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The Indian Navy’s flagship innovation and indigenisation initiative, Swavlamban 2026, returns to New Delhi on 26–27 October, bringing indigenous defence technologies and the drive for self-reliance into sharp focus. The fifth edition of the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Seminar will be held at the Manekshaw Centre under the theme ‘Strength & Power through Innovation and Indigenisation’, focusing on translating Indian innovation into operational capabilities for the armed forces.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will attend the plenary session on 26 October as Chief Guest. The two-day seminar will bring together the armed forces, defence industry, start-ups, MSMEs, academia and investors to explore technologies that could shape future warfare and strengthen India’s maritime preparedness.
Since its 2022 launch, Swavlamban has emerged as a platform that connects the Indian Navy’s operational requirements with the innovation potential of domestic industry and research institutions. Its central objective is to bridge the gap between technological ideas and deployment in the field, advancing Aatmanirbharta in defence.
Emerging technologies will be a key focus of this year’s deliberations. Sessions will examine the potential applications of artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, autonomous systems and hypersonic technologies in future warfare and naval operations. According to the Indian Navy, a thematic exhibition will showcase indigenous solutions across maritime surveillance, counter-unmanned aerial systems (Counter-UAS), AI and quantum technologies, nuclear, biological and chemical defence (NBCD), safety and operational efficiency. It will also highlight success stories tracing the journey of indigenous products from concept to fruition.
Beyond technology development, the seminar will address the wider ecosystem needed to turn innovation into deployable capability. Discussions will focus on strengthening the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) ecosystem, building resilient domestic supply chains, encouraging academic entrepreneurship and helping start-ups scale promising technologies. Engagements with investors and venture capitalists are expected to explore pathways for funding, commercialisation and wider adoption of indigenous defence solutions.
The plenary session on 26 October will also feature the felicitation of industry partners by the Defence Minister in recognition of their contributions to defence innovation and indigenisation. The release of the Swavlamban 5.0 document and the Compendium on Technology Imperatives will provide a framework for further engagement with industry and academia on the Navy’s technological priorities and operational requirements.
Organised by the Indian Navy in collaboration with the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), Swavlamban 2026 is expected to reinforce the push for closer collaboration between military users, technology developers and industry, an essential step in building indigenous capabilities for the demands of future maritime operations.
Team BharatShakti
