The Systems Alliance Navy was established by the Caldari State but operates independently. SANAV is neutral to all factions and all races are accepted. Despite the title, SANAV is not soley a military operation. Engineers, manufacturers, miners, and everything inbetween are recruited to aid SANAV.

The Systems Alliance Navy was originaly intended to be lead by Admiral Yanala of the Caldari Navy. Yanala was to be given "Emergency War Authority" in an attempt to broker peace between the Caldari and Gallente and reclaim Caldari Prime. Before the completeion of Project SANAV Yanala was drafted back into command of the CNV Shiigeru in an attempt to regain control of Caldari Prime through force.

When Yanala was confirmed KIA, the prime directive of Project SANAV underwent a change. SANAV was now to operate independently of the Caldari State in an attempt to keep peace between all factions. While SANAV maintains some pull within the Caldari State, the Caldari State does not have any say in the actions of SANAV. Although SANAV is not secret, it was decided that it would not be publicly revealed or promoted in fear that SANAV would have enough influence in the public eye, and the eye of faction leaders, to effectively stand against the Caldari State if SANAV were to find it necessary.

The objective of SANAV, as stated by Admiral Sawyer, is to "Keep peace when possible, terminate with extreme prejudice when it's not". Sawyer's statement was later clarified by amother member of SANAV: "We try to keep peace between all factions if we can, but if someone is clearly in the wrong we will stand against them without any reservations, be it Caldari or otherwise".