To enhance its operational capabilities, the Indian Navy is actively seeking new technologies as it launches its two-day annual technology conference, Swavlamban 2024, in New Delhi today. This third edition of the Indian Navy’s flagship Swavlamban event aims to promote naval innovation and indigenization.
The Indian Navy focuses on indigenizing key technologies and has secured the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 18 crucial projects worth Rs 2,094.36 crore. Procurement orders totalling Rs 784 crores have been signed to introduce critical defence products based on advanced technologies. Central to Swavlamban 2024 is a shared commitment to collaborative innovation, bringing together start-ups, MSMEs, academia, and research institutions to create a dynamic ecosystem for knowledge sharing and the rapid translation of innovations into tangible defence products.
According to the Navy, Swavlamban 2024 is a cornerstone event that exemplifies the Indian Navy’s commitment to achieving technological self-reliance. Building on the successes of prior editions, this year’s event aims to accelerate Indigenous defence innovation and manufacturing, addressing the Navy’s critical modernization needs amidst an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
The theme of this year’s event—’Innovation, Indigenisation, and Technological Sovereignty’—reflects the objective of fostering an ecosystem where Indian defence industries, including start-ups, MSMEs, and academic institutions, can thrive through collaboration, hopes the Navy. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision and the Maritime India Vision 2030. This ensures that the Navy’s future operational requirements are met with homegrown solutions, enhancing India’s strategic autonomy.
Swavlamban 2024 is set to be a transformative platform, the Navy claims, that will introduce cutting-edge technologies designed to address the unique operational challenges faced by the Indian Navy. By integrating autonomous vehicles into its maritime operations, the Navy aims to enhance its surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, thereby improving maritime domain awareness—essential for protecting India’s energy security and marine economy. These autonomous technologies are crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of modern warfare.
The Navy is leading the way in technology development through the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO), launched on 13 August 2020. Its mission is to incorporate critical and disruptive technologies via the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) program. NIIO hosts Swavlamban annually to showcase advanced capabilities developed through innovation and indigenous manufacturing by Indian start-ups and MSMEs. This year’s seminar will highlight significant events and milestones that reflect the Navy’s commitment to innovation, modernization, and technological advancement.
According to the Indian Navy, Swavlamban 2024 will also act as a launchpad for the ADITI/DISC challenges, which aim to engage MSMEs and start-ups in developing innovative defence solutions. These challenges build on the SPRINT initiative introduced by the Prime Minister on 18 July 2022.
By leveraging initiatives like iDEX, Make-II, and Make-I schemes, the Indian Navy empowers innovation partners to become key stakeholders in the defence innovation ecosystem. This collaboration is essential for building a robust indigenous naval defence manufacturing base and fulfilling the vision of atmanirbhar Bharat.
As the Indian Navy continues to embrace innovation and pursue technological sovereignty, Swavlamban 2024 will serve as a testament to India’s growing expertise in defence manufacturing and its ability to address the challenges of modern warfare.
Ravi Shankar
