On February 6, 2026, Dr. RV Hara Prasad, the Director General of Naval Systems & Materials at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), officially opened the IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Systems, Smart & Green Technologies (ICISSGT-2026) in Visakhapatnam. This two-day event, co-organized by the Naval Science and Technology Laboratory (NSTL) and the IEEE Vizag Bay Section, highlights India’s strong commitment to self-reliance and indigenisation in defence technologies, reflecting the nation’s strategic objectives in an evolving global context.
The ICISSGT-2026 conference gathered more than 100 delegates, including experts from various sectors such as DRDO, academia, and industry. It provided a vital platform for discussions focused on the application of intelligent, smart, and green technologies in both defence and civilian contexts. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign technology and to encourage interdisciplinary innovation, essential for enhancing India’s future defence capabilities.
India’s emphasis on indigenisation is increasingly pertinent given the rising global tensions and the urgent need for nations to build their defence readiness independently. By facilitating conversations around smart and sustainable technologies, India positions itself as a leader in defence innovation, poised to navigate a changing international security landscape.
Coinciding with this forward-looking conference was the successful test of the Agni-3 Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile from Chandipur, showcasing DRDO’s progress in missile technology. This achievement not only reaffirms India’s operational capabilities but also secures its place among nations with advanced missile systems. Moreover, the demonstration of Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology further bolsters India’s defence readiness, paving the way for the development of sophisticated long-range air-to-air missiles.
Stakeholder engagement before and after the ICISSGT-2026 reveals a significant shift. The DRDO is evolving from a focus on traditional defence research and development to integrating advanced smart and green technologies into its initiatives. Meanwhile, academic institutions are finding increased collaboration opportunities with the defence sector, enhancing their roles in military technology.
This momentum in India’s defence sector is reverberating across global markets, particularly in countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. These nations recognize the imperative of upgrading their defence technologies and may view India’s advancements as both a competitive challenge and an opportunity for cooperative ventures. As national security imperatives grow amidst international tensions, engaging with India’s burgeoning capabilities is becoming increasingly appealing.
Looking ahead, the coming weeks are expected to witness heightened collaboration between DRDO and academic institutions, fostering innovative research projects tailored to modern defence needs. Additionally, international defence companies may express interest in joint ventures with Indian firms focusing on smart technologies, creating a more competitive landscape in the global defence market.
As the ICISSGT-2026 progresses, India’s dedication to indigenisation and innovative approaches will be closely observed, potentially redefining its military capabilities and shaping future defence strategies in response to ongoing global trends. The conference serves not only as a gathering of experts but as a significant step toward a more self-reliant and technologically advanced India in defence sectors.