A new Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Advanced Space and Defence Technologies has been established at SASTRA University in Thirumalaisamudhram, marking a significant step forward in India’s indigenous technological development. The initiative, a collaboration between SASTRA and Ansys—a global leader in engineering simulation—aims to accelerate innovation in aerospace and defence by providing a robust platform for simulation-driven research, design, and skill development.
The CoE will serve as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together students, researchers, startups, and key stakeholders from the defence and space sectors. Equipped with state-of-the-art simulation tools from Ansys and high-performance computing resources from SASTRA, the Centre will focus on critical areas such as structural and thermal analysis for aerospace systems, multiphysics simulations for space applications, mission reliability and system safety modelling, hypersonics, propulsion and materials engineering, and electromagnetics for defence communication and radar technologies.
Mike Yeager, Area Vice President of Ansys India and Japan, emphasised the initiative’s role in bridging the gap between academia and industry. “This collaboration provides aspiring engineers with access to world-class simulation tools, empowering them to tackle real-world challenges in aerospace and defence,” he said.
SASTRA Vice-Chancellor S. Vaidyasubramaniam highlighted the Centre’s alignment with India’s vision of self-reliance in space and defence. “The CoE will not only empower students and researchers but also contribute to the nation’s technological sovereignty,” he added.
This partnership underscores the growing importance of simulation-driven engineering in advancing defence and space capabilities. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, the CoE is poised to drive innovation, enhance skill development, and strengthen India’s position in the global aerospace and defence landscape. As the Centre takes shape, it will likely become a model for similar initiatives, reinforcing the role of simulation technology in shaping the future of engineering and defence.