Start-ups call for govt support to help indigenise defence industry

Surveillance drones, rockets to put satellites into space, 3D printing machines to make aircraft parts and satellites that provide internet from space were some of the startup innovations on display

Drones that can be used for surveillance, rockets that can put satellites into space, 3D printing machines that can make aircraft parts and technologies that can solve the problem of connectivity by beaming high-bandwidth internet from space — these were some of the innovations on display by start-ups at Aero India 2019, the biennial air show that started on Wednesday.

However, the young ventures said they face many challenges including competing with large defence companies. They urged the government to provide support in terms of funding, incentives and policies which are friendly for small firms.

“What is needed is a support for