The State of Maharashtra organised a three-day MSME Defence Expo at Pune on 24th February 2024. The event was visited by over two lakh people many were students from various colleges. Around 500 MSMEs had set up their stalls along with the three branches of the military and (Defence Public Sector Undertakings) DPSUs at the Expo.
The state of Maharashtra also aims to revive its policy on Aerospace and Defence manufacturing.
Along with the exhibition the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), organised a DRDO-Industry Meet. During the meeting, the DRDO transferred 23 Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LATOT) to 22 industries.
The Transfer of Technology (ToT) occurred in the presence of the Secretary Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamatand. The meeting aimed to support the MSMEs with the latest industry-friendly initiatives and policies. The ToT included laser technology, combat vehicles, naval systems, aeronautics along with various other domains.
The manufacturing of Carbon Aircraft brakes for LCA Tejas, Infantry Foot Bridge Floating, and full trailer of tank support for MBT Arjun Mk-1A are a few of the defence products DRDO is handing over to the MSMEs to boost the defence manufacturing sector.
Dr Kamat commended the efforts of DRDO for strengthening India’s self-reliance in defence the sector. The collaborative effort of the entire Indian defence sector has provided opportunities for employment as well as innovation. He appealed to the defence industry partners to avail the new initiatives and policies of the government in making India a hub for defence manufacturing.
The recent developments in the private defence sector are being viewed as the modernisation of the entire Indian military ecosystem. In another event, the Defence Minister of India, Rajnath Singh spoke about the increasing synergy between the military and the private defence production.
Nitish Chavan
