Military leaders, policymakers and industry representatives at a defence conclave in Mumbai highlighted the growing importance of indigenous manufacturing, MSME participation and advanced technologies in strengthening India’s defence preparedness. The conclave, titled ‘Atmanirbharta in Defence – Opportunities for MSMEs’, was organised by the Bramha Research Foundation (BRF) with support from the Indian Navy.
Held a year after Operation Sindoor, discussions focused on the role played by indigenous systems such as BrahMos, Akashteer and the Indianised Su-30MKI in boosting India’s operational readiness and strategic confidence.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, said India’s defence exports have crossed Rs 39,000 crore, while recently approved projects worth over Rs 5 lakh crore are focused largely on domestic manufacturing and Indian-made systems.
He said future conflicts would increasingly depend on AI, cyber warfare, drones, autonomous systems, resilient supply chains and scalable manufacturing capabilities, apart from traditional military platforms such as fighter aircraft and warships.
Calling MSMEs an important part of India’s defence ecosystem, he said smaller industries must evolve from vendors to long-term strategic partners. Deependra Singh Kushwaha, Development Commissioner (Industries) and Chairman MAITRI, Government of Maharashtra, said the state currently contributes nearly 30% of India’s weapons and ammunition production and is witnessing over $10 billion in investments in defence and aerospace manufacturing.
He also spoke about proposed Raksha Corridors, infrastructure development and policy measures aimed at strengthening Maharashtra’s position in the defence manufacturing sector.
Speakers at the conclave said future battlefields would increasingly be shaped by cyber technologies, AI-driven systems, resilient communication networks, simulation technologies and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Air Marshal Tejinder Singh highlighted opportunities for MSMEs in areas such as drones, avionics, radars, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), electronic warfare and next-generation defence systems. During a panel discussion, Arun Ramchandani of L&T stressed the need for stronger indigenous R&D, innovation and manufacturing ecosystems to achieve strategic autonomy in defence production.
Biju George of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited said MSMEs already contribute to several naval projects, including warship and submarine manufacturing, and called for faster payments, quality upgrades and stronger supply chains.
Bramha Research Foundation Director Paresh Page said India’s expanding defence ecosystem could create significant opportunities for MSMEs in manufacturing, aerospace, drones, shipbuilding, AI, cyber technologies and MRO services.
