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New Delhi, Oct 17 (IANS) Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on Friday underlined the need for a structured policy framework to strengthen India’s domestic industrial base through a balanced synergy between the public and private sectors.
His remarks came at the inaugural address of the ‘Strategic Insights Conference on Indigenous Development of Critical Technologies for Air Power’ organized by the Center for Aerospace Power and Strategic Studies (CAPSS) in New Delhi on October 17, 2025.
The Defense Secretary emphasized that diversification of the industrial base will end monopolies, increase ease of doing business and promote innovation across the ecosystem.
He reiterated the government’s firm commitment to atmanirbharta in defence, stressing the importance of development of advanced aero technologies, field evaluation trials and long-range air-to-air missile systems to strengthen India’s air power capabilities.
In particular, Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Narmadeshwar Tiwari highlighted the contribution of air power in determining strategic outcomes, as was seen during Operation Sindoor.
He said that “besides the capabilities to design and develop indigenous aircraft, India should also give priority to acquiring expertise in electronic warfare, advanced sensors, radar and data links.”
Director General, AERO, DRDO. Rajalakshmi Menon highlighted the disruptive potential of UAVs, multi-sensor fusion and artificial intelligence in aerial operations.
He also talked about advances in stealth technology, aerostats and airships equipped with better sensors, as well as the integration of quantum, photonic and blockchain technologies into defense systems.
Director General, CAPSS, Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Anil Golani drew attention to the importance of self-reliance amidst the evolving security environment and increasing technological competition in the neighbourhood.
As part of the programme, the Defense Secretary released a book ‘Asian Defense Review 2025: Geo-political Shifts and Strategic Partnership Multilateralism in the Indo-Pacific’. Several technical sessions related to indigenous jet engine co-development, fighter aircraft programme, unmanned systems and strengthening the aerospace production ecosystem were also held.
The conference brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, Indian Air Force, DRDO and industry to discuss India’s journey towards technological self-reliance in the aerospace and defense sector.
–IANS
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