Coimbatore to Host Two-Day Defence Conclave

• Coimbatore will host a two-day Defence Conclave on November 13–14, 2025 , at the Codissia Trade Fair Complex , bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and defence innovators from across the country. The event, organised by the Codissia Defence Innovation and Atal Incubation Centre (CDIIC) , aims to strengthen India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission by promoting indigenous manufacturing and innovation in the defence sector.

MSMEs Powering Defence Innovation

• Over 40 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will showcase indigenous products and technologies ranging from ground support equipment to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drone systems . Coimbatore, already home to more than 100 MSMEs involved in defence production, has rapidly emerged as a precision engineering hub with capabilities aligned to the needs of the Indian Air Force (IAF) , HAL , and other defence establishments.

Policy and Industry Focus

• According to M Karthikeyan , President of Codissia, the conclave will feature expert panel discussions on topics such as defence procurement policy, quality standards, and supply-chain readiness . Sessions will explore ways to integrate startups, academia, and MSMEs into the national defence ecosystem. The event seeks to facilitate partnerships between industry and government to accelerate self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Local Success Stories

• Highlighting local innovation, CDIIC CEO Vinodh Kumar noted that Coimbatore firms are already contributing to national defence projects. Four companies supply ground support systems for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s Advanced Light Combat Helicopter (ALH) programme, while another has developed an attack UAV currently undergoing IAF trials. A local enterprise has also delivered operational drones to the IAF, demonstrating Coimbatore’s growing role in defence R&D.

Exam Pointers

• Event: Coimbatore Defence Conclave (Nov 13–14, 2025)

• Organised by: Codissia Defence Innovation & Atal Incubation Centre (CDIIC)

• Participants: 40+ MSMEs, startups, policymakers

• Key contributions: HAL ALH equipment, IAF UAVs and drones

• Theme: Aatmanirbhar Bharat & Indigenous Defence Manufacturing

Outlook

The conclave underscores Coimbatore’s emergence as a strategic defence hub , promoting industrial collaboration, investment, and innovation. It reinforces India’s goal of achieving self-reliance, technological advancement, and export competitiveness in the global defence sector.