Powering India’s Hi-Tech Manufacturing

Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA) and the Society of  Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) jointly organized the ‘IMTMA-SIDM CXO Round Table on Hi-Tech Manufacturing for Defence & Aerospace’ on January 23, 2026, during IMTEX FORMING 2026, bringing together senior leaders from the defence industry, DPSUs, Tier-1 integrators, and machine tool manufacturers to discuss and align on key manufacturing requirements, capability expectations, and the future roadmap for collaboration.

It comes at a time when India's defence manufacturing ecosystem is witnessing a rapid scale-up, driven by Atmanirbhar Bharat, indigenization mandates, rising capital acquisitions, and expanding export ambitions.

Manufacturing—A Strategic Enabler

Although defence OEMs and system integrators are focusing on platform level capabilities, the availability of advanced machine tools, precision manufacturing solutions, automation, and digital manufacturing technologies has emerged as a critical enabler. At the core of this shift lies a sharp need for precision  manufacturing: micron-level tolerances, qualified machining processes, digitally controlled production, and aerospace/ military-grade certifications.

Aligning Capabilities & Expectations

Against this backdrop, the Round Table was designed to create a direct interface between defence manufacturers and machine tool builders. Senior leaders engaged to improve understanding of defence manufacturing requirements, standards, and procurement processes while also identifying indigenous manufacturing and technology development opportunities. This initiative aims to enable co-development, pilot projects, and long-term supplier partnerships as well as support India’s goals of self-reliance, cost competitiveness, and export readiness.

Key Manufacturing Themes

Defence and aerospace production outlook and key localization targets were deliberated upon. Focus was given to precision and tolerance requirements in aerospace and defence and Indian machine tool manufacturing capabilities in high precision machining, metal forming solutions, digital manufacturing, tooling, and metrology. Gaps in quality, process validation, and defence-grade certification were also given additional attention.

Roadmap for Collaboration

As the session came to a successful conclusion with an action plan for SIDM-MTMA to follow-up engagements, targeting CXOs, Directors, Promoters, and SVP/ VPs from defence, aerospace, and machine tools manufacturing sector, it reinforced its role as a crucial platform for shaping the future of high-technology manufacturing in India.

Image Source: IMTMA