MSMEs will play key role in transforming defence, aerospace

MSMEs and innovative start-ups with advanced manufacturing capabilities would play a key role in transforming the defence and aerospace industrial sectors, G Satheesh Reddy, Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister, said today.

"The miniaturisation of sensors and technologies will tremendously transform futuristic aeronautical systems," a release from the Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI) quoted him as saying.

The systems would be smart, collaborative and leading to large amount of sensor data, paving way for Artificial Intelligence and machine learning of complex systems, he said.

"The global industries are looking towards India for manufacturing, collaboration and our Industries need to relook at existing business models and adapt accordingly," Reddy said.

A lot of opportunities await in the aerospace maintenance sector andInnovation and Industry Synergy would drive the futuristic aerospace, he said.

"MSMEs and Innovative start-ups with advanced manufacturing capabilities can fill needed gaps in the value chain and will play a key role in transforming the Defence and Aerospace Industrial landscape of the nation," Reddy said.

He was speaking at the Technical Meet and Aerospace Luminary Lecture, organised by the Aeronautical Society of India here.

NITI Aayog member V K Saraswat said he favoured pursuing cutting edge research in Hypersonics, Propulsion and other areas.

"Miniaturisation will be the key in all the futuristic vehicles. We want smart systems and it is only possible if we use AI in a big way," he said.

He said the Centre has given a major push to the 'UAV programme' and a roadmap is being laid.

"Unmanned vehicles will also play a major role in future contactless wars," the release quoted him as saying.

Acknowledging the potential of the Indian industry, Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff,emphasised the need to develop indigenous capabilities and home grown solutions for various challenges.