Lockheed Martin is set to host the 10th edition of its India Suppliers Conference in Bengaluru on September 11-12, 2024. This conference comes just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States later in the month, marking a key moment in India-US defence relations. Priyank Mallikarjun Kharge, Karnataka’s Minister for Information Technology and Biotechnology, will inaugurate the two-day event, along with Christopher W. Hodges, the US Consul General in Chennai, adding diplomatic weight to the proceedings.
The conference aims to enhance India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, with a strong focus on integrating MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) into the global supply chain. It aligns with India’s “Make in India” and “Make for the World” initiatives, seeking to accelerate defence exports by leveraging innovative solutions for both domestic and international markets.
“We are excited to host the Suppliers Conference for the tenth year running,” said Michael Fernandez, Lockheed Martin’s India Country Head. Fernandez stressed the company’s ongoing commitment to creating a robust defence ecosystem in India by fostering collaborations with both established firms and MSMEs. He also highlighted the opportunity the conference provides for Indian suppliers to engage directly with global partners, thereby strengthening India’s defence manufacturing sector.
The event will feature presentations from Lockheed Martin’s key business units—Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space. Additionally, Indian suppliers will be recognized for their contributions, and MSMEs will showcase their portfolios, opening up new business opportunities. Representatives from Lockheed Martin’s global Tier-1 suppliers and senior leaders from across the company’s business areas are expected to attend, facilitating direct interactions with Lockheed’s supply chain and business development teams.
Reflecting on Lockheed Martin’s long-standing relationship with India, Fernandez reiterated the company’s dedication to expanding local collaborations to bolster India’s defence manufacturing capabilities. He cited the event as being in perfect alignment with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of making India a key player in the global defence market.
The previous edition of the Suppliers Conference, held in 2022, attracted more than 60 Indian companies and hosted over 250 delegates. Numerous business-to-business meetings were conducted during the event, offering Indian companies the chance to engage with global defence giants like GE Aviation, Honeywell, and Raytheon Technologies.