The Indian Navy is all set to introduce its latest indigenization roadmap, known as ‘Swavlamban 2.0,’ to showcase the development of advanced defense technologies next week. Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, the Vice Chief of Naval Staff (VCNS), has announced that this roadmap will not only highlight the achievements thus far but also outline the path forward.
In an impressive accomplishment, the Navy has surpassed its targets set last year by collaborating with domestic Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and startups to create 75 cutting-edge technologies, the Vice Chief said. These advancements will be officially unveiled at the upcoming Swavlamban seminar and exhibition scheduled for October 4th and 5th. Vice Admiral Singh stressed that these technologies and products maintain world-class standards while being more cost-effective due to their production in India.
In 2022, as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Indian Navy pledged to advance at least 75 technologies. The Vice Chief reported that not only have these commitments from the past year been fulfilled, but in certain instances, they have even exceeded expectations. This remarkable progress has primarily been achieved through initiatives such as SPRINT (Supporting Pole-Vaulting in R&D through Innovation for Defence Excellence), the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO), and the Technology Development Acceleration Cell.
Furthermore, the Swavlamban roadmap is focused on fostering collaboration, coordination, and the development of innovative technologies through partnerships, according to Vice-Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh. He stated that the Navy has invested significant time and effort in realizing this commitment and expressed confidence that the Swavlamban initiative has gained critical mass and is gaining momentum.
Commodore Arun Golaya, Head of the Navy’s Technology Development Acceleration Cell, revealed that since the establishment of NIIO, naval officers have filed for over 50 patents, and over 150 products are being developed through partnerships. Some of these new technologies are truly unique and not available anywhere else in the world.
New Technologies
One of the standout innovations from NIIO is the development of a fire-fighting suit, which is significantly lighter than imported suits, making it more comfortable and easier to move in. This suit, made of carbon nanotubes and aerogel-based fabric by Hyderabad-based firm Veera Tactical Dynamics, can withstand extreme temperatures from -200 degrees Celsius to over 1,000 degrees Celsius. This innovation is crucial for the Navy, as it helps protect personnel when dealing with fires on board surface vessels or submarines. Notably, the suit can also evade detection by infrared cameras, enhancing its effectiveness. Compared to the imported suits weighing over 18 kg, this indigenous suit weighs only about 1.8 kg and is more cost-effective.
Vice-Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh mentioned that the suit is still undergoing trials, and it could potentially be included in the next or third tranche of innovations for which approval will be given. The suit’s benefits extend beyond the Navy, as it can also be valuable for the Army and the Indian Air Force. For the Army, it offers protection from infrared cameras, while for the Air Force, it could prevent fatal burns in the event of a crash.
Another impressive development from NIIO is the deployment of a fire-fighting robot on the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. This robot, part of the Navy’s SPRINT initiative, effectively detects and extinguishes fires, enhancing safety for personnel on board.
Additionally, NIIO has been working on blue-green lasers optimized for underwater applications. These lasers can penetrate water more effectively than traditional lasers, making them ideal for tasks such as underwater communication and imaging. Furthermore, NIIO has been exploring autonomous weaponized swarms and underwater swarm drones that can be used for various missions, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and attack.
These examples represent just a glimpse of the many innovative technologies under development by NIIO. The organization collaborates closely with Indian industry and academia, and many of these technologies are expected to be deployed by the Indian Navy in the coming years. Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh also emphasized that these products could find applications in the Army, the Air Force, civilian usage, and even have significant export potential.