The Indian Navy will host the fifth edition of its Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Seminar, Swavlamban 2026, on 26 and 27 October at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. The seminar brings together defence innovators, industry, academia, start-ups, MSMEs, investors and the armed services to develop indigenous naval capabilities.
Naval innovation and indigenisation
Swavlamban 2026 will focus on converting technological ideas into practical systems and operational capabilities at sea. Its agenda includes advanced technologies and faster induction of indigenous systems into service. The seminar’s exhibition will feature maritime surveillance, counter-unmanned aircraft systems (Counter-UAS), artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and nuclear, biological, chemical and radiological (NBCD) defence. The Indian Navy’s indigenisation work includes quantum positioning systems, high-power microwave directed-energy systems, extra-large autonomous underwater vehicles and indigenous ramjet engines for fixed-wing aircraft. These technologies cover navigation, directed-energy applications, underwater platforms and aircraft propulsion.
Defence technology and innovation
Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, chaired the seminar’s curtain-raiser press conference on 19 October 2026. The event is intended to connect technological expertise with the operational requirements of the Navy. Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) is a defence innovation initiative that invites proposals from Indian innovators. More than 4,000 proposals have been received under iDEX. Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) has been accorded for projects worth over ₹3,500 crore, while contracts valued at more than ₹1,900 crore have been concluded.
Naval procurement and seminar participation
Swavlamban began in 2022, with about 800 participants at its first edition and nearly 3,000 participants in 2025. More than 100 exhibition stalls are expected in 2026. The Navy has 42 platforms on order and has received AoN for a further 78 platforms and 120 Fast Interceptor Craft (FICs). The combined estimated value of these procurements is ₹2.41 lakh crore. Requests for Proposals have also been issued for four Landing Platform Docks and next-generation frigates.
Important Facts for Exams
- Swavlamban 2026 is the fifth edition of the Indian Navy’s Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Seminar.
- The seminar is scheduled for 26–27 October 2026 at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi.
- iDEX has received more than 4,000 proposals from Indian innovators.
- The Navy’s procurement pipeline includes 120 Fast Interceptor Craft and four Landing Platform Docks.
The seminar’s themes include artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and Counter-UAS. The Navy’s stated procurement pipeline includes platforms with an estimated combined value of ₹2.41 lakh crore.
