Punjab showcases Aerospace and Defence potential at Progressive Punjab Investor Summit 2026
Babushahi Bureau
Mohali (Punjab), March 14, 2026: The second day of the Progressive Punjab Investor Summit 2026 featured a key session on aerospace and defence, where industry leaders and policymakers discussed strengthening India’s defence ecosystem and the potential role of Punjab in the sector.
Presiding over the session, Punjab’s Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh highlighted the state’s strong infrastructure and technical ecosystem, saying Punjab is well-positioned to contribute significantly to the country’s defence manufacturing sector.
He pointed out that the presence of six airports in the state provides strong connectivity, while institutions such as the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory and the Central Tool Room and Training Centre Ludhiana strengthen the technical and research base required for defence-related industries.
The minister also noted that the Punjab government recently organised a defence conclave to deliberate on opportunities and challenges in the sector.
Former Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal B. S. Dhanoa stressed the need to identify and further develop core competency areas in defence manufacturing to boost India’s strategic capabilities.
During the discussion, Jaskirat Vladimir Singh, CEO of JSW Sarbloh Motors, advocated the creation of sectoral committees in the defence industry, similar to those in the industrial sector. He also highlighted the importance of integrating Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) into defence production to strengthen supply chains and encourage innovation.
Meanwhile, Amit, CEO of Invest Punjab, emphasised the state’s strong manufacturing base and investor-friendly policies. He noted that Punjab’s ease-of-doing-business framework enables companies to obtain the required approvals within 45 days.