At the inaugural session of AeroDefCon 2025 in Chennai, Chief Minister M K Stalin announced that Tamil Nadu aims to attract Rs 75,000 crore in investments by 2032 through the Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor, with a vision to create a globally competitive aerospace and defence manufacturing hub.

So far, the state has attracted Rs 23,000 crore, with projects worth Rs 5,000 crore under implementation. In September, the government signed MoUs with Cochin Shipyard and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders for shipbuilding projects involving Rs 15,000 crore, expected to generate 60,000 work opportunities. Industries Minister T R B Rajaa revealed plans to make AeroDefCon a biennial event and to establish advanced testing and integration facilities through TIDCO. Global aerospace giants and national defence institutions are participating in the event.

DRDO’s ECS Director General B K Das highlighted ongoing collaborations with Tamil Nadu, including a major engine project and fifth-generation aircraft component manufacturing. DRDO has also launched a Young Scientist Laboratory in the state.