AeroIndia 2025, the premier airshow and aviation exhibition, continues to serve as a critical platform for showcasing India’s advancements in defence technology. Among the highlights of this year’s event was the participation of Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS), who visited several industry stalls to gain insights into the innovative solutions being developed for the Indian Armed Forces, particularly in the domain of Army Air Defence.
During his visit, Lt Gen Raja Subramani was briefed on the cutting-edge *Vehicle Mounted Counter Storm Drone System, an advanced weapon system currently being developed by the Army Air Defence. This system, designed to counter the evolving threat of drone warfare, aligns with India’s **Atmanirbhar Bharat* vision. The system is equipped with an array of sensors, including radar and a day-night camera, and is designed to intercept and neutralize drone swarms using precision-guided munitions, enhancing the safety and operational capabilities of the armed forces.
“India’s focus on indigenization in the defence sector is paving the way for a more self-reliant and resilient military. The development of systems such as the Vehicle Mounted Counter Storm Drone System reflects our commitment to creating indigenous solutions that address the unique operational challenges faced by our forces,” said Lt Gen Raja Subramani during his visit.
*Indigenisation at the Forefront*
One of the key themes at *AeroIndia 2025* was the growing role of Indian manufacturers and start-ups in creating innovative solutions for air defence and counter-drone applications. As part of the ongoing efforts to reduce dependence on foreign technology, these initiatives align with the *Atmanirbhar Bharat* (Self-Reliant India) vision, a goal set by the Government of India to develop indigenous defence capabilities.
Among the many innovations displayed, a notable feature was the *Next Generation Man Portable Air Defence Missile System (MANPADS). These advanced systems are being developed with the latest technology, including infrared homing and LASER guidance, to engage modern threats such as drones and low-flying aircraft. The **Indian Army* is actively pursuing the procurement of such advanced solutions to meet the urgent operational requirements of all three services.
*Military-Civil Cooperation: A Key to Defence Industry Growth*
The collaboration between the military and the civil sector is an essential driver of innovation within the Indian defence industry. AeroIndia 2025 has highlighted the role of defence start-ups and industry players, who have demonstrated immense capability in building state-of-the-art defence systems tailored to India’s strategic needs.
The successful integration of military and civilian expertise has led to significant advancements in air defence systems, including the development of MANPADS and counter-drone solutions. These collaborations not only enhance national security but also provide a boost to India’s defence exports and technological standing on the global stage.
Lt Gen Raja Subramani’s visit to AeroIndia 2025 underscored the importance of such exhibitions in showcasing the progress made in the country’s defence capabilities. His engagement with the industry participants has further reinforced the Indian Army’s commitment to indigenisation and the need for advanced technological solutions to address modern threats.
His presence at the event also highlighted the growing focus on military-civil cooperation, which continues to be a cornerstone of India’s evolving defence ecosystem. The active participation of industry leaders, defence start-ups, and research institutions in events like AeroIndia plays a pivotal role in enhancing the operational efficiency of the armed forces while fostering an innovation-driven ecosystem.
