Pune: The Pune Def Space Tech 2024, a conference designed to bridge defence and space technologies, was successfully hosted by the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA) in collaboration with the MSME-DFO, Mumbai; Strategic Research and Growth Foundation (SRGF); MCCIA Electronic Cluster Foundation (MECF) and the SatCom Industry Association-India (SIA-India).
The conference featured technical sessions on key aspects of the defence and space ecosystem, including advancements in deep tech and space-based defense applications.
The distinguished speakers included Lt Gen VG Khandare (Retd), Principal Advisor to the Ministry of Defense; Lt Gen (Retd.) Dr PJS Pannu, Chair of the Defence Space Committee; and Lt Gen Dr DB Shekatkar (Retd). Lt Gen KS Brar, GOC Dakshin Bharat Area, and RAdm Nelson D’Souza, Commandant-MILIT, also contributed valuable insights into the importance of various technology sectors for national security.
Other notable dignitaries included Dr Anupam Sharma, Director DSP (DRDO); Prashant Girbane, Director General, MCCIA; Mahesh Phadke, Chairman, MCCIA Defense Committee and Anil Prakash, DG, SIA-India.
The sessions provided attendees with a comprehensive overview of collaboration opportunities between the government, industry, and startups in defense and space.
The event also marked the first anniversary of the Chandrayaan-3 moon landing, celebrating India's achievements in space exploration and its growing role in the global space economy.
Lt Gen VG Khandare (Retd) said, “There is a gap in technology and its applications and hence cross pollination is required for different technologies. Pune being the automotive, defense, educational and IT powerhouse, has enough appetite to lead our country in defense and space technologies.”
Lt Gen Dr DB Shekatkar (Retd) stated that it was earlier said that sky is the limit, but now we need to say space is the limit. Any technology or weapon system would not make any country enforce peace, but it is the competence of the people using those technologies and machines that does.
Former Director General of Police of Maharashtra and Professor Emeritus in the Department of Defense and Strategic Studies, Jayant Umranikar stressed on the need to include police and other civil forces while developing technologies for security forces.
Dr. Anupam Sharma highlighted the importance of upcoming 50 technology areas that young researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers should keep in mind for developing the future battle networks for India.
Gen KS Brar, GOC Dakshin Bharat Area mentioned about the various initiatives taken by the armed forces in association with startups and companies working in defence tech. Mr Mahesh Phadke made the opening remarks. Mr. Harsh Gune expressed vote of thanks.
Vendor Development Programme and Exhibition
The distinguished speakers in the inaugural session on the 29th of August included Abhay Daptardar, Assistant Director, MSME-DFO Mumbai; Mr Manish Bhardwaj, Technical Advisor to Chairman DRDO and Ajit B Chavan, Additional CEO, GeM.
The event featured a Vendor Development Programme showcasing prominent companies like Eaton Mobility and L&T Defence, along with a presentation on the GeM Portal.
An assemblage of 39 diverse companies showcased their innovations in an exhibition held alongside the event. Notable exhibitors included Ikran Aerospace and Technologies Pvt Ltd, which displayed a multi-capable drone for surveillance and tactical applications, as well as promising space startups like KosmosOne Private Limited, Manastu Space, and Vasundharaa Geo Technologies Pvt Ltd. The exhibition enabled companies to present their products to key decision-makers and explore collaborations under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The two-day event attracted senior representatives from HQ Southern Command, Air HQ, CME, 9BRD (IAF), Directorate of Aerospace Design, DGQA, DRDO, and other prominent establishments.
