Indian Navy collaborates with MSMEs and start-ups for advanced technologies like underwater swarm drones and fire-fighting robots.

Navy Pushes Ahead with Indigenous Development of Niche Technologies

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Under its ‘Swavlamban’ initiative, the Indian Navy is forging partnerships with start-ups and MSMEs to advance the indigenous development of niche technologies. Vice Admiral S J Singh, the Navy vice chief, announced that the initiative aims to collaborate, coordinate, and develop new niche technologies in partnership. The Navy has already obtained acceptance of necessity (AoNs) for 12 cases worth close to Rs 1,500 crore, with procurement orders for products worth Rs 200 crore already signed. Several products and prototypes developed through the SPRINT challenge will be showcased at the second Swavlamban seminar-cum-exhibition to be held in New Delhi from October 4-5. The Navy will also unveil an updated indigenisation roadmap titled ‘Swavlamban 2.0’ during the event.

One of the notable products to be displayed at the exhibition is a fire-fighting robot, which has undergone trials on board the new aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. The robot is designed to detect the seat of fire and extinguish it using water or foam jets, thus ensuring the safety of sailors. The Navy had committed to developing at least 75 niche technologies or products under the Swavlamban initiative last year. The force received 1,106 proposals from start-ups and MSMEs, out of which 118 firms were declared winners. Vice Admiral Singh stated that the aim of developing at least 75 technologies/products has not only been met but surpassed. He emphasized that the Swavlamban initiative has gained critical mass and is gathering continuous momentum.

The Navy’s focus on indigenous capabilities and self-reliance has been a core outlook for the force. Over the years, the Navy has sought to maximize its indigenous capabilities, and this has gained even more importance in the prevailing geostrategic environment. The partnerships with start-ups and MSMEs under the Swavlamban initiative have not only contributed to technology development but have also brought new firms into the defence eco-system. The Navy’s push for indigenous development of niche technologies is a significant step towards enhancing its operational capabilities and strengthening national security.

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