Indian Navy targets 230-ship fleet and sovereign space capabilities

Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Naval Staff, has outlined strategic goals for the Indian Navy to enhance maritime security and technological sovereignty. At the NDTV Defence Summit 2026, Swaminathan invited Skyroot Aerospace to collaborate with the armed forces in “mission mode” to develop sovereign space capabilities over the next two decades. He emphasized that space-based systems, including satellites, are increasingly critical for surveillance, targeting, and networked naval operations.

In addition to space integration, the Navy aims to expand its fleet to approximately 230 ships by 2040–2045 to address a more contested maritime environment. Swaminathan noted that the Indian Ocean region is facing increased competition for seabed resources and geopolitical tensions. To counter evolving threats such as low-cost drones and missiles, the Navy is focusing on indigenous shipbuilding and long-term planning that incorporates emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum systems.