PUNE, 10 Jun: The Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), Pune has recently launched new B.Tech in Defence Technology Programme.
Speaking on the occasion, technical advisor to the chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Manish Bhardwaj highlighted the importance of defence technology in achieving the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).
He said, “Just as ‘Make in India’ is essential for nation-building, the Sindoor incident has highlighted the significance of the armed forces and indigenous technology. The entire nation has witnessed the strategic importance of DRDO-developed systems such as missiles like Akash and BrahMos, radar systems, and drones. Students should aim not just for a successful career, but for active participation in nation-building.”
Pro-chancellor of SSPU Dr. Swati Mujumdar signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with two companies – Vasundhara Geo Technologies, represented by Advait Kulkarni, and DSA Electro and Design, represented by director Ashok Subhedar.
Dr. Swati Mujumdar remarked, “India is progressing steadily on the path of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. The Sindoor operation proved to be extremely important for national security and highlighted the urgent need for advancements in the defence sector. This newly launched programme will give students a fresh direction in their careers. Symbiosis Skills and Professional University is the first skill-based university in the country, and for the past eight years, we have been training students with skills aligned to industry requirements. We currently have partnerships with over 250 companies.”
“To build a secure, strong, and self-reliant India, Symbiosis has launched the B.Tech in Defence Technology programme. Several key companies in the country are playing a significant role in military technology and are generating employment opportunities for thousands of youth. With the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, and Autonomous Systems, this programme is suitable for both boys and girls. It will give them the opportunity to contribute to shaping India’s future defence capabilities. This is an innovative programme in the emerging field of defence technology and manufacturing,” said Dr. Swati Mujumdar.
Major General Vinay Handa, while speaking about the programme and the rising graph of the Indian armed forces, highlighted that both private and public sector companies are collaborating in this area. In the coming years, the sector is poised to gain great significance. Research, export potential, Artificial Intelligence, and aerospace technology will play crucial roles. Since it is directly linked to national security, this sector is witnessing a 25% growth rate. The global defence industry is valued at USD 2.5 trillion, with over 1 million job opportunities available. In India, 65% of defence equipment is manufactured domestically, with 430 defence companies and around 16,000 MSMEs involved in the sector. The Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) have seen a 42.85% growth in the year 2024-25.”
Following this, S.M. Vaidya, Shirish Deshmukh, Varun Khandare, Sushil Kumar, and Harsh Gune spoke in their addresses about the immense opportunities available for nation-building through research, new product development, and startups in the armed forces. They emphasized that this sector also offers significant employment opportunities. Additionally, they pointed out that while system engineering is not taught in any university, the Symbiosis Skills University’s curriculum includes system engineering as a new and excellent course. “For critical systems, instead of depending on other countries, we should come forward with new ideas and seek opportunities ourselves,” they added.
Other guests included, Sushil Kumar, global head and vice president of Tata Technologies; S.M. Vaidya, former business head and vice president of Godrej Aerospace; Shirish Deshmukh, director of DEMA (DIMA Manufacturing Association); Varun Khandare, MD of SRGF and member of the Defence Committee, MCCIA; and Harsh Gune, also from the MCCIA Defence Committee, Lieutenant General V.G. Khandare and Air Marshal Bhushan Gokhale, according to a SSPU release.