The CEOs Rountable, which was graced by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh on the opening day of 15^th Aero India on February 10, 2025, received an unprecedent response with the participation of 116 global CEOs. Many foreign as well as Indian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) made announcements regarding their plans for investments, collaborations and setting-up of development centres & Centre of Excellence etc. These include:

 

• Announcement by Ultra Maritime & Bharat Dynamics Limited for signing of an initial contract for the co-production of US specification
• Announcement by Bharat Forge for their plan for the manufacturing of Landing Gear for certain commercial aircrafts 100% in the country.
• Announcement by Safran, France & Bharat Electronics Limited for their partnership for co-production of Hammer missile in India.

 

Fifty eight (58) foreign OEMs including John Cockerill (Belgium), Airbus (France), Ultra Maritime (USA), GNT (South Korea), Mitsubishi (Japan), Safran (France), Liebherr Aerospace (France), L3Harris Technologies Inc. (USA), Thales (France), Lockheed Martin (USA), Martin Baker (UK) attended the Roundtable. The Indian OEMs included Bharat Forge Ltd, Adani Defence & Aerospace, Mahindra Defence Systems Ltd, Ashok Leyland Defence and Defence Public Sector Undertakings.

During the meeting, Raksha Mantri invited the global OEMs to utilise the opportunities offered by the expanding Indian defence ecosystem and find targeted solutions & counter measures to the challenges emerging due to the volatile geopolitical landscape of today.

The event was organised on the theme E.D.G.E i.e. ‘Enabling Defence Cooperation through Global Engagement’, based on  Business Centric Technology Development, Joint Ventures, Manufacturing Excellence Hubs, Industry Led Capacity Building, Joint Ventures, Co-Development & Co-Production and Technology Transfer.

During the event, Raksha Mantri also inaugurated ‘Defence Testing Portal (DTP)’ and released a booklet on ‘Defence Testing Capabilities’ of the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA). DTP will enhance ease of doing business in defence testing by improving the visibility of defence testing infrastructure and improved transparency and accountability in conduct of defence tests. The booklet will serve as a guiding document for defence manufacturers and acts as a ready reckoner during important stages of defence procurement and delivery processes.

A short film highlighting the robust Indian defence ecosystem and vividly capturing the remarkable evolution and strides of India’s Aerospace & Defence Sector, was showcased as a powerful testament to our unwavering commitment and bold vision for the future.

*******

VK/SPS/Savvy

(Release ID: 2102023) Visitor Counter : 1006