Bengaluru: BEML Chairman and Managing Director Shantanu Roy calls for stronger collaboration across India’s aerospace and defence industry at the third CII Southern Region AeroDef Tech Summit 2026 in Bengaluru on October 13, emphasising technology-driven manufacturing and integrated systems to advance Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The summit brings together industry leaders, policymakers, the Armed Forces, DRDO, defence PSUs, start-ups and technology experts to discuss strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities.
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Held under the theme “Technology-Driven Aerospace & Defence Ecosystems for Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” the summit focuses on indigenous innovation, advanced manufacturing, engineering excellence and global technology partnerships. Discussions highlight the need to move beyond individual equipment capabilities towards integrated systems and collaborative development across the defence value chain.
Roy highlights BEML’s progress in defence indigenisation, particularly over the preceding three years, and the company’s evolving role as a systems integrator. The approach places emphasis on combining technologies and subsystems into integrated platforms rather than treating defence equipment as isolated products.
The summit also highlights opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises, start-ups, original equipment manufacturers and technology companies to contribute to the aerospace and defence ecosystem. Technology areas featured include artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicles, defence electronics, radar and surveillance, space technologies, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing and maintenance, repair and overhaul.
The discussions reflect India’s wider effort to strengthen domestic defence production and develop globally competitive industrial capabilities. Greater coordination among public-sector manufacturers, private companies, research institutions and the Armed Forces could help accelerate indigenous development and improve integration across complex military systems.
While the summit provides a platform for industry dialogue and partnership-building, no specific procurement contract or new manufacturing agreement is announced in the available statement. Its immediate emphasis remains on converting technological expertise and industry collaboration into stronger domestic capabilities and export competitiveness.
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