Overview
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the three‑day event in Prayagraj on Monday, launching a showcase of 284 Indian firms under the theme Raksha Triveni Sangam.
- Army leaders formally listed 87 problem statements for industry, with priority on drones, counter‑UAS, AI for sensing and signals, satellite links, robotics, and navigation tools.
- Singh cast last year’s Operation Sindoor as technology‑driven warfare and urged deeper research and surprise‑driven doctrine, citing the use of AkashTeer, Akash missiles and BrahMos.
- Policy steps highlighted at the symposium include allocating 25% of the defence R&D budget to non‑DRDO partners with about ₹4,500 crore used, waiving DRDO tech‑transfer fees, opening patents, and giving industry access to test ranges.
- Live demonstrations feature high‑altitude, VTOL and heavy‑lift drones, swarm and counter‑drone systems such as AI‑guided “Kite Interceptors,” plus AI surveillance tools aimed at faster fielding for troops in tough terrain.