Innovation thrust in the aerospace and defence sector

March 30, 2024 12:41 pm

Recent breakthroughs in aerospace and defence technology are reshaping global strategies focusing on autonomy, cybersecurity, and international collaboration. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was forthright: “We will be able to maintain strategic autonomy only when arms and equipment are made in our own country, by our own people …A huge country like India cannot remain dependent on imports in any important sector”.

At the inflexion point of technological innovation, the aerospace and defence sector is driven by the constant pursuit of greater efficiency, performance, and safety. Over the years, technological advancements have enabled the development of more modern aircraft, spacecraft, weapons systems, and defence mechanisms. India’s aerospace and defence market is estimated to reach around $70 billion by 2030. The Ministry of Defence has set a target of achieving a turnover of $26 bn in aerospace and defence Manufacturing by 2025, which includes $5 bn in exports.

The Government has identified the defence and aerospace sector as a focus area for the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ or Self-Reliant India initiative, with a formidable push to establish an indigenous manufacturing infrastructure supported by a requisite research and development ecosystem. The opening of AeroSpace Services India (ASI) as a subsidiary of Defence major Israel Aerospace Industries is in sync with the Indian government’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’.   

Furthermore, there is a significant emphasis on promoting indigenous advancement in defence technology, fostering innovation and expansion among local firms. Vineet Seth, who serves as the Managing Director for South Asia & the Middle East at Mastercam APAC, asserts that the government’s efforts to enhance defence exports are creating opportunities for companies to explore international markets, particularly in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Also, sIndia’s space industry, renowned worldwide for achievements like the Mars Orbiter Mission and Chandrayaan, creates prospects in satellite production, launch services, and space exploration.

Technological progress

Integrating autonomous systems and AI has revolutionised civilian and military applications in the aerospace and defence sectors. Unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, equipped with AI algorithms can perform a wide range of missions, from surveillance and reconnaissance to targeted strikes, with minimal human intervention. In space exploration, autonomous rovers and spacecraft are deployed to explore distant planets and asteroids, gathering valuable data for scientific research.

Aerospace & defence technology advancements are ushering in a transformative era, introducing innovations that redefine offensive and defensive capabilities. Shinto Joseph, Director of South East Asia Operations at LDRA, highlights the widespread applications of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, enhancing mission effectiveness, cybersecurity, and safety measures. Additionally, progress in material science, particularly in composite materials, has led to significant weight reductions and fuel efficiency improvements, which are crucial elements in modern aircraft design. The importance of stealth technology in modern warfare cannot be overstated, offering critical advantages in engagement and surveillance.

Recent advancements in the defence and aerospace sectors have greatly enhanced defence capabilities. Capt. Nikunj Parashar, founder and CMD of Sagar Defence Engineering, emphasises the revolutionary impact of unmanned and autonomous systems, which provide strategic surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance capabilities along with unprecedented speed and manoeuvrability. Shinto Joseph echoes this sentiment, noting that autonomous systems are revolutionising the A&D sector, enhancing mission effectiveness and safety. These systems benefit from satellite communication and advanced navigation systems, improving coordination, while artificial intelligence aids decision-making processes. These technological advancements strengthen defence capabilities by providing more versatile, agile, and sophisticated tools, ensuring a strategic advantage in contemporary warfare.

Hypersonic technology, which involves vehicles travelling at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound), has garnered attention in recent years due to its potential military applications. Hypersonic missiles offer unparalleled speed and manoeuvrability, making them difficult to intercept using traditional air defence systems. Furthermore, hypersonic aircraft have the potential to revolutionise civilian air travel, drastically reducing travel times between continents.

Intricate components production

Computer-aided design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) technologies play pivotal roles in ensuring precise designs and simulations. This is particularly crucial in sectors like aerospace and defence, where components must adhere to stringent specifications. Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, has emerged as a revolutionary technology allowing for the rapid prototyping and production of intricate components with minimised waste and lead times.

Capt. Nikunj Parashar underscores the transformative impact of technologies and 3D printing on manufacturing processes. He emphasises how CAD facilitates the digital modelling of precise designs while CAM translates these designs into machine-readable instructions, streamlining manufacturing. The integration of 3D printing enables the layer-by-layer construction of complex geometries, reducing waste and enabling the production of designs that are difficult to achieve using traditional methods.

Vineet Seth further highlights the significance of additive manufacturing in the aerospace industry, emphasising its role in producing lightweight and intricate components, leading to substantial cost and efficiency improvements. He notes that aerospace companies were pioneers in adopting large-scale 3D printing, revolutionising the manufacturing process by enabling rapid prototyping and the creation of optimised designs for weight reduction, crucial for fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability.

These technologies optimise production workflows, decrease lead times, and offer cost-effective solutions, particularly in aerospace, automotive, and medicine industries where precision is paramount. Shinto Joseph points out how advancements like Digital Twin simulation push boundaries by reducing costs and timelines. Although 3D printing technologies are rapidly advancing, obtaining regulatory approvals from certification agencies remains challenging due to the technology’s ongoing maturation.

Vineet Seth elaborates on the benefits of hybrid manufacturing, which combines additive and subtractive processes to offer efficiency and flexibility in production. This approach streamlines manufacturing, reduces the need for multiple machines, and minimises errors, enabling the production of complex and high-quality components crucial for safety, performance, and competitiveness in these sectors. He further stresses the importance of efficiency, particularly in aerospace and defence projects involving costly and time-consuming machining of complex parts and materials.

Safety and security

The primary challenge is establishing internal cybersecurity capabilities, as threats predominantly stem from external sources. AI-driven predictive analytics are helping defence organisations anticipate and mitigate cybersecurity threats, safeguarding critical infrastructure and sensitive information. Given the escalating cyber threats, defence startups are heightening their cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive data. This involves employing advanced encryption protocols for secure communication channels and conducting regular security audits to detect vulnerabilities proactively.

Nonetheless, safety and security are closely linked; a system compromised by hackers is inherently unsafe. Therefore, there’s a pressing need for a distinct skill set and heightened awareness among employees to effectively mitigate cyber threats across the supply chain and ensure partner reliability. The integration of AI and ML algorithms can significantly enhance cybersecurity efforts.

Collaboration

The current geopolitical landscape presents challenges and opportunities for the aerospace & defence industry. While companies have secured substantial orders for the next few years, they encounter disruptions in their supply chains due to geopolitical polarisation. Focus areas such as cybersecurity, autonomous systems, and space exploration are gaining prominence amidst geopolitical complexities, presenting growth opportunities. International collaboration is important in shaping the defence and aerospace sectors, with partnerships and alliances pivotal in addressing global security challenges.

Private companies in India and target markets have a solid rationale for exploring increased public-private partnerships, which represent substantial business opportunities. Collaboration and joint research and development initiatives drive sectoral growth and innovation, aligning with the vision of ‘Make in India, Make for the World.’

The advancement of materials and manufacturing techniques propels innovation in aerospace and defence. For example, carbon fibre composites offer an exceptional balance of strength and lightweight properties, making them ideal for aircraft structures. Technological advancements are reshaping the capabilities and possibilities of aerospace and defence operations, from advanced materials and manufacturing techniques to autonomous systems, hypersonic technology, and space exploration. As these technologies continue to evolve, they will shape the future of aviation, space exploration, and national security, given the future perspective.

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Capt. Nikunj Parashar, Founder and CMD, Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt. Ltd.

With geopolitical complexities driving nations to enhance their military prowess, there is a chance to showcase indigenously developed defence technology internationally.

Shinto Joseph, Director – South East Asia Operations, LDRA.

Progress in material science, particularly in composite materials, has led to weight reductions and fuel efficiency improvements, which are crucial in modern aircraft design.

Vineet Seth, Managing Director – South Asia & Middle East, Mastercam APAC.

Manufacturers in aerospace and defence industries seek manufacturing technology for customisation, quality and precision at an exceptionally high level.