To enhance its operational capabilities, the Indian Navy actively seeks new technologies as it prepares for its annual technology conference, Swavlamban, scheduled to take place in Delhi on October 28-29. The third edition of the Indian Navy’s flagship Swavlamban seminar aims to promote naval innovation and indigenization.
In the run-up to the mega event, the Vice Chief of Naval Staff (VCNS) Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan highlighted that this year’s event would showcase the remarkable efforts in innovation and indigenization from the armed forces, industry partners, and the Indian defence sector. Envisaged to be larger and more impactful than previous editions, the seminar will significantly focus on technological advancements designed to enhance India’s defence capabilities.
Vice Admiral Swaminathan stated that the blue-water force aims to not only address existing capability gaps but also acquire cutting-edge technologies for future advancements.
Over the past two years, the Indian Navy has signed contracts totalling Rs 1,194 crore for 13 projects with private companies focusing on innovative solutions. Additionally, 22 Acceptance of Necessity (AoNs) valued at approximately Rs 2,200 crore have been approved. Several of these advancements will be showcased at the upcoming conference, the Vice Chief disclosed.
Furthermore, the Navy has set up two specialized task forces dedicated to identifying niche technologies that will help maintain its strategic edge over potential adversaries, VCNS added.
“Over the last two editions of Swavlamban, the Indian Navy has received more than 2,000 proposals from the Indian industry that have been converted into 155 challenges to facilitate development of prototypes,” he said. This initiative has enabled collaboration with more than 200 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), start-ups under the iDEX scheme.
#Swavlamban2024
"Strength & Power through Innovation & Indigenisation"VAdm Krishna Swaminathan, #VCNS, reveals how innovation is paving the way for a #ViksitBharat and a powerful #Nausena.#IndianNavy's annual #Innovation & #Indigenisation Seminar, #Swavlamban 2024, unites… https://t.co/6FaZ5dYW57 pic.twitter.com/QU0aei8m10
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) October 19, 2024
The VCNS also offered a comprehensive overview of the Navy’s achievements and its vision for attaining Aatmanirbharta in defence technologies. This commitment is emphasized in the theme for Swavlamban 2024: “Strength and Power through Innovation and Indigenization.” This theme underscores the Navy’s dedication to fostering innovation to develop cutting-edge solutions to address the operational challenges of modern warfare.
Ravi Shankar
