Hyderabad Rising: Powering India’s Aerospace and Defence Ecosystem

Hyderabad | September 2026

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.

Define what success looks like for India’s A&D sector over the next two decades.

Lay out a strategic roadmap covering infrastructure, policy, exports, and innovation.

Highlight the role of indigenous technologies, resilient supply chains, and smart manufacturing.

Promote investment in intellectual property, advanced materials, and future workforce capabilities.

Encourage cross-sector collaboration to accelerate India's journey toward a secure, self-reliant manufacturing future.

AGENDA

September, 2026

Coming Soon...

Why Should You Attend the Event?

Whether you're shaping strategy in a boardroom or building components on the shop floor, this summit brings the entire aerospace and defence ecosystem under one roof. It’s where industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, and veterans exchange ideas that will define India’s defence future. From indigenous tech showcases to real conversations on exports, scale, and skill, this isn’t just another event—it’s a catalyst for action. You’ll gain insights, make valuable connections, and leave with a clearer vision of where the sector is heading and how you can be part of it. If you’re building the future, be here.

Key Discussion Points

Defence Industrial Corridor Rollout

Boosting Defence Exports Globally

Indigenous Fifth Gen Fighter Development

Private Sector Manufacturing Push

Drone Industry Growth Plans

Aerospace R&D & Tech Gaps

Supply Chain Resilience Strategy

Skill Ecosystem & Workforce

Dual Use Tech Commercialisation

Single Window Defence Clearances

Past Speakers

Bill Shukla

Deputy Managing Director, Ace Designers Ltd.

T. K. Ramesh

Managing Director, Ace Designers Ltd.

Abhishek Singh

Senior Vice President – Defence, India and South East Asia , Rolls-Royce

Wg Cdr P Madhusoodhanan

Vice President (A & D), TIDCO

Vamsi Vikas Ganesula

Managing Director and Founder, Raghu Vamsi Group

Alvin Anthony

CEO & Co-Founder, NextLeap Aeronautics

Amey Belorkar

Senior Vice President, IDBI Capital Markets & Securities Ltd.

Amit Mahajan

Director at Paras Defence & Space Technologies Ltd.

Anagh Singh

Singularity AMC , Ex Invest India , Ex Office of PSA to PM and GoI

Dr Ananda CM

Program Director for Civil Aircrafts, Prof. AcSIR, Chief Scientist, Aerospace Electronics & Systems Division at National Aerospace Laboratories

Anandita Kaushik

Partner Mergers and Acquisitions, Defence and Aerospace, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas

Arunakar Mishra

Managing Director & CEO, Genser Aerospace

Balakrishnan Swamy

Chief Technology Officer and Strategy Head, NIBE Group

Himanshu Dave

Founder & CEO, Infinity Radar / Infitron Advanced Systems

Hitesh Sethi

Senior Director, Analytics and Business Advisory at Dun & Bradstreet India

Jayanti Bhagatha

Founder & CEO, JBI Aerospace

Lt Gen P. Ravi Shankar

PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retired), FormerDirector General of Artillery

Dr Naresh Palta

Principal Adviser (Aerospace & Aviation), JK Maini Global Aerospace Ltd

Naresh S Solipur

CEO, Ziegler Aerospace

Rakesh S B

Vice President, Sansera Engineering Limited

Sainyum Shah

Chief Marketing Officer, Jyoti Global Plast Ltd

Sangharakshaka V P

CEO, Aerospace & Aviation Sector Skill Council

Dr Sarita Ahlawat

Co-founder & Managing Director, Vayudh

Shinto Joseph

Director – SEA & ANZ Operations, LDRA Ltd UK, a TASKING Company

Smit Shah

President, Drone Federation India

Suhas Tejaskanda

Founder & CEO, Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace

Sumi Saikia

Partner, Trilegal's Corporate practice

Suresh Baroth

CEO, JKPL DELOPT

Vikas Manral

Managing Consultant, VAM Consulting

Vishal Agarwalla

Director, CTC Group

Wg Cdr MP Benjamin(Retd)

Director, SIATI

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: