic systems.
The partnership is also likely to open doors for export opportunities, especially to friendly nations facing similar undersea surveillance challenges.
Sparton, with over 120 years of underwater warfare experience, will contribute proven technologies and processes, while Adani brings in infrastructure, indigenous supply chains, and policy backing. The synergy could be a template for future Indo-U.S. defence tech collaborations under initiatives like INDUS-X and iCET.
