Navy Chief Invites Skyroot to Collaborate in Mission Mode on Space Capabilities

Indian Navy chief Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has extended an invitation to private space technology start-up Skyroot Aerospace to work with the Navy in "mission mode", urging closer integration between the service and the private space sector.

The invitation is aimed at helping the Navy understand defence-specific requirements and at developing world-class, sovereign space capabilities over the next 20 to 25 years.

The Navy chief made the remarks at the NDTV Summit. The call for collaboration signals a push to bring private space players into the country's defence planning, with the Navy seeking to draw on their expertise as it looks to build indigenous space capacity for military needs.

Skyroot Aerospace is a private space technology start-up. The proposed engagement would focus on aligning the company's capabilities with the requirements of the Navy and the wider defence establishment.

The invitation comes amid a broader effort to strengthen India's sovereign space capabilities, with the Navy chief framing the partnership as one that should be pursued on mission mode rather than through routine engagement.