QUEST FOR INDIGENOUS JET ENGINE

Swavlamban 2024, held by the Indian Navy in New Delhi, showcases India's strides in indigenous defence technology, promoting self-reliance and innovation.

Swavlamban 2024, hosted by the Indian Navy Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on October 2829, underscores India's ongoing commitment to defence innovation and self-reliance, aligning with the broader vision of "Aatmanirbharta" (self-reliance). The seminar is a collaborative effort under the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO), focusing on showcas ing cutting-edge, indigenous technologies. Swavlamban 2024 highlights include exhibits on autonomous systems for surface, aerial, and underwater operations, as well as advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and surveillance systems. The event also introduces the Swavlamban 3.0 document and new national-level Hackathon Challenges, inviting startups and MSMEs to propose innovative solutions for operational challenges faced by the Indian Navy.

Since its inception in 2022, Swavlamban has facilitated over 2,000 proposals from Indian industries, translating into 155 development challenges for prototypes.

This year's seminar is expected to be the largest yet, with contributions from various Indian defence agencies and companies, particularly MSMEs, under the iDEX scheme, which fosters defence innovation and collaboration with the private sector.

Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi has emphasised Swavlamban's role in bridging the Navy's technology gaps by harnessing the potential of startups and innovation partners. Key products highlighted include a domestically developed anti-drone gun with a range of up to 4 kilometres, underscoring India's capability in counter-drone technology.

This product, along with various others showcased at the event, demonstrates the depth of India's defence sector capabilities.