Hyderabad Positions Itself as Fastest-Growing Defence and Aerospace Hub
Hyderabad is steadily emerging as a major hub for strategic manufacturing, particularly in the defence and aerospace sectors, according to Jaiteerth R Joshi, director general (BrahMos) of DRDO and CEO & managing director of BrahMos Aerospace. Speaking at the announcement of the 36th Annual Conference on Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE 2026) and AeroNDT 2026, Joshi stated, "Establishing its reputation as the fastest-growing destination for the defence and aerospace industry in the country, Hyderabad is steadily emerging as a major hub for strategic manufacturing. Many more industries and advanced technologies are expected to make the city their home in the coming years."
NDE 2026 and AeroNDT 2026 Conference to Bring Together Over 2,000 Experts
The conference, organised by the Indian Society for Non-Destructive Testing (ISNT), is scheduled from November 15 to 17 at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad. For the first time, it will be held alongside AeroNDT 2026, under the theme 'Innovation for Strategic and Economic Excellence'. The event is expected to gather over 2,000 experts, scientists, industry leaders, and researchers from the defence, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing sectors.
Non-Destructive Testing: The Backbone of Quality and Safety
Joshi highlighted the critical importance of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) in engineering. He compared NDT to medical imaging, saying, "Just as doctors use X-rays, MRI and CT scans to detect problems without opening up the human body, engineers use NDT to identify internal defects in components without damaging them. Without NDT there can be no assured quality, reliability or safety in defence and aerospace systems." He noted that NDT is fundamental to every stage of engineering, from raw material inspection to manufacturing, maintenance, and life extension of critical assets.
AI and Robotics Transforming Inspection Technologies
Discussing future trends, Joshi emphasised the role of artificial intelligence and robotics in advancing inspection technologies. "Robotic systems and AI-based tools are increasingly being deployed for inspections in inaccessible and hazardous locations such as collapsed structures, mines and disaster zones. The integration of AI will make risk assessment and quality assurance faster, smarter and far more robust," he said.
Call for Young Professionals to Join NDT Sector
Joshi also addressed the challenge of manpower shortage in the sector. "The biggest challenge before the sector today is the shortage of trained manpower. While the initial years may demand patience in terms of monetary returns, NDT offers exceptional long-term career prospects as India's defence and aerospace ecosystem continues to expand. The next generation must take up this responsibility and drive the country's technological growth," he urged.
