We're seeking development in all domains, air, sea to AI: Vice-chief of Naval Staff

“Navy is seeking development in all domains, from air and underwater to AI and quantum technology, to become a multi-domain network force,” Vice-Chief of Naval Staff (VCNS) Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar said on Monday (October 19, 2026).

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, the VCNS also said efforts are under way not just to adopt new technology, but also to meet operational capabilities.

Asked about the ongoing West Asia situation and the role of the Navy in protecting maritime interests amid this evolving conflict, he said, "Ongoing crises have kept us engaged, in terms of both thinking and deployment."

He also referred to the Navy's Operation Urja Suraksha, which has helped in safely escorting many ships to Indian shores, amid attacks in critical sea lanes.

On a question on the lessons drawn from recent conflict in terms of technology adoption, the VCNS said the recent conflicts have brought to the fore changes the force needs to adopt and imbibe, such as autonomous systems and artificial intelligence in warfighting.

"If I look forward, it also includes counter-UAS (unmanned aircraft system), use of quantum technology, which is a field that will be unfolding very soon in the future. All these, we are very cognisant of," he added.

Mr. Kochhar also said conflicts alone do not shape the future of the navy and underscored the importance of technology for the force.