Tamil Nadu is aggressively pursuing a target of ₹75,000 crore in investments by 2032, a bold ambition articulated by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in Chennai. Speaking at the inauguration of the three-day AeroDefCon’25 at Chennai Trade Centre on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Mr. Stalin extended a clear invitation to investors, stating the state is fully prepared and ready for immediate engagement.
During his address, CM Stalin emphasized the government’s unwavering support for armed forces personnel, scientists, industrial entrepreneurs, and investors. He highlighted the transformative impact of the Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor, positioning it as a pivotal development for the sector. “My vision is for Tamil Nadu to evolve into a premier manufacturing hub for defence and aerospace, with this Industrial Corridor playing a crucial role in shaping our future,” he stated.
Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa underscored the significance of AeroDefCon’25, noting that an event of this magnitude reflects Tamil Nadu’s serious commitment to aerospace, defence, and strategic industries. The convention attracted approximately 3,000 delegates from 18 countries, facilitating over 5,500 business-to-business (B2B) meetings, a testament to the state’s growing global appeal.
Echoing this sentiment, DRDO Director-General (Electronics and Communication Systems) B.K. Das commended Tamil Nadu for its vital contribution to India’s defence capabilities. He pledged DRDO’s full backing, emphasizing, “On behalf of the DRDO, I assure you of our steadfast support. Through our combined synergy, we can propel our nation to greater heights.” Paramesh Sivamani, Director-General of the Indian Coast Guard, further affirmed Tamil Nadu’s rapid ascent as a national leader in aerospace, defence, and even space industries. He praised the Chief Minister’s assertion that “every dot on the Tamil Nadu map is investment-ready,” recognizing it as an aspiration that is actively being realized.
Chennai Hosts a Landmark Event
Stéphane-Pierre Castet, CEO of BCI Aerospace, noted the historic nature of AeroDefCon in Chennai, marking the first time such a comprehensive gathering of aerospace and defence stakeholders has been held in the city. He highlighted BCI Aerospace’s mission to connect small and medium-sized enterprises with new partners, a critical aspect of fostering industry growth. This significant event has previously been hosted in global cities like Italy, Brazil, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
The inaugural session saw the participation of several distinguished guests, including Minister T.M. Anbarasan, Sriperumbudur MP T.R. Baalu, Rear Admiral Satish Shenai (Flag Officer Commanding, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area), M.C. Balasubramaniam (Chairman and Managing Director, Gliders India Limited), former DRDO chairman S. Christopher, Air Commodore Tapan Sharma (Tambaram Air Force Station), Industries Department Secretary V. Arun Roy, and TIDCO Managing Director Sandeep Nanduri.