Archive · 27 Sep 2026
Navy Chief Urges Skyroot Collaboration For Sovereign Space Defense Capabilities
The Indian Navy wants to work more closely with Skyroot Aerospace, an Indian space company.
The Navy uses satellites and other space tools to watch areas, aim weapons and combine information from sensors.
Navy chief Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan said private Indian companies should understand the military’s special needs.
He invited Skyroot to work with the Navy on long-term projects.
Using Indian companies could help keep secret information safer.
Skyroot said there are many more satellites waiting to be launched than available launch vehicles.
The company also said it may need to conduct launches every month for sovereign and defense needs.
India is planning a group of 52 satellites, and Skyroot hopes to launch some of them.
Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan invited Skyroot Aerospace to collaborate with the Indian Navy on defense-specific space requirements.
He said the Navy depends heavily on space technology for surveillance, targeting and weapon-sensor fusion.
Swaminathan emphasized domestic data ownership, confidentiality and self-reliance for classified defense operations.
Skyroot chief Pawan Kumar Chandana said launch demand is rising, including for sovereign and defense missions.
India is planning a 52-satellite constellation, and Chandana hopes Skyroot will handle some launches.
- Who
- Indian Navy chief Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and Skyroot Aerospace chief Pawan Kumar Chandana.
- What
- The Navy invited Skyroot Aerospace to collaborate on defense-related space capabilities and launch requirements.
- When
- The invitation was made at the NDTV Defence Summit; a specific date was not stated.
- Where
- At the NDTV Defence Summit in India.
- Why
- To strengthen sovereign space capabilities, protect classified information and meet growing defense and satellite-launch needs.
- Navy chief
- Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan
- Space company
- Skyroot Aerospace
- Key defense uses
- Surveillance, targeting and weapon-sensor fusion
- Planning horizon
- The Navy referred to developing capabilities over the next 20–25 years.
- Planned constellation
- India is planning to launch a constellation of 52 satellites.
- Launch requirement
- Skyroot said new sovereign requirements could require launches every month.
- Security priority
- The participants stressed domestic data ownership and confidentiality for classified operations.