The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) began a two-day national seminar, “Aeronautics 2047”, on 4 January 2026. The venue was the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) in Bengaluru. Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh inaugurated the Aeronautics 2047 seminar. Also, DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat addressed the gathering. Notably, the meet focused on technologies for India’s future combat aircraft. So, it brought designers, industry, academia and aviation enthusiasts together.
IAF Chief Stresses Delivery Timelines
In his address, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh stressed the need to meet delivery timelines. Moreover, he linked timely delivery with the operational readiness of the Indian Air Force. Meanwhile, Dr Kamat stressed indigenous cutting-edge technology to cut dependence on imports. Dr Kamat also serves as Secretary, Department of Defence R&D.
Themes of the Seminar
The sessions covered aerodynamics and propulsion for next-generation combat aircraft. They also discussed digital manufacturing, digital twins and flight testing techniques. In addition, experts spoke on certification challenges, flight controls and avionics. Other talks covered AI in aircraft design and the future of Indian space technology. Interestingly, one session traced the LCA Tejas journey “from sketch to squadron”.
Tejas Programme Milestones
So far, ADA has completed more than 5,600 successful LCA Tejas flight trials. Also, more than 100 design work centres, including labs, institutes and industries, supported the programme. Moreover, the IAF has inducted 38 aircraft, 32 fighters and 6 trainers, into two squadrons. Meanwhile, the LCA Mk1A will serve the IAF’s operational needs. ADA is also developing the LCA Mk II and LCA Navy.
About ADA
ADA is an autonomous society under DRDO, Ministry of Defence. Originally, it began in 1984 to manage the Light Combat Aircraft programme. Today, it also leads the design of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Its headquarters is in Bengaluru.
Aeronautics 2047 Seminar: Key Facts for Revision
- Event: National seminar “Aeronautics 2047”
- Dates: 4-5 January 2026
- Venue: CABS, Bengaluru
- Organiser: Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), DRDO
- Inaugurated by: Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff
- Tejas flight trials: Over 5,600
- Aircraft inducted: 38 (32 fighters, 6 trainers)
Why the Aeronautics 2047 Seminar Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, indigenous fighter programmes often appear in GS Paper 3 questions on defence. So, remember ADA, the Tejas milestones and the AMCA project. Also, link this seminar with Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing. For official updates, also visit DRDO. Next, for a related story, read about DRDO’s scramjet combustor test.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.