New Delhi: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has called for faster conversion of indigenous innovations into operational capabilities, stressing that the Indian Navy must keep pace with emerging technologies. Addressing the fifth edition of Swavlamban 2026 on October 26, the Navy’s flagship innovation and indigenisation seminar, he urged industry, startups and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to help strengthen India’s maritime capabilities and defence self-reliance.
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Highlighting the initiative’s progress since its launch in 2022, Swaminathan said that Navy-specific Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) challenges have increased from 20 to 229, accounting for around 35% of all iDEX challenges across the defence sector. The Navy has also secured 41 Acceptances of Necessity worth over ₹3,500 crore, while 25 contracts valued at more than ₹1,900 crore have been signed.
The Navy Chief identified artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, robotics and quantum sensing as technologies that could significantly enhance future naval operations. He stressed the need to adopt these advances quickly and translate them into practical operational advantages, while maintaining high standards and evaluating progress towards self-reliance.
Held at the Manekshaw Centre on October 26–27, the seminar bought together the armed forces, industry, startups, MSMEs, academia and investors under the theme “Strength & Power through Innovation and Indigenisation.” The exhibition showcased indigenous technologies in maritime surveillance, counter-drone systems, AI, quantum technologies, safety and operational efficiency.
The event also focused on strengthening domestic supply chains, helping startups scale their technologies and connecting innovators with potential investors. The broader objective is to align indigenous research and development more closely with the armed forces’ operational requirements, ensuring that promising technologies move beyond prototypes and deliver tangible capabilities.
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