Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced on Tuesday that the state plans to attract Rs 75,000 crore in investments in the aerospace and defence sectors by 2032. He urged global companies not to delay decisions on establishing operations in the state.
AeroDefCon’25 Inauguration
The announcement was made during the inauguration of AeroDefCon’25, a three-day defence and aerospace conference held at the Chennai Trade Centre. Stalin highlighted that Tamil Nadu is investment-ready in every district and emphasized the government’s support for armed forces personnel, scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors. He called the Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor a turning point and expressed his vision for the state to become a national manufacturing hub.
Steps to Promote Defence Manufacturing
Stalin pointed out that the state has implemented new industrial policies, integrated logistics support, and high-tech infrastructure to make defence manufacturing a key growth driver. He said the Defence Industrial Corridor will play a crucial role in the sector’s future.
Industry Engagement and Global Participation
State Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa noted that AeroDefCon’25 attracted around 3,000 delegates from 18 countries, participating in over 5,500 B2B meetings, reflecting Tamil Nadu’s ambition to become a global hub for aerospace, defence, and strategic industries.
DRDO Director-General B.K. Das praised Tamil Nadu’s efforts, affirming the organization’s support and emphasizing collaboration to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities.
Indian Coast Guard Director-General Paramesh Sivamani highlighted the state’s leadership in aerospace, defence, and space technologies, confirming that the investment-readiness of every district is already being realized.
International Perspectives
Stephane-Pierre Castet, CEO of BCI Aerospace, noted that Chennai is hosting such a high-level industry matchmaking platform for the first time, aiming to help small and medium-sized companies identify new partners.The inaugural session also included senior leaders and officials such as Ministers T.M. Anbarasan, Sriperumbudur MP T.R. Baalu, senior Navy and Air Force officers, and prominent defence entrepreneurs.
