India to Showcase Indigenous Defence Capabilities at VISV-2026

VISV-2026, short for Vision, Innovation, Synergy, Values, is being organised by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS). Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth is scheduled to inaugurate the event on 30 October 2026 at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. Its theme is “Showcasing Defence Capabilities, Strengthening Global Partnerships”.

Defence Research and Development in India

VISV-2026 brings together representatives of India’s defence establishment, industries, academic institutions and diplomatic community. Its technical sessions cover DRDO capabilities in aeronautical systems, land and naval systems, sensing and communications, missile systems, microelectronics, computational solutions and soldier support systems. The event’s stated focus includes defence research, technology development, production and cooperation with friendly countries. DRDO is India’s defence research and development agency. The Centre for Joint Warfare Studies is a defence studies institution that participates in the event’s organisation. The technical sessions span multiple domains, including platforms, communications, computing and personnel support.

Defence Procurement and Indigenous Technology

On 26 October 2026, the Defence Acquisition Council approved capital acquisitions valued at approximately ₹2,12,000 crore. Indian industry was designated to receive 82% of the procurements. The Defence Acquisition Council is the Ministry of Defence’s highest decision-making body for capital acquisitions. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released the Land Warfare Doctrine 2026 on 23 October 2026. The doctrine addresses drone operations and artificial intelligence-enabled decision-making. DRDO’s indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system entered Phase-2 testing by 27 October 2026. Developed with Indian industry partners, including L&T, the system is targeted for integration into a Kalvari-class submarine in early 2027. AIP systems allow conventional submarines to remain submerged for longer periods without drawing in atmospheric air.

Defence Exhibitions and Innovation Initiatives

The Indian Navy held Swavlamban 2026 in New Delhi on 26–27 October, focusing on emerging technologies and indigenous defence capabilities. India participated in the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exhibition 2026 in Pretoria from 16–20 September, where 13 Indian defence companies exhibited at the India Pavilion. Indian entities also showcased defence capabilities at the World Defence Show 2026 in Riyadh and at Eurosatory in Paris from 15–18 June 2026; 31 Indian entities participated in Eurosatory. These exhibitions provide settings for defence companies and institutions to present equipment and technologies to international participants.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Defence Acquisition Council approved capital acquisitions worth approximately ₹2,12,000 crore on 26 October 2026.
• The Indian Navy’s Swavlamban 2026 initiative took place in New Delhi on 26–27 October 2026.
• Thirteen Indian defence companies participated in the India Pavilion at the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exhibition 2026.
• India’s indigenous AIP system was in Phase-2 testing by 27 October 2026.

The Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi is the scheduled venue for VISV-2026. The event’s technical programme covers land, naval, aeronautical, missile and communications systems.</final