Four defence companies signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) worth a total of Rs 2,550 crore to invest in Gujarat’s defence sector. The agreements were finalized during a seminar on ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat in Aerospace and Defence’ at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Vadodara. These investments are expected to create over 4,000 job opportunities in Kheda, Rajkot, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad districts.
The projects encompass the production of defence systems, equipment, aerospace tooling, engines, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems. Dinesh Chandra Defence Systems Private Limited signed an Rs 800 crore MoU, Shreeram Aerospace and Defence LLP committed Rs 150 crore, Shree Khodiyar Heavy Engineering Private Limited inked a deal worth Rs 100 crore, and SRK Tectronics LLP signed the largest MoU valued at Rs 1,500 crore.
During the seminar, discussions focused on enhancing India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and reducing reliance on imports. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh encouraged direct engagement from industry and startups to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Addressing the participants, Singh welcomed feedback and suggestions from startups and industries on achieving self-reliance in the industrial and defence sectors. Participants proposed measures such as developing testing facilities, strengthening Gujarat’s role in defence manufacturing, and establishing a defence corridor in the state.
K. C. Sampat, Additional Industries Commissioner of the state government, emphasized the importance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in manufacturing defence products currently imported. He highlighted the significant role MSMEs play in ensuring faster deliveries and stressed that indigenization of the defence sector is incomplete without their contribution.
Hansraj Gajera, General Secretary of Laghu Udyog Bharati, underscored the crucial role of MSMEs in bolstering India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. He noted that these enterprises have the capability to supply critical components and spare parts, leveraging Gujarat’s strong industrial base for further growth.
Commodore Manish Tripathi (Retd.), Chief Technology Officer (Systems) at IIT Gandhinagar, emphasized the evolving nature of warfare with the increasing importance of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, drone technology, and secure communications. He stressed the need for future defence technologies to address both current and emerging security requirements.
The seminar also included a panel discussion on ‘From Import Dependence to Indigenous Capability: Building an Atmanirbhar Aerospace and Defence Ecosystem’, recognizing and honoring several defence startups during the event.
