Sagar Defence Engineering (SDE), an Indian deep-tech company specialising in unmanned and autonomous defence systems, has raised Rs 3 billion (approximately USD 33 million) from Indian institutional investors in a pre-IPO funding round. The investment values the company at a pre-money valuation of Rs 200 billion (approximately USD 2.2 billion).Founded in 2015 by Capt. Nikunj Parashar and his co-founders, SDE began operations from a 150 sq ft workspace with a focus on developing indigenous technologies to address operational challenges in the maritime sector. Drawing on his experience in the industry, Parashar identified the potential of unmanned and autonomous systems to improve operational efficiency and maritime safety, while reducing human exposure to high-risk environments.Over the past decade, the company has evolved into a vertically integrated deep-tech enterprise, with capabilities spanning research, engineering, design and manufacturing. It is expanding its manufacturing and research infrastructure in Pune, Maharashtra, while developing an Autonomous Systems Shipyard and Maritime Systems Research Centre in Andhra Pradesh.SDE's journey was highlighted at Swavlamban 2026, the Indian Navy's fifth Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Seminar, held in New Delhi on 26 and 27 October 2026. Centred on the theme Strength and Power through Innovation and Indigenisation, the seminar brought together the Armed Forces, startups, MSMEs, researchers and industry stakeholders to strengthen India's defence innovation ecosystem.The funding comes as Indian institutional investors show growing interest in deep-tech businesses operating in strategically important sectors. Defence technology companies typically require sustained investment in research, engineering, testing, manufacturing and operational validation. SDE said the proceeds would support its expansion in research and development, autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing and indigenous technology capabilities.Commenting on the fundraise, Capt. Nikunj Parashar said, “We have received SEBI's final observations and have successfully concluded our pre-IPO fundraising round, raising Rs 300 crore. At this stage, I am not in a position to comment further.”