India’s defence innovation ecosystem is set to take center stage as East Tech 2025 kicks off in Ranchi from September 19 to 21. Hosted by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army in collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), the three-day exhibition will be held at Khelgaon Stadium and is poised to be the largest edition yet. With over 200 exhibitors, 175 defence manufacturers, and participation from top military and government leadership, the event is a powerful testament to India’s push for Atmanirbhar Bharat and Raksha Atmanirbharta.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what East Tech 2025 brings to the table and why it matters.
1. Scale and Scope: A Defence Showcase Like No Other
- East Tech 2025 will feature over 200 exhibitors and more than 175 defence manufacturers, including Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), DRDO, MSMEs, start-ups, and academia
- The event will host over 300 delegates and 250 senior Army officials, making it one of the most significant defence gatherings in eastern India
- For the first time, in-service equipment will be on public display, offering a rare glimpse into operational assets currently deployed by the Indian Army
- The exhibition will also mark the debut of joint participation between public and private sector entities, expanding the collaborative footprint
2. Technology on Display: From Tactical to Transformational
- Exhibits will span key domains such as tactical communication systems, battlefield mobility solutions, protection and survivability gear, and advanced firepower platforms
- Cutting-edge technologies like AI-enabled applications, robotics, autonomous systems, drones, and counter-drone solutions will be showcased
- The event will also feature innovations tailored to the operational needs of the Eastern Theatre, which includes sensitive border zones and counter-insurgency areas
- A dedicated tech seminar will explore collaborative development models for future-ready defence products
3. Strategic Objectives and Procurement Pathways
- East Tech 2025 aims to bridge the gap between the Armed Forces’ operational requirements and the capabilities of India’s defence industry
- The exhibition will catalyse future collaborations in research and development, procurement, and field trials
- Eastern Command has expressed interest in conducting No Cost No Commitment (NCNC) trials for ready-to-induct products, offering a fast-track route to deployment
- Over Rs 300 crore worth of procurement orders have been placed since the last edition, with projections exceeding Rs 400 crore for this year
4. Leadership and Dignitary Presence
- The event will be inaugurated by top defence and state officials, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, and Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth
- GOC-in-C Eastern Command Air Marshal Surat Singh will also be present, underscoring the strategic importance of the Eastern Theatre
- Senior officers from other Army Commands and the Ministry of Defence will attend, evaluating technologies and guiding future procurement decisions
5. Jharkhand’s Moment: Ranchi as a Defence Innovation Hub
- Hosting East Tech 2025 positions Ranchi as a rising node in India’s defence innovation map
- The event offers a platform for local MSMEs and start-ups to engage directly with the Armed Forces, opening doors to national-level contracts and partnerships
- It also reflects the government’s intent to decentralize defence manufacturing and create regional hubs of excellence
Closing Thought: A Theatre of Innovation
East Tech 2025 is more than an exhibition—it’s a strategic dialogue between India’s defence forces and its innovation ecosystem. As indigenous technologies take the spotlight and operational needs meet inventive solutions, the event marks a decisive step toward self-reliance and battlefield readiness. Ranchi, for these three days, becomes the crucible where India’s defence future is being forged.
Sources: ThePrint, The Statesman, SIDM.
