What is supply chain management?

The planning and administration of acquisitions, conversion, and logistics management operations are all part of supply chain management. It also handles with the coordination of all parties (from suppliers to customers). It deals with demand management inside a corporation in this manner.

What steps can we take to identify and reduce waste in our supply chain strategy?

The first step is to examine existing processes and determine where waste is still an issue. You may, for example, compare the things you buy to your outcome to prevent expenditures. Talking to relevant managers or operators or solicit further feedback from customers or service suppliers.

What is a global supply chain?

Global supply chains are networks that cross continents and nations to source and distribute goods and services. The mobility of information and resources is one of the most important foundations.

Where do risks exist in supply chain management?

Internal risks (those under your control) and external risks (those that are beyond your control) coexist. In this regard, the following sorts of dangers are identified: Financial hazards Poor planning Regulations Environmental Socio-political Human behaviour

What is procurement in the supply chain?

One of the various branches of the supply chain is procurement. It serves as a structure for a firm to efficiently carry out all of its daily activities, monitoring the outcomes and assessing how the items that will be provided to the clients are made.

What factors contribute to the success of a supply chain?

A good supply chain must have three components: flexibility, data, and long-term planning. In this regard, some of the aspects that impact its correct operation are as follows: Maintain your adaptability. Trust data and technology Plan for the future Remember who is your end customer

What are the benefits of supply chain management?

In a nutshell, it facilitates and improves the movement of products, information, and commerce. Companies benefit from an optimised and efficient business, building better ties with partners and customers.

Why is supply chain planning so important?

Planning in the supply chain helps to simplify operations, enhance productivity, eliminate wasteful spending, and build stronger client relationships. Planning, when done effectively, may assist decrease costs associated with purchasing, manufacturing, inventory management, and transportation.

How can we gain a better understanding of our supply chain costs?

Data analysis is an excellent tool for anticipating and determining where we need to improve. For example, it assists us in optimising warehousing and storage, which is essential in a bigger supply chain strategy. This allows us to optimise space, decrease damage, reduce packing, and do a variety of other things.

What obstacles do organisations experience when attempting to improve SCM?

The supply chain is a difficult process in and of itself, and adding innovations is a problem for businesses. It's critical to move fast and to balance rising customer demand with competitive pricing. In this regard, procurement may also assist to determine whether parts of the supply chain are not competitive or to set more ambitious goals.

Aero India 2025: Driving India's Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing Growth Under Make in India

Inaugurating Asia's largest five-day air show, 'Aero India 2025,' Defense Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized India's growing prominence in aerospace & Defense Manufacturing, including complex system assembly. He attributed this success to India's transformative journey toward becoming a developed nation, highlighting advancements in infrastructure, startups, MSMEs, and innovation.

Singh noted the surge of innovation in defense, with the Indian armed forces pushing for indigenous production of critical components. Hundreds of domestically manufactured defense products are being showcased to private players at Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, reinforcing India's commitment to self-reliance in defense.

And here is how it's going to be a blockbuster event:

Showcasing Indigenous Aerospace Capabilities – Featuring India's Advancements in Fighter Jets, UAVs, and Next-Gen Defense Tech

To position itself as a key aerospace and defense manufacturing powerhouse, India is all prepared to put its best foot ahead and showcase Indigenous Aerospace Capabilities.

Below, we feature India's fighter jets, UAVs, and next-gen defense tech advancements.

Fighter Aircraft Innovations

LCA Tejas – India's first indigenous supersonic fighter by HAL, earning key IAF orders and strengthening domestic defense manufacturing.
AMCA – A fifth-generation stealth fighter under joint development by ADA and HAL, positioning India among the elite in advanced aircraft production.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

DRDO Rustom-2 – A medium-altitude, long-endurance drone for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat missions.
DRDO Abhyas – A high-speed expendable aerial target simulating enemy aircraft for training and weapon testing.
Swarm Drone Technology – Advancing coordinated drone operations for strategic defense and surveillance.

Next-Gen Defense Technologies

Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Integrating AI into aerospace systems for autonomous UAV control, threat detection, and simulation-based training.
Cybersecurity – Strengthening defense assets against cyber threats through advanced security frameworks and trained personnel.
Space-Based Assets – Utilizing satellite technology for military surveillance, secure communications, and strategic defense operations.

Make in India & Atma Nirbhar Bharat in Aerospace – Strengthening Self-Reliance with Domestic Manufacturing and R&D Investments

Becoming a global aerospace and defense manufacturing powerhouse is no small feat, but the Indian government is making decisive strides to turn this vision into reality.

With the Ministry of Defence (MoD) targeting a US$ 26 billion turnover in aerospace and defense manufacturing by this year (2025), the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives are paving the way for a self-reliant defense ecosystem.

Make in India:
Launched as a game-changing initiative, Make in India seeks to position India as a leading manufacturing hub by encouraging both domestic and global players to establish production facilities within the country. The goal? To increase the manufacturing sector's contribution to GDP from 16% to 25% by 2025, reshaping India's industrial landscape.
Atmanirbhar Bharat:
Introduced in 2020, Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) focuses on reducing import dependence and boosting indigenous production across key sectors, including aerospace and defense. As this initiative gains momentum, its impact in 2024 and beyond is expected to reinforce further India's position as a self-sufficient, innovation-driven economy.

Opportunities for Global OEMs & Strategic Partnerships – How Aero India 2025 Facilitates Joint Ventures, Technology Transfers, and Investments in Indian Manufacturing

Aero India 2025 is witnessing strong global participation, with 111+ foreign exhibitors from over 15 countries. Defense giants like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Thales, and Dassault Aviation are showcasing cutting-edge innovations, reinforcing India's growing aerospace influence.

Strategic Collaborations
: The event fosters joint ventures, technology transfers, and co-production, boosting India's defense exports and self-reliance.
Business Expansion
: A key platform for B2B and B2G interactions, Aero India paves the way for investments, partnerships, and industry growth.
Global Engagement
: By welcoming top defense firms and delegations, India strengthens its position as a trusted defense partner and emerging aerospace powerhouse

India's Growing Role in Military Aircraft & Component Exports – Expanding Indian Exports of Aircraft Components, Avionics, and Defense Systems to Global Markets

As India progresses toward becoming a developed nation, its focus is not just on self-reliance but also on expanding defense exports. Beyond the Make in India initiative, boosting global trade in military aircraft, avionics, and defense systems is a priority.

Strategic Push for Exports
: India has set up the Defence Export Promotion Council (EPC) to streamline its defense trade, aiming to increase exports from ₹21,083 crores in 2024 to ₹50,000 crores by 2029.
Global Presence
: India exports military hardware to 85 countries, including helicopters, naval vessels, missiles, and armored vehicles. A landmark deal was the $375 million sale of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines, reinforcing India's credibility in advanced weaponry.
Thriving Defense Ecosystem
: Leading exporters like HAL, BEL, BDL, GSL, DPSUs, private firms, and MSMEs drive India's military aviation sector. The country is actively expanding its footprint in aircraft components, avionics, and next-gen defense systems for global markets.

Advancements in UAVs, Anti-Drones & Autonomous Systems – How India is Innovating in Drone Warfare and Counter-Drone Technologies

The past decade has seen a surge in the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in India, spanning both military and civilian applications. While drones offer strategic advantages, they also pose security challenges, prompting rapid advancements in counter-drone technologies.

Threats from drones have become more sophisticated, especially along border regions. In 2024 alone, over 260 drones were intercepted along the Pakistan border, highlighting the urgent need for real-time detection, tracking, and neutralization capabilities. Airports, military bases, and critical infrastructure are particularly vulnerable, necessitating advanced defense mechanisms.

Recognizing this, India has intensified efforts to develop indigenous UAVs, ranging from surveillance drones to combat-ready systems. The unveiling of the Vehicle-Mounted Counter-Drone System at Aero India 2025 marks a significant leap in India’s defense innovation, reinforcing its position as an aerospace and autonomous technology leader.

Defense AI, Cybersecurity & Digitalization – The role of AI, IoT, and Cybersecurity in Enhancing India's Aerospace Defense Capabilities

India's defense industry is going through a digital revolution, actively employing artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity innovations to enhance national security and aerospace technology. This is how advanced technologies are defining the future of defense:

AI-Powered Warfare & Autonomous Systems
: AI-driven drones, UAVs, and autonomous fighter jets enhance surveillance, combat strategies, and real-time decision-making through advanced target identification and threat analysis.
IoT & Smart Defense Infrastructure
: IoT-enabled networks ensure seamless communication between aircraft, ground control, and defense systems, optimizing operations and enabling predictive maintenance through embedded sensors.
Cybersecurity in Aerospace Defense
: With rising cyber threats, India is fortifying its defense systems with AI-driven threat detection, advanced encryption, and real-time monitoring to safeguard critical military data.
Digital Twin Technology
: Virtual simulations of aircraft and defense systems streamline design testing, cut costs, and improve reliability before production.

Investment & Policy Support for Indian Defense Manufacturing – How Government Initiatives, Defense Corridors, and Incentives are Shaping the Sector

India rapidly emerged as a global defense manufacturing hub, backed by strong government initiatives and strategic investments. The Make in India program has driven self-reliance while fostering the production of indigenous defense and aerospace technologies.
To further boost manufacturing capabilities, the Indian government has established two Defense Industrial Corridors—one in Uttar Pradesh and another in Tamil Nadu. These corridors aim to:

Accelerate indigenous production of defense equipment, reducing reliance on imports.
Encourage global investments by creating a robust defense ecosystem.
Enhance exports by positioning India as a key player in the global arms market.

With India ranked among the top five military spenders, these initiatives will strengthen national security, generate employment, empower MSMEs and startups, and fuel private sector participation in defense manufacturing. The combined efforts of the government and industry leaders are paving the way for India's self-sufficiency in defense production and expanding its role in the international market

Sustainability & Green Aerospace Initiatives – The Push for Energy-Efficient, Eco-Friendly Aerospace Production

As India advances toward becoming a global aerospace manufacturing hub, sustainability is at the core of its strategy. Government and private businesses aim to reduce the aerospace industry's carbon footprint while enhancing energy efficiency.

Green Aviation Fuel
: Indian aerospace firms are making strides in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to lower greenhouse gas emissions and decrease reliance on fossil fuels.
Lightweight Materials & Advanced Composites
: The adoption of carbon fiber and next-generation composites is revolutionizing aircraft manufacturing, improving fuel efficiency, and reducing emissions.
Solar-Powered Infrastructure
: Airports and defense facilities are increasingly integrating solar energy, minimizing their environmental impact and cutting operational costs.
Eco-Friendly Manufacturing Processes
: Companies are implementing waste reduction strategies, energy-efficient production techniques, and sustainable supply chains to align with global green aviation standards.

India's Roadmap to Becoming a Global Aerospace Manufacturing Hub – Future Trends, Expansion Plans, and Global Partnerships Emerging from Aero India 2025

Aero India 2025, themed "The Runway to a Billion Opportunities," is set to shape India's future as a leading aerospace manufacturing hub. This 15th edition of Asia's largest aerospace event is a catalyst for:

Forging New Partnerships
: Strengthening collaborations between Indian and foreign firms to accelerate indigenization and technology exchange.
Showcasing Indigenous Capabilities
: Demonstrating India's Make-in-India commitment with cutting-edge defense technologies and manufacturing prowess.

Aerospace innovation takes center stage, with BEL unveiling its latest defense technologies and DRDO hosting the 15th Aero India International Seminar in collaboration with the Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI) on February 8-9, 2025, in Bengaluru. The seminar focuses on futuristic aerospace technologies, military airworthiness, and certification challenges, paving the way for global cooperation and technological advancement.

India's rapid strides in aerospace manufacturing are powered by government initiatives and private sector contributions, making its goal of becoming a global manufacturing hub a tangible reality.

Refteck is proud to contribute to this journey, offering specialized procurement and supply chain solutions that enhance operational efficiency and drive technological excellence for clients worldwide.