Contracts worth over Rs 1,900 crore have been signed for indigenous naval technologies under a Defence Ministry initiative to promote self-reliance, the Navy said ahead of its innovation and indigenisation seminar, Swavlamban 2026.
The fifth edition of the event, scheduled for October 26 and 27 at the Manekshaw Centre, will focus on turning promising innovations into systems ready for operational use.
Under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative, more than 4,000 proposals have been received from Indian innovators, with around 150 MSMEs and start-ups participating. Projects worth over Rs 3,500 crore have received Acceptance of Necessity, an initial approval in the defence procurement process.
The technologies being pursued include quantum positioning systems, high-power microwave directed-energy systems, extra-large autonomous underwater vehicles and indigenous ramjet engines for fixed-wing aerial platforms.
Vice Admiral Ajay Kochar said unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, advanced sensors and networked capabilities were changing maritime warfare. The Navy’s aim was to quickly deploy reliable systems suited to its operational needs.
He said the Navy’s efforts to integrate new technologies would follow four principles: scale, sophistication, speed and spiral development. The last involves continuously upgrading systems through trials, user feedback and technological advances.
More than 100 stalls are expected at this year’s seminar, which will bring together the armed forces, security agencies, industry, start-ups, academia and investors. Attendance has grown from about 800 people at the first edition to nearly 3,000 last year.
The two-day event will include an exhibition and discussions on moving prototypes into production and operational deployment. Sessions will also cover cybersecurity, supply-chain vulnerabilities and funding for development and manufacturing.
Kochar urged industry and academia to develop solutions that meet operational needs, backed by sound engineering and reliable delivery.
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