Hyderabad Rising: Powering India’s Aerospace and Defence Ecosystem

24^th September 2026

Novotel Hyderabad Airport

Overview

Overview India’s aerospace and defence sector is at a defining moment. What was once seen largely as a manufacturing support base is now steadily transforming into a strategic powerhouse with global ambitions. At the heart of this transformation is Hyderabad, a city that has rapidly evolved into one of India’s most dynamic hubs for aerospace, defence manufacturing, advanced engineering, and deep-tech innovation.

The ET Now Machinist Aerospace and Defence Summit brings this evolution into focus. With the theme “Hyderabad Rising: Powering India’s Aerospace and Defence Ecosystem,” the summit will explore how India is moving up the value chain from assembly to innovation, from cost competitiveness to capability leadership, and from domestic supply to global integration.

Hyderabad today represents this shift in many ways. It is home to leading defence PSUs, global aerospace majors, cutting-edge startups, and a robust MSME ecosystem. Backed by progressive policy support, strong infrastructure, and a skilled talent pool, the city is emerging as a critical node in India’s ambition to become a global aerospace and defence leader.

This summit will serve as a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to come together and discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping this journey. It will examine how India can strengthen its position in global supply chains, accelerate indigenous design and intellectual property creation, and leverage emerging technologies that are redefining modern warfare.

Overview At the core of the discussions will be a few critical questions. Can India transition from being a trusted manufacturing partner to becoming a global supply chain hub for aerospace? What will it take to build deep capabilities in design, engineering, and intellectual property within defence manufacturing? How is the nature of warfare evolving, and what does that mean for India’s aerospace and defence strategy? And importantly, how can MSMEs and startups be empowered to play a larger, more meaningful role in this ecosystem?

The summit will feature a high-impact CEO panel that captures the strategic vision of industry leaders driving this transformation. It will also host focused conversations on India’s global positioning, the push toward indigenous innovation, and the growing influence of agile, technology-driven enterprises.

More than just a conference, the ET Now Machinist Aerospace and Defence Summit aim to be a catalyst for collaboration and forward-thinking dialogue. It is an opportunity to spotlight India’s progress, address gaps, and collectively shape the roadmap for the future.

As India accelerates its journey toward becoming a global aerospace and defence powerhouse, Hyderabad stands as a powerful symbol of what is possible when policy, industry, and innovation come together with purpose.

Vision

To spark meaningful dialogue and long-term partnerships that position India as one of the top three aerospace and defence manufacturing powers globally by 2047.

Showcase leadership in driving India's aerospace and defence manufacturing ecosystem through innovation, infrastructure, and industrial excellence.

Opportunities to enhance collaboration between industry, government, academia, startups, and global OEMs to build a resilient and competitive ecosystem.

Highlight the importance of talent development, future-ready skills, and intellectual property in sustaining long-term growth and technological leadership.

Develop actionable role in powering India's journey toward a secure, self-reliant, and globally competitive aerospace and defence ecosystem.

AGENDA

24^th September, 2026

09:00 – 10:00

Registration & Networking

10:00 – 10:05

Introduction By Emcee

10:05 – 10:15

Lamp Lighting Ceremony

Bill Shukla, Managing Director, Ace Designers Ltd.
Basavaraj K S, Managing Director, Apsis Aerocom
Praveen P A, Director - Aerospace and Defence, Govt of Telangana
Mahadev B, Assistant Vice President- B2B Division, ET Now Machinist
Sudhir Mishra, DRDO Chair (Emeritus), Former Director General (BrahMos)
Captain Yashika Hatwal Tyagi, Kargil War Veteran and TEDx Speaker

10:15 – 10:20

Welcome Note

Amit Shanbaug, Editor, ET Now Machinist, ET Now Polymers (Times Group)

10:20 – 10:40

Keynote Address

Bill Shukla, Managing Director, Ace Designers Ltd

10:40 – 10:50

Felicitation for Outstanding Contributions to the Aerospace & Defence Sector

10:50 – 11:00

Hall of Fame

Captain Yashika Hatwal Tyagi, Kargil War Veteran and TEDx Speaker
Praveen P A, Director - Aerospace and Defence, Govt of Telangana

11:00 – 11:15

Guest of Honour

Praveen P A, Director - Aerospace and Defence, Govt of Telangana

11:15 – 11:30

Chief Guest Address

Sudhir Mishra, DRDO Chair (Emeritus), Former Director General (BrahMos)

11:30 – 11:45

Industry Insights: Rajeev Sreedharan, Advisor – Aerospace Segment, Ace Designers

11:45 – 12:45

Leadership Panel: India’s Rise: From Manufacturing Base to Global Aerospace & Defence Leader

This session will bring together industry leaders to discuss India’s transition from a cost-driven manufacturing hub to a strategic global force in aerospace and defence, driven by scale, capability, and policy momentum.

Moderator: Madhumita Mohapatra, Partner, Technology & Transformation, Deloitte India

Speakers:

Amitabh Ghosal, Vice President, L3Harris Technologies India
Ankit Mehta, CEO and Co-founder, ideaForge Technology
Basavaraj, Managing Director, Apsis Aerocom
Bill Shukla, Managing Director, Ace Designers Ltd.
Cosimo Cereda, Managing Director, Marposs India Pvt. Ltd.
Suresh Baroth, Chief Executive Officer, DELOPT
Vamsi Vikas Ganesula, Managing Director, Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group

12:45 – 13:15

Fireside Chat with Captain Yashika Hatwal Tyagi, Kargil War Veteran and TEDx Speaker

13:15 – 14:15

Networking Lunch

14:05 – 14:30

Insight Talk from Lt Gen (Dr) TSA Narayanan, AVSM (Retd)

14:30 – 14:45

Industry Insights: From Manufacturing Base to Trust Base: The Precision Behind India’s Aerospace Rise

Dr Sanjeev Kumar, Deputy Director, Sales and Marketing, Renishaw Metrology Systems

14:45 – 15:45

Panel Discussion 2: Can India Become the World’s Aerospace Supply Chain Hub?

As global supply chains realign, India has a unique opportunity to position itself as a trusted and scalable aerospace manufacturing partner. This discussion will explore capabilities, challenges, and the roadmap to global integration.

Moderator: Brigadier Kirpal Singh Gill (Retired), Vice President, Corporate Affairs, JSW Group

Speakers:

Jayanthi Bhagatha, Founder & CEO, JBI Aerospace
Pradeep Kolipaka, Head of Engineering, ITP Aero
Dr Rahul Dixit, Vice president and Head R&D, Solar Defence and Aerospace
Rohit Anand, Vice President, Supply Chain, Skyroot Aerospace
Dr Sanjeev Kumar, Deputy Director, Sales and Marketing, Renishaw Metrology Systems

15:45 – 16:45

Panel Discussion 3: From Innovation to Production Role of Startups and Emerging Manufacturers

India’s next leap lies in moving beyond assembly to innovation. This session will focus on building indigenous design capabilities, strengthening IP, and adapting to evolving warfare technologies including unmanned systems, AI, and advanced materials.

Moderator: Girish Thakur, Managing Director and Partner, Boston Consulting Group

Speakers:

Kiran K Vagga, MD & CEO, TISA Aerospace
Raj Kumar Pandey, Joint Managing Director, ADSL (Airbornics Defence & Space Pvt. Ltd.), JCBL Group
Venkatesh Mudragalla, Co-founder and COO, Jeh Aerospace
Pappula Subhakar, Founder & CEO, Flamingo Aerospace
Maruthi Amardeep Sri Vatsavaya, Co-Founder/CEO, BluJ Aerospace

16:45 – 16:55

Lucky Draw Contest

16:55 – 17:00

Vote of Thanks

17:00 – 18:00

Networking High Tea

*Agenda and timings are subject to change

Why Should You Attend the Event?

Whether you're shaping policy, driving innovation, leading manufacturing, or enabling next-generation technologies, Hyderabad Rising: Powering India's Aerospace and Defence Ecosystem brings together the complete aerospace and defence value chain under one roof. As India's premier aerospace and defence hub, Hyderabad provides the ideal platform for industry leaders, policymakers, global OEMs, startups, researchers, and defence veterans to exchange ideas, forge strategic partnerships, and explore new opportunities for growth. Gain valuable insights from industry pioneers, connect with key stakeholders, and discover how Hyderabad is driving India's vision of becoming a globally competitive aerospace and defence manufacturing powerhouse. If you're shaping the future of aerospace and defence, this is where the journey begins.

Key Discussion Points

Hyderabad as India's Aerospace & Defence Innovation Hub

Advancing Indigenous Technologies and Defence Innovation

Building Resilient Supply Chains for Aerospace & Defence

Expanding Global Partnerships, Investments, and Export Opportunities

Advanced Manufacturing, Industry 5.0, and Smart Factories

The Role of Startups, MSMEs, and Defence Tech Innovation

Developing Future-Ready Talent and Skill Ecosystems

Accelerating R&D, Testing, Certification, and Technology Commercialisation

Policy, Infrastructure, and Ease of Doing Business to Power India's Aerospace & Defence Growth

Speakers

Bill Shukla

Managing Director, Ace Designers Limited

Dr Sudhir Mishra

DRDO Chair (Emeritus), Former Director General (BrahMos)

Ashwani Bhargava

Senior Director, Supply Chain Enterprise, Boeing India

Praveen PA

Director for Aerospace and Defence, Government of Telangana

Ankit Mehta

CEO & Co-founder, ideaForge Technology Limited

Rohit Anand

Vice President - Supply chain, Skyroot Aerospace

Vamsi Vikas Ganesula

Managing Director, Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group

Captain Yashika Hatwal Tyagi

Kargil War Veteran & Military Inspired Leadership Strategist

Jayanthi Bhagatha

Founder & CEO, JBI Aerospace

Smit Shah

President, Drone Federation India

Brigadier Kirpal Singh Gill (Retired)

Vice President Corporate Affairs, JSW Group

Dr Rahul Dixit

Vice president and Head R&D, Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd

Basavaraj K S

Managing Director, Apsis Aerocom

Cosimo Cereda

Managing Director, Marposs India Pvt Ltd

Dr Sanjeev Kumar

Dy. Director Sales and Marketing, RENISHAW METROLOGY SYSTEMS LTD

Girish Thakur

Managing Director and Partner, Boston Consulting Group

Kiran Kumar Vagga

Founder, MD & CEO, TISA Aerospace Pvt Ltd

Madhumita Mohapatra, Partner

Technology & Transformation, Deloitte India

Pappula Subhakar

Founder & CEO, Flamingo Aerospace

Pradeep Kolipaka

Head of Engineering, ITP Aero

R G Shende

Chairman & Managing Director, Shree Refrigerations Limited

Raj Kumar Pandey

Joint Managing Director, ADSL (Airbornics Defence & Space Pvt Ltd), JCBL Group

Suresh Baroth

Chief Executive Officer, DELOPT

Venkatesh Mudragalla

Co-founder & COO, Jeh Aerospace

FAQs

What is ADS 2026 all about? −

The ET Now Machinist Aerospace & Defence Summit (ADS) 2026 is a premier industry platform focused on India’s rapidly evolving aerospace and defence ecosystem. Centered around the theme “Hyderabad Rising: Powering India’s Aerospace and Defence Ecosystem,” the summit will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, startups, MSMEs, and global stakeholders to discuss India’s emergence as a global aerospace and defence powerhouse.

When and where is ADS 2026 taking place? +

ADS 2026 will take place in Hyderabad, one of India’s fastest-growing aerospace and defence hubs.
Venue and event dates will be announced shortly.

Who should attend this summit? +

The summit is ideal for:

Aerospace and defence manufacturers
OEMs and Tier suppliers
MSMEs and startups
Policymakers and government bodies
Defence PSUs
R&D and engineering professionals
Investors and technology providers
Academia and innovation institutions
Industry associations and consultants

How can I register for ADS 2026? Is there a registration fee? +

Registrations will open soon through the official ET Now Machinist ADS platform.
Details regarding delegate passes, and categories will be announced shortly.

Can startups or students attend? +

Yes. ADS 2026 encourages participation from startups, innovators, and students interested in aerospace, defence, deep-tech, robotics, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing. Dedicated sessions and networking opportunities will help emerging players connect with industry leaders and potential collaborators.

Who are the key speakers at the event? +

The summit will feature:

CEOs and CXOs from leading aerospace and defence companies
Senior government and defence officials
Industry experts and policy leaders
Technology innovators and startup founders
Global aerospace and defence stakeholders

The speaker lineup will be revealed in the lead-up to the summit.

What topics will be covered in the discussions? +

Key panel discussion points would be shared shortly

How can my company exhibit or partner with ADS 2026? +

Companies interested in exhibiting, sponsoring, or partnering with ADS 2026 can connect with the ET Now Machinist team for customised partnership opportunities, branding solutions, and exhibition packages.

What kind of exhibitors are expected? +

Expected exhibitors include: