New Delhi: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan on Monday pitched for accelerating the pace of translating innovation into operational capabilities for the naval force, highlighting the role of indigenous solutions and next-generation technologies in strengthening the country's maritime defence capabilities.
Addressing the plenary session of Indian Navy's flagship annual seminar 'Swavlamban 2026' here, he said advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems should be leveraged to bolster naval capabilities.
The Navy is hosting the fifth edition of its flagship seminar at Manekshaw Centre here on October 26 and 27.
In his address, Admiral Swaminathan pitched for accelerating the pace of translating innovation into operational capabilities for the naval force.
He said steadfast efforts are needed to achieve Atmanirbharta in Navy.
On 'Swavlamban 2026'
Admiral Krishna Swaminathan on Sunday emphasised the importance of building a technologically empowered, self-reliant and future-ready Indian Navy, highlighting the role of indigenous solutions and next-generation technologies in strengthening the country's maritime defence capabilities.
Swaminathan described Swavlamban as the Indian Navy's flagship event for innovation, indigenisation and self-reliance, noting that the initiative has expanded significantly since its launch in July 2022.'
“Swavlamban is the Indian Navy's flagship event for innovation, indigenisation, and self-reliance,” he said.
He noted that the event had grown at a remarkable pace in just four editions, from around 800 participants in its first edition to nearly 3,000 in 2025.
Highlighting the importance of technological innovation in defence preparedness, the Navy chief said that technologies expected to shape future battlefields were already being developed in laboratories, universities and startups across the country.
“The technologies that will shape tomorrow's battlefield are being created today in laboratories, universities, and startups across the country,” he said.
Explaining the purpose of the initiative, Swaminathan said Swavlamban sought to connect the Indian Navy's operational requirements with the capabilities of India's scientists, engineers, innovators and entrepreneurs.
“At its heart, Swavlamban has a simple purpose: to connect the Indian Navy's operational requirements with the ingenuity, creativity, enterprise, and excellence of India's scientists, engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs,” he said.
(With inputs from PTI & ANI)
