Defence Technology is Crucial for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat: DRDO Advisor Manish BhardwajSSPU Launches B.Tech in Defence Technology Program for the Academic Year 2025-26

Pune, June 7, 2025 — “Defence technology is essential for building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Just as ‘Make in India’ is vital for national development, recent events like Operation Sindhur have made it clear how critical our armed forces and indigenous defence capabilities are,” said Manish Bhardwaj, Technical Advisor to the Chairman of DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation).

Bhardwaj was speaking as the chief guest at the official launch of the B.Tech in Defence Technology program by Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU) in Pune. The newly introduced course will be available from the upcoming academic year and is set to open new career paths in the defence sector.

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Nation-Building Through Indigenous Technology

“In recent times, DRDO-developed technologies such as Akash and BrahMos missiles, radar systems, and drones have shown the world the strength of Indian innovation. But this is just the beginning. The defence sector needs more manpower, focused research, and collaboration between academia and industry,” Bhardwaj said. He encouraged students to look beyond personal success and actively contribute to national progress.

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A First-of-Its-Kind Course in India

The launch of the B.Tech in Defence Technology marks a historic moment, as it is the first skill-based undergraduate program in defence technology in the country. SSPU, which has built a reputation for industry-integrated education, will train students in areas like AI, cybersecurity, autonomous systems, aerospace engineering, and other advanced technologies relevant to India’s defence needs.

Dr. Swati Mujumdar, Pro-Chancellor of SSPU, presided over the ceremony and emphasized the university’s commitment to aligning education with national priorities. “This course will guide students toward meaningful careers in national defence. SSPU has partnered with over 250 companies and has been skill-training youth for eight years,” she noted.

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Strong Industry and Defence Backing

The event saw the presence of prominent industry leaders and defence experts, including Sushil Kumar (Global Head and VP, Tata Technologies), S.M. Vaidya (Former Business Head, Godrej Aerospace), Shirish Deshmukh (Director, DEMA), Varun Khandare (MD, SRGF), and Harsh Gune from MCCIA Defence Committee.

The university also signed MoUs with Vasundhara Geo Technologies and DSA Electro and Design to support industry-academia collaboration.

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The Future of Defence Careers in India

Major General Vinay Handa highlighted the increasing relevance of defence-related careers. “There’s a projected 25% growth in the defence sector, which already accounts for over 65% of domestic equipment manufacturing, more than 430 defence firms, and 16,000 MSMEs. The global defence industry is worth over $2.5 trillion and offers nearly 1 million jobs,” he said.

He added that emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, aerospace systems, and critical systems engineering will drive the future. “India must reduce its dependency on foreign nations and take the lead in innovation,” he noted.

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Need for System Engineering & Startups

Speakers including S.M. Vaidya, Shirish Deshmukh, Varun Khandare, Sushil Kumar, and Harsh Gune emphasized the role of startups, indigenous manufacturing, and system engineering in achieving defence self-reliance. They praised SSPU for introducing system engineering — a subject often neglected in Indian universities — into its curriculum.

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Leaders Share Their Vision for India’s Defence Future

Lt. Gen. V.G. Khandare and Air Marshal Bhushan Gokhale addressed the gathering virtually, sharing their insights on the future of India’s defence ecosystem and extending their best wishes to the program and its students.

The event was hosted by Dr. Smita Shukla, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Major General Vinay Handa.