The conclusion of East Tech 2025, the Eastern Command’s three-day defence technology exhibition, has underscored India’s accelerating progress toward operational self-reliance in the defence sector. The event, which ran from September 19 to 21 in Ranchi, brought together key stakeholders from across the Indian defence ecosystem, including Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), private industry players, startups, and MSMEs. Their collective focus on ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Raksha Atmanirbharta’—self-reliance in defence—demonstrates a growing consensus on the need for indigenous innovation to strengthen national security.
Organised in collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), East Tech 2025 served as a dynamic platform for showcasing cutting-edge solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the Indian Army. The exhibition featured advanced communications systems, mobility and logistics solutions, armour protection, AI-driven warfare systems, drone and counter-drone technologies, robotics, autonomous systems, and next-generation firepower solutions. These demonstrations provided real-time insights for operational users, bridging the gap between development and deployment.
Lt Gen Yashpal Singh Ahlawat, General Officer Commanding of the Brahmastra Corps, emphasised the event’s role in fostering collaboration between the military, industry, and research institutions. “East Tech 2025 has established itself as a model for defence-industry-military interface,” he said. “It creates avenues for real-time feedback from operational users to developers, identifies region-specific solutions, and paves the way for future collaboration in R&D and field trials.”
The exhibition also highlighted several indigenously designed systems, many of which were publicly showcased for the first time. This underscores India’s growing capability in developing homegrown defence technologies, reducing reliance on foreign imports and strengthening national security autonomy.
Beyond technology, East Tech 2025 fostered strategic partnerships and knowledge exchange. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges, share insights, and explore opportunities for collaboration. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the exhibition has set the stage for deeper engagement between the defence sector and industry, accelerating progress toward the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’—a developed and self-reliant India.
As geopolitical tensions continue to shape global defence priorities, India’s commitment to indigenous innovation positions it as a key player in the evolving defence landscape. East Tech 2025 has not only showcased the country’s technological advancements but also reinforced its determination to lead in defence self-sufficiency. The event’s success signals a promising future for India’s defence sector, where collaboration, innovation, and operational readiness will drive the next generation of military capabilities.