The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) on Saturday inaugurated a two-day national seminar titled ‘Aeronautics 2047’ at the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) in Bengaluru, bringing together top defence scientists, aerospace experts, industry leaders, and academia to chart India’s aeronautical roadmap towards 2047.
The seminar was inaugurated by Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh, who congratulated ADA on the completion of 25 years of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas programme. Emphasising the rapidly evolving security environment, the Air Force Chief underscored the critical importance of adhering to delivery timelines to ensure the Indian Air Force (IAF) remains operationally prepared.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, highlighted the need to accelerate the development of advanced indigenous technologies to reduce dependence on imports. He said self-reliance in cutting-edge aerospace systems is essential to realise the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.
The seminar aims to provide a comprehensive platform for discussions on the future of aeronautics, covering key domains such as next-generation aircraft design, advanced manufacturing and assembly, digital manufacturing, aerodynamics for future combat aircraft, propulsion technologies, flight testing, digital twin technology, certification challenges, flight control systems, avionics, maintenance challenges in fighter aircraft, artificial intelligence in aircraft design, and precision manufacturing for actuators.
Experts will also deliberate on the future of Indian aerospace technologies and trace the journey of the LCA Tejas, from its conceptual design stage to its induction into operational squadrons. Designed and developed by ADA, the LCA Tejas has successfully completed over 5,600 flight tests, involving more than 100 design and development work centres, including government laboratories, academic institutions, and industry partners.
