Indian armed forces have indigenised around 47,000 items till now, 70 of them this year, and has set a target of 1,700 more items in the coming year, said Air Marshal Sanjay Sharma, AOC (Maintenance).

Speaking at the FKCCI - PHD Chamber and Indian Air Force meet on ‘Indigenisation of Indian Air Force Aviation Requirements’, Sharma said it is time for the domestic industry to grab the opportunity offered by the armed forces.

Asserting that there was adequate budget support, he urged the industry to make full use of the opportunity.

Suvarna Raju, Chairman HAL, urged MSMEs to increase their footprint in the aerospace and Defence sectors. He said HAL was ready to support Indian industry through technology transfers.

Ravi, President of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industries, said that there were huge opportunities in MRO, high-end mechanical products, aircraft spares and tools.

Jan Widerstorm, SAAB, said the focus on R&D is essential for progress with R&D effort flowing down to the MSMEs.

Col KV Kuber, CEO, Sugosha Advisory, complimented the government for the progressive policies. He stressed the need for the Strategic Partnership model to be implemented in mission mode and exploit the Defence Industrial Corridors of Chennai-Bangalore to progress indigenous development.

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