In what could come as a major boost to the Indian Army’s indigenous innovation drive, Service Innovator Major Rajprasad R.S. of the Corps of Engineers has developed a homegrown Multi-Utility Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), 'Sapperscout Version 2.0'.
'Sapperscout 2.0' is India’s first in-house multi-role UGV designed for a wide range of applications in the battlefields, including mine detection, reconnaissance and surveillance, vehicle-based mine scattering, casualty evacuation, and payload carriage. The system also offers modular architecture, allowing integration of mission-specific payloads such as weapon systems and counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS).
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An all-terrain platform, 'Sapperscout 2.0' features a six-wheel independently driven system with articulated suspension, along with environmental sensing and obstacle-detection capabilities, enabling it to operate across diverse terrains in the country, including deserts, plains and high-altitude areas.
The system is designed to support manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T). "The Sapperscout UGV will be a potent force multiplier in remotely engaging targets, flank protection, recce and surveillance, ammunition and fuel replenishment, establishment of C-UAS Grid, enabling logistic support for all arms," a press statement read.
Sapperscout 2.0 was unveiled at the Indian Army’s annual innovation competition ‘Innoyodha 2025’ at Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. The project was showcased to the Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi.
The Army is now expected to evaluate the Sapperscout 2.0 for operational absorption in the near future.
This is the 12th innovation by Major Rajprasad, with four of his technologies, including Vidyut Rakshak, an IoT-based generator monitoring system, and Agniastra, a portable multi-target detonation device, already inducted into service over the last two years. At ‘Innoyodha 2025’, Major Rajprasad was felicitated for his contribution to indigenous defence innovation.
