MSMEs should participate in defence indigenisation programme through HAL & DRDO: Air Marshal Khandekar

New Delhi, Aug 31 (KNN) Air Marshal P P Khandekar, AO-in-C (Maintenance), IAF, has emphasized that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) should progress with defence indigenisation programme with increased Research & Development (R&D) having innovative approach as it would only ensure and enhance their participation with armed forces through defence undertakings such as Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

He was addressing the Seminar which was organized as a Curtain Raiser to publicize a workshop on MSMEs role in Indigenisation of IAF requirements to be held at Lucknow on 14th of next month under the joint aegis of HAL, DRDO and PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Khandekar said that currently MSMEs participation with armed forces was possible through the two entities and therefore, these should take advantages of the two windows with quality of manufacturing utmost in their mind.

The Seminar is likely to discuss and understand in detail the capabilities MSMEs possess and sensitize the local industry with the Indian Air Force requirement for future collaborations.  There will also be display of equipment by BRD units of Indian Air Force.

The stakeholders that are likely to attend the forthcoming seminar consists of Senior Indian Air Force officers, representatives from DPSUs, state government officials, defence think tanks, local SMEs and captains from the Indian industry including leading Indiana and International organizations. (KNN Bureau)