The 13th edition of the Strategic Electronics Summit (SES) focused on Defence and Aerospace, kicked off on July 17th at the Lalit Ashok Hotel in Bengaluru. Organized by ELCINA, the Electronic Industries Association of India, this two-day summit brings together key players in the electronics and defence sector.
Atul B. Lall, president of ELCINA, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the need for enhanced collaboration between Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private enterprises to position India as a global hub for defence design and manufacturing. He highlighted the importance of fostering indigenization and encouraging private sector participation.
The chief guest, Karnataka’s Minister of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, I.T. & B.T., Priyank Kharge, praised the state’s leadership in various sectors including defence, electronics, and biotechnology. “Karnataka is now the fourth-largest technology cluster globally and ranks eighth in startup innovation ecosystems,” he noted. Kharge assured attendees of the government’s commitment to support the industry with the necessary resources and funding.
Dr. B.K. Das, a Distinguished Scientist and Director General of Electronics and Communication Systems at DRDO, underscored the urgency of developing indigenous systems to reduce reliance on Western technologies. He also spoke on the significance of India’s semiconductor mission for achieving self-reliance in this critical area.
Lieutenant General Karanbir Singh Brar, General Officer Commanding of Dakshin Bharat Area, emphasized the military’s role as a deterrent in maintaining national peace. Ashwani Bhargava from Boeing discussed the necessity of building a robust ecosystem before advancing to aircraft assembly, while Hari Kumar, General Manager of Bharat Electronics Ltd, highlighted the vital role of MSMEs and the need for collaborative partnerships.
Key highlights of the 13th SES included a specially curated DRDO Pavilion, showcasing innovative projects and facilitating industry interaction. Prominent PSUs such as BEL, HAL, BDL, and ECIL participated, alongside over 100 booths featuring MSMEs and startups. Vendor Development Sessions, conducted by leading organizations including BEL, HAL, ECIL, Boeing India, and Tata Advanced Systems, aimed to uncover new sourcing opportunities and foster technology partnerships. The event also showcased products and services from companies in the drone, aerospace, and security sectors, reinforcing India’s commitment to advancing its defence capabilities.
