In a session on aerospace and defense at the Synergia Conclave 2023, Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari emphasized the importance of investing in new and disruptive technologies for the Indian Air Force (IAF). He highlighted the need for joint and consolidated efforts from all stakeholders to align these technologies with the needs of the armed forces.

Chaudhari also stressed the potential of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance survivability, machinery flexibility, and effective combat strategies. He mentioned that AI and machine learning could contribute significantly to improvements in the aerospace and defense sectors, particularly in terms of stealth, self-healing structures, health monitoring and diagnostics systems, and more efficient engines.

The IAF chief also emphasized the importance of innovative use of converging technologies, stating that it can lead to exponential change rather than incremental change. He pointed out that convergence of technologies has proven to be a game-changer on the battlefield and urged for their application in aerospace and defense sectors.

Chaudhari also mentioned that IAF is involved in multiple projects across domains such as space aiming to enhance its capabilities. He concluded by emphasizing that investing in new technologies is crucial for enhancing India’s strategic position on the global stage.

Overall, Chaudhari’s speech underscored the importance of investing in disruptive technologies for improving India’s aerospace capabilities while highlighting their potential applications in enhancing survivability, machinery flexibility, effective combat strategies, stealth capability, self-healing structures, health monitoring systems and diagnostics systems as well as more efficient engines.