During a round table discussion held as part of Aero India 2023, Rajnath Singh spoke to over 70 CEOs of regional and international Original Equipment Manufacturers.
According to the defence ministry, on Monday, Rajnath Singh asked the industry’s assistance for the government’s effort to achieve total defence self-sufficiency through the design, development, and manufacture of cutting-edge goods employing essential technology.
When speaking to more than 70 CEOs of regional and international Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) during a round table hosted as part of Aero India 2023, Singh made the remarks. In order to create collaborations between local and international industries in the aerospace and defence industry, more than 75 firms, including 28 foreign OEMs from 15 countries, as well as domestic enterprises and Defense PSUs, took part in the conversation. Sudan and Saudi Arabia also participated on a formal basis.
Several businesses took part in the discussion, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Israel Aerospace Industries, General Atomics, Safran, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited, BEML Limited, Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Forge, Dynamatic Technologies, and BrahMos Aerospace.
Singh told the business leaders that the government is open to new ideas and is committed to utilising the energy, entrepreneurial spirit, and capability of the private sector partners in the field of defence production. Singh stressed that India does not want to remain just an assembly workshop and is looking to engage with friendly countries in defence and security, based on sharing expertise and capabilities.
Defence Ministry :
The defence minister said the CEOs’ round table will “sow the seeds of successful new ventures and partnerships, boost investment, expand indigenous manufacturing and bolster aerospace and defence ecosystem in India.”
“This platform was to address the present and future global needs and discuss the importance of supply chain strategy and operations as the world deals with the aftermath of the pandemic and global disruptions.”
Several foreign OEMs made announcements regarding their plans for investments and collaborations including Safran, Boeing, Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Thales in the defence and aerospace sector.
“General Atomics and Bharat Forge announced to deepen their collaboration in aircraft components and parts. Hensoldt announced Design/TOT and IPR transfer of obstacle avoidance system for Indian Helicopters and co-development of Advanced Multi-Sensor Electro-optics Airborne Gimbals for Indian and world market,” the statement added.
In order to make India a Commercial Manufacturing Hub and basis for global product support, the CEOs’ round table engaged industries for co-development and co-production while investigating the Indian and international markets.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan as well as the three service chiefs also attended the round table.