The Indian Institute of Transportation and Advanced Research Management (IITRAM) recently held a two-day national conference called RADAR-2025. This event was supported by the Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST). It took place at IITRAM’s Centre of Excellence in Advanced Defence Technology and Centre of Excellence in Aerospace and Defence. The conference brought together top researchers, industry leaders, and academics to discuss the latest developments in defence and aerospace technology.
Dr. Narottam Sahoo, the Adviser and Member Secretary of GUJCOST, was the chief guest at the conference. He opened the event by emphasising the importance of innovation in these fields. The conference featured keynote speeches from prominent figures in the industry, including Shri Ulkesh B. Desai from SAC-ISRO, Dr. K. Durga Prasad from PRL Ahmedabad, and Group Captain (Dr.) Rajeev K. Narang, VM (Retd.) from MP-IDSA. They spoke on various topics, such as challenges in spacecraft design, discoveries related to the lunar surface, and technologies related to counter-drone warfare.
In addition to keynote addresses, RADAR-2025 included technical sessions where over 30 presentations were made. These presentations focused on emerging areas of research including the development of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), radar-absorbing materials, AI-powered health monitoring systems, hybrid-electric propulsion, structural composites, and cybersecurity for defence networks.
Delegates from prestigious institutions across India shared their research findings. Topics ranged from stealth applications to smart materials and sustainable aviation technologies. The variety of topics showcased the depth of research being conducted in India and highlighted the potential for future innovations.
One notable segment of the conference was the industry interaction led by Siddhi Engineers. This session highlighted real-world manufacturing collaborations and the importance of partnerships between academia and industry. The interaction provided valuable insights into how research can translate into practical applications.
The RADAR-2025 conference successfully fostered dialogue across different sectors. It promoted interdisciplinary research and demonstrated IITRAM’s strategic role in advancing national defence innovation. The event concluded with a call for continued collaboration among researchers, industry experts, and government bodies to enhance India’s capabilities in defence and aerospace.
The conference not only served as a platform for knowledge exchange but also encouraged young researchers to engage in these critical fields. By bringing together experts and innovators, RADAR-2025 aimed to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers to contribute to India’s defence and aerospace sectors.
In summary, RADAR-2025 was a significant event that showcased the latest advancements in defence and aerospace research. With its focus on innovation and collaboration, the conference highlighted India’s growing importance in these critical fields and set the stage for future advancements.