Raksha Rajya Mantri Highlights Indigenous Innovation at IAF Seminar During Aero India 2025
Seminar Focuses on Self-Reliance, Defence Innovation, and Industry Collaboration
BNH NETWORK
Bengaluru, 11 February - In a push for futuristic defence technologies and self-reliance, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a seminar on the theme ‘Navachar Utkrishtam Bhavisyam’ (Innovation is the Path to a Better Future) at Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru. The seminar aimed at fostering collaboration between defence forces, industry, and R&D agencies to strengthen India's indigenous defence ecosystem.
Addressing the event, Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth, along with Chief of the Air Staff, emphasized the critical role of innovation in achieving Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence manufacturing.
Key Takeaways from Raksha Rajya Mantri’s Address
???? Aatmanirbharta in Defence: Self-reliance is not just a policy but a transformative vision aimed at reducing dependence on foreign technologies.
???? Indigenous Defence Capability: Developing local defence solutions ensures operational readiness, maintenance support, and technological superiority.
???? IAF’s Innovation Drive: The Air Force has launched:
✅ 78 projects under the iDEX scheme
✅ 48 projects under MAKE initiative
✅ 37 projects under the Technology Development Fund (TDF)
Seth urged MSMEs and startups to actively contribute to defence production, calling them the backbone of innovation due to their agility and creativity.
Launch of Key Initiatives
???? IAF Compendium of Challenges & Opportunities for Indian Industry: A roadmap for defence innovation and industry collaboration.
???? VAYU VITT Digital Portal: A digital interface between IAF and HAL for supply orders, certification, and payments, enhancing efficiency and transparency.
???? Mehar Baba-II Competition Winners Announced & Mehar Baba-III Challenge Launched: Encouraging indigenous development in aerospace and defence technologies.
Panel Discussion on Manned-Unmanned Teaming
A high-profile panel discussion, ‘Manned-Unmanned Teaming – From Concept to Targeting,’ featured experts from the aerospace industry, R&D, certification agencies, and military. The discussion highlighted the role of Indian industry in developing next-generation defence solutions.
India’s Path to Defence Self-Reliance
The seminar at Aero India 2025 underscored India's commitment to becoming a global defence manufacturing hub through strategic collaborations, digital transformation, and technological advancements.
