During a session on aerospace and defense at the Synergia Conclave 2023, Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari emphasized the importance of investing in new and disruptive technologies. He stated that it is crucial to identify innovative solutions for the application of these technologies in the aerospace domain. The Indian Air Force (IAF) chief also stressed the need for a joint and consolidated effort from all stakeholders, including defense PSUs, private industries, academia, and others, to facilitate the alignment of technologies for the armed forces.

Chaudhari highlighted the potential of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing survivability, machinery flexibility, and effective combat strategies. He mentioned that AI and machine learning could contribute to improvements in the aerospace and defense sectors, particularly in terms of stealth, self-healing structures, health monitoring and diagnostics systems, and more efficient engines.

The IAF chief also mentioned that the IAF is involved in multiple projects across domains such as space, aiming to enhance its capabilities. He emphasized the significance of innovative use of converging technologies, stating that it can lead to exponential change unlike conventional knowledge that leads to incremental change. Furthermore, Chaudhari pointed out that convergence of technologies rather than individual technologies has proven to be a game-changer on the battlefield.