MSMEs and Startups play a crucial role as tiered partners with Defence Establishments and large private sector OEMs, forming an integral part of the Defence supply chain. Wider participation of MSMEs and Startups across all geographies is essential in the design, development, and manufacturing of equipment for the Defence sector. With continuous policy reforms by the Ministry of Defence, the sector has witnessed significant progress - Defence production has reached ₹1.51 lakh crore, and exports have grown to ₹23,622 crore.

Kerala is emerging as a promising destination for Defence and Aerospace manufacturing, leveraging its skilled workforce, knowledge-based economy, and expanding industrial ecosystem. The State hosts key defence establishments such as the Southern Naval Command, Southern Air Command, and Cochin Shipyard Ltd. The KINFRA Defence Park supports MSMEs in precision manufacturing, while the Vizhinjam International Seaport, India’s first deep-water transshipment port, enhances logistics and export efficiency. The Kerala Industrial Policy 2023 identifies Defence and Aerospace as thrust sectors, reinforced by the Export Promotion Policy 2025 and proposed Aerospace Policy and Hi-Tech Framework 2025. Strategically located near the Tamil Nadu Defence Corridor and well connected to Bengaluru and Hyderabad, Kerala is steadily integrating into the national Defence and Aerospace supply chain. 

In light of the above, under the initiative of the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) are jointly organizing the Regional Defence MSME Conclave in Cochin, Kerala on 18 December 2025.

The one-day Conclave aims to enhance awareness of policies that promote MSMEs into the Defence supply chain ecosystem, while highlighting opportunities available through the Srijan Defence Portal. It seeks to further strengthen the participation of MSMEs in the Defence sector by unlocking the potential of enterprises from non-defence segments. The Conclave will facilitate direct interactions between MSMEs, Indian Navy, Air Force, Cochin Shipyard Ltd, DPSUs, and R&D institutions.

1. Understand the policy landscape and MSME schemes in the Defence sector

2. Explore opportunities for MSMEs on the Srijan Portal

3. Gain insights into innovation and R&D opportunities

4. Learn about indigenisation requirements for sustenance of legacy equipment

5. Display your capabilities through a Technology Showcase and equipment display

6. Participate in G2B & B2B meetings with Armed Forces, Defence Establishments, DPSUs, and leading OEMs

7. Access customised financing schemes for MSMEs in Defence