Pune, 7th November 2025 — The Centre for Aerospace Power and Strategic Studies (CAPSS), in collaboration with Defence Research and Innovation Foundation (DRIF) ADYPU, successfully hosted a high-profile Joint Seminar on Aerospace Power and National Security, bringing together experts from defence, academia, and industry on a single platform.
The seminar, held at the DRIF ADYPU campus, explored the critical intersections of air power, national security, and technological innovation, leaving participants inspired and deeply engaged throughout the day-long event.
Inaugural Ceremony: Lighting the Lamp of Knowledge
The event began with the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony led by the Registrar – Dr. Sudhakar Shinde, Executive Vice President – Dr. Kamaljeet Kaur Siddhu, Head HR ADYPG – Ms. Rebika Singh, Dr. Santosh Borde – Director of SPCR, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Ashish Vohra, and other guests, symbolizing the illumination of wisdom and innovation.
AVM Ashish Vohra felicitated Ms. Kamaljeet Ma’am for her invaluable contributions to CAPSS, followed by his keynote address appreciating ADYPU’s beautiful and research-driven campus and its growing role in fostering a strong defence-academic ecosystem.
LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS
The seminar featured inspiring addresses by Dr Ajeenkya DY Patil, Chairman, ADYPU & DRIF, and Dr. Nishakant Ojha, Honorary Director General, ADYPU DRIF.
Dr Ajeenkya D Y Patil spoke about the vision behind DRIF’s establishment and its mission to transform India’s defence and aerospace innovation ecosystem through collaborative, sustainable, and industry-aligned research. “Through DRIF and CAPSS, ADYPU is nurturing an ecosystem that blends academic excellence with strategic innovation. Our aim is to make India a global hub for indigenous research, defence technology, and aerospace leadership.”
— Dr Ajeenkya D Y Patil, Chairman, ADYPU & DRIF
Dr. Nishakant Ojha elaborated on DRIF’s ongoing initiatives, highlighting its active collaborations with national and international institutions, defence startups, and research partners. He emphasized that DRIF serves as a platform for thought leadership, innovation, and self-reliance in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. “DRIF stands as a bridge between vision and execution — empowering researchers, engineers, and defence experts to innovate for national strength and self-reliance.”
— Dr. Nishakant Ojha, Honorary Director General, ADYPU DRIF
Their visionary remarks set the tone for a day of intellectual engagement and practical discourse on India’s strategic and technological future.
Ms. Rebika Ma’am presented an in-depth overview of the Defence Research and Innovation Foundation (DRIF) ADYPU, its vision, mission, key research focus areas, and partnerships with BIRC, CAPSS, AAI, GPI, and the Indian Air Force (IAF). Her session also featured a captivating video presentation that highlighted DRIF’s remarkable journey, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Thought Leadership and Strategy
AVM Vohra spoke passionately on national security as a holistic pursuit encompassing financial, technological, and cultural protection. He emphasized the need for Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence infrastructure and manufacturing, underscoring India’s goal of becoming a Viksit Bharat. Drawing insights from global conflicts such as the Russia–Ukraine and Israel–Hamas wars, he urged the development of disruptive technologies and the strengthening of air power as a pillar of national dominance. “If India is to rise as a Viksit Bharat, our geopolitical stability and defence self-reliance must walk hand in hand,” — Air Vice Marshal Ashish Vohra
Interactive Technical Sessions: From History to Future Warfare
Wing Commander Akash Godbole delivered an impactful session titled “Aerospace Power in National Security”. He explored the evolution of Indian air power through pivotal moments such as the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, the Meghna Heli Bridge Operation, and the Balakot Air Strikes (2019). His session encouraged active audience participation, with students and defence enthusiasts eagerly engaging in discussions on Operation Sindoor, war expenditure, and India’s missile advancements. Participants described this session as “a powerful blend of history, strategy, and vision,” reflecting on the dynamic role of aerospace power in India’s future.
Drone Warfare and Emerging Technologies
Group Captain Dr. D. K. Pandey, Senior Fellow at CAPSS, led a riveting discussion on the Proliferation of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and their influence on modern aerial operations. He examined the categories of UAS, drone warfare trends, and Counter-UAS (C-UAS) technologies, drawing lessons from conflicts in Syria, Iraq, and Ukraine. Participants engaged in a lively Q&A session, posing questions on nuclear-capable drones, Indian drone markets, and integration of drones with land-based systems. The room buzzed with curiosity and critical thinking, reflecting the interactive spirit of the seminar.
India’s Nuclear Challenges and Strategic Outlook
In a thought-provoking presentation, Dr. Javed Alam, PhD Research Associate at CAPSS, examined India’s two-front nuclear challenge involving China and Pakistan. He discussed China’s nuclear trajectory, NFU doctrine, and the complexity of deterrence dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. The discussion grew animated as students raised questions about India’s nuclear testing stance, CTBT implications, and policy challenges posed by regional nuclear developments.
Reforms in Higher Defence Organization
Gp Capt RR Chaudhary delivered an insightful lecture on Reforms in Higher Defence Organization (HDO) and their impact on India’s national security structure. He traced the historical evolution of defence management from the post-independence era to the establishment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the Department of Military Affairs (DMA). Students engaged actively during the Q&A session, discussing the role of CDS, DMA verticals, and coordination between the NSC and NSCS in strategic planning.
The seminar also featured industry presentations from leading Defence and Aerospace Companies:
- Techtron Innovations.
- CerebroSpark
- JKMC
An Interactive and Enriching Experience
Throughout the seminar, participants from defence scholars to university students engaged in interactive Q&A sessions and discussions, making the event truly participatory. The Joint Seminar served as a shining example of collaborative nation-building, merging the strengths of academia, defence, and industry toward creating innovative solutions for national development.
The day concluded with a solemn rendition of the National Anthem, uniting all in a shared sense of pride and purpose. It reaffirmed DRIF ADYPU’s commitment to innovative and indigenous solutions for national security and development and the Prime Minister’s vision of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
