Indian Navy-BEL developed software for autonomous operation.
BEL-Indian Navy Advanced Autonomous Navigation & Control Software (A2NCS): Bengaluru (Karnataka) — In a significant boost to India’s indigenous defence and maritime technology capabilities, the Indian Navy and state-run Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have jointly developed an advanced software solution that enables fully autonomous, unmanned operations of naval platforms at sea.
The software, named Advanced Autonomous Navigation & Control Software (A2NCS), has been developed in collaboration with the Navy’s Weapons and Electrical Engineering Systems Establishment. According to BEL, the indigenous system allows the Indian Navy to conduct unmanned warfare missions using Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), marking a major step forward in naval automation and next-generation maritime operations.
Announcing the achievement on social media platform X, BEL said the software has already been integrated into a Fast Interceptor Boat of the Indian Navy. The platform has been deployed successfully for mine countermeasure missions and combat exercises, demonstrating the operational readiness and robustness of the system.
Three Modes of Autonomous Operation
BEL stated that A2NCS enables fully unmanned operation of the Fast Interceptor Boat and supports three distinct modes of control, offering flexibility across mission profiles.
In the remote-controlled mode, an operator located away from the vessel can assume control to execute complex manoeuvres in challenging scenarios. The autonomous waypoint navigation mode allows the vessel to operate within a designated maritime area while independently navigating traffic and adapting to changing sea conditions. In the fully autonomous mode, the software takes complete control of vessel operations, navigating dense maritime environments, avoiding obstacles and executing assigned missions without human intervention.
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Advanced Sensors, AI and Cybersecurity
The A2NCS integrates a sophisticated network of sensors, including radars, an Automatic Identification System (AIS), Global Positioning System (GPS) and electronic navigation charts. These inputs provide the vessel with comprehensive situational awareness during unmanned missions, even in congested maritime traffic environments.
The software leverages Artificial Intelligence to support decision-making, obstacle avoidance and navigation, while also incorporating cybersecurity, resiliency and fail-safe operational capabilities to ensure safe and reliable performance during critical missions.
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First Indigenous USV Software to Receive IRClass Certification
In a major validation of its quality and reliability, the BEL–Navy-developed software has received IRClass Certification from the Indian Registrar of Shipping. BEL said this makes A2NCS the first indigenous USV software to be certified for both quality and operational reliability.
The certification followed extensive sea trials of the autonomous Fast Interceptor Boat, with compliance with international collision regulations forming a key requirement during testing.
Strengthening Self-Reliance in Defence
The successful development and certification of A2NCS represents a significant milestone for India’s defence modernisation efforts. The software enhances the Indian Navy’s capability in unmanned and autonomous maritime operations while reducing risks to personnel and improving operational flexibility.
BEL said the project strongly supports the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative, reflecting the growing role of indigenous design, development and production in meeting the armed forces’ future requirements.
With autonomous and unmanned systems increasingly shaping naval warfare worldwide, the BEL–Indian Navy collaboration positions India among a select group of nations with proven, certified technologies for unmanned surface combat operations.
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