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New Delhi [India], February 11: Crown Defence, an established Indian defence MRO group with over four decades of operational experience across marine, aviation and land systems, has established an indigenous Printed Circuit Board (PCB) assembly facility at Verna, Goa, strengthening domestic capability in high-reliability electronics for defence and select civil applications.

Established under Aviatech Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. (AEPL), Crown Defence’s aviation vertical, the facility is designed to support mission-critical electronics for defence platforms as well as select civil sectors including aviation, maritime and industrial systems. The setup delivers high-precision, high-reliability PCBA solutions, supporting PCB assemblies ranging from 80 x 80 mm to 460 x 460 mm, with board thickness capability from 0.4 mm to 8 mm and controlled edge clearance standards of 3-5 mm. Aligned to meet reliability, consistency and traceability requirements essential for strategic and regulated programmes, the facility will commence operations from March 2026 and is open for engagement with both domestic and international programmes.

Conceived as more than a manufacturing unit, the AEPL facility functions as a strategic electronics capability hub, addressing the growing demand for domestic PCBA solutions. The Indian PCBA market is currently valued at approximately USD 6.3 billion and is expanding at nearly 16 percent CAGR, driven by defence, industrial and electronics manufacturing demand. With over 1,000 items now covered under government import restrictions, many of them PCB assemblies earlier sourced overseas, timely access to reliable domestic assembly capacity has become critical.

Vice Admiral (Retd) Paras Nath, Group President, Crown Defence, said the facility reflects the group’s long-term capability-building approach.

“Electronics availability increasingly determines platform readiness and upgrade cycles. Establishing in-country PCB assembly capability improves supply predictability and supports India’s broader objectives of reducing external dependencies across defence and critical civil sectors,” he said.

Commodore (Retd) S.K. Iyer, Head – Aviation, Aviatech Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., said the facility strengthens AEPL’s ability to support electronics-led programmes.

“The Verna unit enables tighter integration between electronics assembly and downstream aviation support activities, enhancing quality control and execution timelines for modernisation, upgrades and sustainment programmes,” he said.

Crown Defence operates through specialised group companies delivering maintenance, repair, overhaul, upgrades and modernisation across defence and civil domains. The addition of PCB assembly capability at AEPL complements the group’s system-level sustainment strengths and reinforces its role in supporting India’s long-term defence and industrial preparedness.

About Crown Defence

Established in 1978, Crown Defence is a professionally managed Indian defence engineering group operating across aviation, marine and land systems. The company functions as a technology provider, manufacturer and lifecycle support partner to India’s defence ecosystem, working closely with global OEMs and national agencies to deliver indigenous MRO, manufacturing and modernisation capabilities. Crown Defence plays an active role in advancing India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives through long-term investments in defence engineering, electronics, platform sustainment and strategic infrastructure.

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Crown Defence has set up an indigenous Printed Circuit Board (PCB) assembly facility at Verna, Goa, aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities in high-reliability electronics for defence platforms and select civil applications.

Established under Aviatech Enterprises (AEPL), the group’s aviation vertical, the facility is designed to support mission-critical electronics across aviation, maritime and land systems. According to the company, the unit will deliver high-precision PCB assembly solutions and is expected to commence operations in March 2026. It will be open for engagement with both domestic and international programmes.

The facility can support PCB assemblies ranging from 80 × 80 mm to 460 × 460 mm, with board thickness capability from 0.4 mm to 8 mm and controlled edge clearance standards of 3–5 mm. Crown Defence said the setup is aligned with reliability, consistency and traceability requirements typically associated with strategic and regulated programmes.

The company described the unit as a strategic electronics capability hub intended to address growing demand for domestic PCBA solutions. Industry estimates place the Indian PCBA market at around USD 6.3 billion, expanding at nearly 16 per cent CAGR, driven by defence, industrial and electronics manufacturing demand. With more than 1,000 items now covered under government import restrictions, including several PCB assemblies previously sourced overseas, access to domestic assembly capacity has become increasingly important.

Vice Admiral (Retd) Paras Nath, Group President, Crown Defence, said electronics availability is becoming a key determinant of platform readiness and upgrade cycles, adding that in-country PCB assembly capability could improve supply predictability and reduce external dependencies.

Commodore (Retd) SK Iyer, Head of Aviation at Aviatech Enterprises, stated that the Verna unit is expected to enable closer integration between electronics assembly and downstream aviation support activities, with the potential to enhance quality control and execution timelines for modernisation and sustainment programmes.

Crown Defence operates through specialised group companies providing maintenance, repair, overhaul, upgrades and modernisation services across defence and civil domains. The addition of PCB assembly capability is expected to complement the group’s existing system-level sustainment portfolio and support broader defence and industrial requirements.

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Crown Defence has launched an indigenous Printed Circuit Board (PCB) assembly facility in Verna, Goa, under Aviatech Enterprises Pvt. Ltd (AEPL). The facility is aimed at enhancing domestic capabilities in high-reliability electronics for both defence and selected civil applications. The facility is designed to support mission-critical electronics across various sectors, including aviation, maritime, and industrial systems.

High-precision PCB assembly for diverse applications

It offers high-precision PCB assembly solutions for boards ranging in size from 80 × 80 mm to 460 × 460 mm, with a thickness capability between 0.4 mm and 8 mm, adhering to controlled edge clearance standards of 3–5 mm. Operational from March 2026, the facility meets reliability, consistency, and traceability standards essential for strategic programmes and is positioned to engage with both domestic and international projects.

The AEPL facility is more than just a manufacturing site; it serves as a strategic electronics capability hub to meet the rising demand for domestic PCB assembly solutions. The Indian PCBA market is currently valued at about US$ 6.3 billion, with a growth rate of nearly 16 percent CAGR, fuelled by increased demand in defence and industrial sectors. With over 1,000 items now covered under government import restrictions—many of which were previously sourced internationally—ensuring access to reliable domestic assembly capacity has become crucial. 

Strategic importance

According to Vice Admiral (Retd) Paras Nath, the Group President of Crown, “Electronics availability increasingly determines platform readiness and upgrade cycles. Establishing in-country PCB assembly capability improves supply predictability and supports India’s broader objectives of reducing external dependencies across defence and critical civil sectors.”

Integration enhances quality and execution

Commodore (Retd) S.K. Iyer, Head – Aviation, Aviatech Enterprises Pvt. Ltd, added, “The Verna unit enables tighter integration between electronics assembly and downstream aviation support activities, enhancing quality control and execution timelines for modernisation, upgrades and sustainment programmes.”

Supporting long-term defence and industrial readiness

Crown Defence functions through specialised subsidiaries providing maintenance, repair, overhaul, upgrades, and modernisation services in both defence and civil sectors. The integration of PCB assembly capabilities at AEPL enhances the group’s system-level sustainment strengths, furthering its commitment to supporting India’s long-term defence and industrial readiness.

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Crown Group is transitioning from a maintenance-focused role to manufacturing, beginning with PCBs and electronic systems under the Make in India programme, says Admiral Paras Nath, Group President of Crown Group.

In an interview with BW Businessworld, Admiral Paras Nath, Group President of Crown Group, spoke about the conglomerate’s defence focus, spanning marine, aerospace and land systems. With over four decades of expertise in naval MRO and growing capabilities in aviation and land platforms, Crown Group is now moving beyond maintenance into manufacturing, starting with PCBs and electronic systems under the Make in India initiative. Highlighting India’s skilled defence veterans as the group’s biggest strength, Admiral Nath discussed challenges in exports, NCNC trials, foreign investment, and the competitiveness of India’s Rs 70,000–80,000 crore MRO market while outlining Crown Group’s global ambitions. Excerpts:

Could you tell us about Crown Group and its defence verticals?
Crown Group is a large conglomerate with businesses spanning defence, hospitality, real estate, IT and artificial intelligence. Within our Defence Engineering Group, we operate across three verticals that broadly mirror the Army, Navy and Air Force. These are: Marine Wing (Naval Systems), Aerospace Wing (Aviation Systems) and Land Systems (Army platforms).

The Marine Wing is the largest and the oldest, with more than 40 years of experience. Our flagship company, Dynatron, manages most of our marine activities. We have factories in Karwar, Cochin and two in Mumbai, along with teams based in Visakhapatnam, Cochin and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. We handle warship repairs and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul).

The Aerospace Wing is based in Goa, where our companies ZealTek and Aviatek provide MRO services for Kamov helicopters, MiG-29K aircraft and other aviation assets.

The Land Systems vertical, located in Chennai, primarily supports the MRO of tanks such as the T-72 and T-90. Our headquarters is in Delhi, and each company under the group has its own CEO.

What sets Crown Group apart is our human resource strength. Many of our senior leaders and workforce come from the Army, Navy and Air Force with 30–40 years of service experience. They bring invaluable discipline and expertise. Alongside them, we now hire young technical talent from universities. In my view, this combination of seasoned defence veterans and skilled engineers is the group’s greatest strength.

How do you see Crown Group’s position compared to other Indian defence companies?
It’s difficult to compare directly, as Adani and Mahindra are very large corporations engaged in capital acquisitions and manufacturing, producing tanks, aircraft and other major platforms. But, Crown Group, on the other hand, has so far focused mainly on MRO services, ensuring ships, aircraft, and tanks remain operational by providing repair and product support. That’s our niche.

China is building ships at an enormous scale, even surpassing the US. How do you assess India’s shipbuilding capabilities in comparison?
There is no doubt that China is far ahead in terms of numbers, warships, aircraft and submarines. But India is no small player. Our Army is the third largest in the world, our Navy the fourth, and our Air Force also ranks among the top globally.

The real differentiator, in my opinion, is the quality of Indian personnel. The professionalism, training and adaptability of our soldiers, sailors and airmen are second to none. That quality often outsmarts sheer numbers.

Of course, as a developing country, India must balance defence spending with socio-economic needs like healthcare and infrastructure. But with growing government support, I believe we will soon catch up.

Defence exports from India have picked up in the last couple of years. How do you view this change?
Earlier, defence exports were not permitted, which limited opportunities. Today, thanks to government policy, exports are possible and encouraged.

For any businessman, however, the challenge remains: if you set up an expensive factory, how certain are you that you will get consistent orders? You must invest, build capacity, show your product and then compete in tenders. If you don’t win, you risk sinking your investment. That uncertainty is still a hurdle.

Defence is a sensitive sector. Do you think allowing more foreign investment will be risk-free for India?
Yes. In fact, defence is already open to foreign direct investment, up to around 76 per cent. Make in India mandates that at least 60 per cent of the work be done in India, which ensures local capacity building. Foreign partnerships bring in both technology and capital.

Of course, there are security and geopolitical considerations when partnering with certain countries. But overall, FDI is positive for the sector.

What role do you see artificial intelligence (AI) playing in defence, and how is Crown Group preparing for it?
Traditionally, we have been an MRO company, but now, with the Make in India push, we are moving into manufacturing. A key area is electronic chips and printed circuit boards (PCBs).

So far, we have repaired these complex PCBs for aviation and marine systems without access to drawings or manuals, which is extremely challenging. But now we are setting up infrastructure in Goa to manufacture PCBs locally. Equipment from Japan has already been ordered, and we expect production to begin in three to four months.

This is our first step into manufacturing. In the future, we may expand to radar systems, integrated bridge systems, night-vision devices and more, and there AI will matter more.

Crown Group has collaborations with global companies like ZF, OTA and United Shipbuilding. How are these partnerships progressing?
Our collaboration with ZF Gearbox, a renowned German company, has been ongoing for over 30 years. We are their Indian representatives, supporting gearboxes used by the Navy, Coast Guard and inland waterways vessels. Our personnel also train abroad to stay updated.

Now, under Make in India, we are encouraging partners like ZF to start manufacturing in India. But for them, investment depends on market size. If demand is limited, they hesitate. This is why exports become crucial; if we can make not only for India but also for global markets, foreign partners will be more willing to invest here.

Where do you see opportunities for Crown Group in defence exports?
There are two aspects: hardware and services. For hardware, exports depend on market demand. For services, India has a global reputation, our engineers are valued everywhere.

For Crown Group specifically, we see opportunities in neighbouring countries. For example, the Philippines has bought the BrahMos missile system and will require maintenance support. Similarly, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Gulf countries operate platforms similar to India’s, so they need our expertise.

India imports advanced systems like Rafale jets. How do you see the challenge of maintaining such high-end technology?
It’s true, when we import advanced systems, maintenance is initially dependent on the OEM. But now contracts are based on performance-based logistics.

Earlier, once the warranty expired, the buyer had to manage on their own. Now, contracts include life-cycle costs covering hardware, training, spares and services for 30 years. This ensures sustained support and technology transfer, enabling us to gradually indigenise maintenance.

Coming to MRO specifically, how competitive is this sector in India?
It is highly competitive. Many companies, both big and small, operate in Karwar, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam and elsewhere. The defence MRO market in India is easily worth Rs 70,000–80,000 crore, covering tanks, aircraft, ships and submarines.

Competition is stiff, but that drives us to maintain quality and stay cost-competitive.

Does Crown Group work with the Indian armed forces under active agreements?
Yes. To work with the Army, Navy or Air Force, companies must first obtain registration, which involves inspections and financial vetting. Once registered, you can bid for tenders.

Crown Group is registered across the Navy, Air Force, HAL and all major defence shipyards. We are also expanding to paramilitary forces like the BSF and inland waterways.

Internationally, we are in discussions with Vietnam, the Philippines and some Gulf countries for potential maintenance partnerships.

What are Crown Group’s future investment and expansion plans?
We are expanding our facilities. In Karwar, our factory has been established for marine systems. In Goa, we are upgrading facilities for aviation MRO. We are also exploring opportunities in commercial aviation MRO, since avionics and radar systems often overlap with military systems.

In shipbuilding, India has historically taken longer timelines, whether for aircraft like the Tejas or naval platforms. The reason is simple: limited orders. If a shipyard is asked to build one ship, it invests only in that. If it receives orders for 100 ships, its capacity will expand rapidly.

This is changing now, with the government encouraging production of merchant ships and tankers as well.

Defence startups often complain about NCNC (No Cost, No Commitment) trials. How do you see this affecting innovation?
It’s a real challenge. Imagine you are a startup investing heavily to develop a system, only to be asked to provide it on NCNC terms for trials. If it fails or is delayed, you bear all the financial risk.

This discourages smaller players. The government is addressing this through soft loans and other support, but risk remains high. That said, startups are showing resilience, and many are doing well despite the challenges.

Finally, what do you think is still missing in India’s MRO sector?
The sector needs larger scale, stronger demand signals and faster decision-making. We have the expertise and manpower, but to fully realise potential, the industry requires consistent orders, timely payments and encouragement to compete globally.

View on Business World

Vice Admiral Paras Nath shares Crown Group Defence’s milestones, achievements, and future roadmap in this conversation.

Under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” and “Make in India” programmes, India’s defence industry is evolving quickly, with a focus on indigenisation, advanced technology, and self-reliance. Among the key players driving this change is Crown Group Defence, a New Delhi-headquartered conglomerate that has been a trusted partner to the Indian Navy, DRDO, and major shipyards for more than four decades.

Founded in 1978, Crown Group has built strong expertise through its five specialised companies in aerospace, marine, electronics, and AI-driven infrastructure. The Group recently showcased its end-to-end capabilities at Aero India 2025 and the Maritime India Conference 2025, bringing new developments in indigenous MRO, cyber-defence, and AI-powered surveillance systems.

At the helm is Vice Admiral Paras Nath (Retd) AVSM, VSM, Group President, Crown Group Defence, who is leading the company’s efforts to expand fleet support, naval weapons, avionics, and reverse engineering. In this conversation, he shares key milestones, achievements, and the Group’s future roadmap.

Crown Group has been a trusted strategic partner to the Indian Navy, DRDO, and major shipyards since 1978. Could you elaborate on the key milestones and achievements that have solidified this trust over the past decades?

Crown Group has supported the Indian Navy since 1978, forging strong ties with major OEMs and shipyards. Our Marine Division has contributed to crucial naval projects, including platforms 11335.6, 61ME, 1241 PE, 266ME, and 877 EKM.

Recent highlights include the successful repair and maintenance of an EKM submarine by Dynatron Services and OSK India, following earlier work on the INS Vikramaditya’s guarantee refit. Dynatron is now proposing guarantee refits for two new 1135.6 platforms, while OSK India has entered into technology transfer agreements to boost local manufacturing.

These efforts reflect our enduring commitment and trusted partnership with India’s maritime defence sector.

With five specialised companies spanning aerospace, marine, electronics, and AI-driven infrastructure, how does Crown Group ensure synergy and integrated solutions across these diverse verticals to meet the complex demands of the defence sector?

Crown Group achieves synergy among its five specialised companies by fostering close collaboration and forming cross-functional teams for projects across aerospace, marine, electronics, and AI infrastructure. For instance, OIPL maintains electronic components for the Army in Agra, while PCPL, since 2018, has provided authorised sales and service for Russian-origin tanks and indigenised T-90 cooling systems under government direction.

PCPL’s upcoming armoured vehicle simulators and plans to expand into MRO for armoured platforms further support the Make in India initiative. Regular cross-divisional teams coordinate on solutions such as drones, night vision equipment, and simulators, ensuring seamless integration to meet the defence sector’s complex demands.

The ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ missions are central to India’s defence strategy. How is Crown Group directly contributing to these initiatives, and what specific projects or capabilities exemplify your commitment to defence self-reliance?

Crown Group is fully aligned with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ missions through active localisation and indigenous capability development. We have set up avionics repair facilities and are advancing towards domestic overhaul of various aircraft. We are also establishing a PCB assembly unit and are in the process of securing an industrial licence to manufacture drones in India.

Our Marine Division, comprising Dynatron Services Pvt Ltd (DSPL) and OSK India Pvt Ltd (OIPL), is driving indigenisation across systems such as Integrated Bridge Systems, Kasatka and Karat-E firefighting units, and night vision devices. OIPL is currently pursuing an MoU to manufacture indigenous content for upcoming naval platforms expected under Indian Navy orders.

Additionally, our ongoing ship and submarine MRO work through DSPL and OIPL plays a critical role in sustaining indigenous readiness. These combined efforts highlight Crown Group’s deep-rooted commitment to advancing defence self-reliance.

At Aero India 2025 and the Maritime India Conference 2025, Crown Group unveiled advancements in indigenous MRO, cyber-defence, and AI-integrated surveillance systems. Could you provide more details on these advancements and their potential impact on India’s defence capabilities?

At the Maritime India Conference 2025, Crown Group’s Dynatron Services Pvt Ltd (DSPL) signed an MoU with Square Port Shipyard Pvt Ltd (SPSPL) in Dhabhol, a strategic step towards expanding indigenous MRO capabilities for existing and future naval platforms. A joint venture is also in the pipeline to further scale this initiative.

In parallel, Punj Corporation Pvt Ltd (PCPL) is actively supporting the overhaul of T-72 and T-90 tank engines in collaboration with Russian OEMs, ensuring technical support, quality certification, and spares for the next decade. PCPL has also responded to the Indian Army’s RFI for tank MRO projects.

On the technology front, Crown Group is developing AI-integrated surveillance platforms capable of fusing sensor data from UAVs, ships, and radar systems to deliver a unified, ML-enhanced operational view for commanders. Cyber-defence tools are also being developed as part of our commitment to digital readiness.

Together, these advancements reflect our drive to accelerate indigenisation, deepen OEM collaborations, and strengthen India’s multi-domain defence capabilities.

In the realm of MRO, what unique approaches or technologies does Crown Group employ to enhance efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and ensure the operational readiness of critical defence assets?

Crown Group adopts a proactive and technology-driven approach to MRO, focused on reducing turnaround times and enhancing operational readiness. A key strategy involves maintaining forecast-based spare part inventories for recurring repairs, enabling faster procurement and minimising delays typically caused by imports.

We are also setting up advanced in-country test facilities, particularly in avionics, to improve diagnostic accuracy and performance. For overhaul activities, we replicate OEM assembly lines using imported plant and machinery, and train nucleus manpower under OEM supervision. Strict adherence to OEM protocols and the use of genuine spares ensure consistent quality and reduced equipment downtime.

Notably, Punj Corporation Pvt Ltd (PCPL) is developing indigenous tank engine overhaul facilities with comprehensive OEM support, covering imported spares, technical processes, and quality certification – strengthening India’s self-reliant defence infrastructure.

What are Crown Group’s key offerings in the cyber-defence domain, and how do you address the evolving threats in military cyber warfare and data security?

As of now, we are evaluating various opportunities and will announce the same as and when they materialise.

How are your AI solutions being developed and deployed to provide enhanced situational awareness and decision-making capabilities for the Indian armed forces?

Crown Group is progressing with an MoU with an OEM to manufacture a variety of advanced combat training simulators. These state-of-the-art simulators will leverage virtual reality and AI-based technologies to create highly realistic and immersive training environments. This approach allows trainees to gain extensive experience and skills without the need for actual deployment or wear and tear of operational equipment, thereby preserving critical assets while enhancing training effectiveness.

What is the strategic rationale behind selecting MRO facilities in Visakhapatnam, Karwar, and Chennai, and how will they bolster India’s naval readiness and maintenance capabilities?

The selection of Visakhapatnam, Karwar, and Chennai for Crown Group’s MRO facilities is strategically driven by their proximity to key Indian naval bases. This enables Dynatron Services Pvt Ltd (DSPL) to provide faster, localised support for ship and submarine maintenance, enhancing turnaround times and mission readiness.

To further strengthen capability in these zones, DSPL has partnered with local SMEs to tap into regional expertise and foster collaborative MRO ecosystems. Additionally, a tank engine MRO facility is planned near Avadi, close to key defence manufacturing hubs such as the Heavy Vehicles Factory and Engine Factory. This location within the Chennai–Coimbatore SEZ enables seamless coordination and high-quality overhauls.

Collectively, these strategically placed facilities significantly improve India’s naval maintenance efficiency and contribute to sustained defence preparedness.

The Group is also expanding licensed manufacturing partnerships with global OEMs like ZF Marine, Kubota, and Mase. How do these collaborations align with your long-term growth strategy and India’s goal of becoming a global defence manufacturing hub?

DSPL has sought a partnership with ZF to establish domestic manufacturing of thrusters, aligning with our commitment to strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities. Likewise, OIPL has applied for licences to produce a variety of defence components locally under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ programmes. These efforts will significantly enhance India’s warship construction capacity. Once these products are manufactured and integrated aboard platforms, we plan to pursue their export to international markets.

Furthermore, Punj Corporation Pvt Ltd (PCPL) is exploring collaborations to manufacture ammunition and its components, simulators, and tank parts. These strategic projects aim to boost India’s defence exports, supporting the country’s ambition of becoming a leading global hub for defence manufacturing. Through these partnerships and initiatives, Crown Group is dedicated to advancing self-reliance and global competitiveness in the defence sector.

India is transitioning from being a major arms importer to a trusted global supplier of defence platforms. From Crown Group’s perspective, what are the most significant factors driving this shift?

India’s transition from a major arms importer to a trusted global supplier of defence platforms is being driven by several key factors, with government initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India playing a central role. These programmes have galvanised both public and private sector companies, leading to a significant and continuous increase in the indigenous content of warships and submarines.

In response to this imperative, Crown Marine Division has signed agreements for Transfer of Technology (ToT) for critical marine equipment and has already commenced manufacturing these components domestically. Crown Group is committed to establishing manufacturing entities within India, fully equipped with technology transferred from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). This approach ensures adherence to international quality standards, which we believe is the single most important factor for India to emerge as a key global defence supplier.

With active deals across Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, Indian-made systems are gaining global trust. How is Crown Group leveraging its expertise and products to contribute to India’s defence exports and strengthen its position in the international market?

Crown Group’s Marine Division is focusing on manufacturing key defence equipment domestically under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. This includes critical systems such as Integrated Bridge Systems, Kasatka and Karat-E firefighting systems, and night vision devices. Once these products are manufactured and deployed with the Indian Navy, Crown Group will actively seek government approval to export them to friendly foreign countries.

Our commitment to defence exports is regularly highlighted through media coverage and participation in marine exhibitions both in India and internationally, showcasing our dedication to strengthening India’s position as a trusted global defence supplier.

The private sector is now considered a co-architect of India’s defence ecosystem, not just a vendor. How has this shift impacted Crown Group’s operations, and what opportunities and challenges does it present for private defence companies in India?

The shift in India’s defence sector has empowered private companies like Crown Group to evolve from vendors to co-architects of national capability. This change has encouraged us to proactively develop advanced, indigenous technologies tailored for the armed forces, while also enabling collaboration with DRDO to locally manufacture weapon system modules.

Crown Group’s leadership is regularly invited to high-level policy platforms such as Aero India, Maritime India, the Raksha Mantri’s Round Table, and industry forums hosted by FICCI, CII, PHDCCI, and SIDM. These engagements allow us to contribute insights, stay closely aligned with national priorities, and participate in shaping India’s defence roadmap.

This new role unlocks significant opportunities for innovation, strategic partnerships, and capability-building. However, it also comes with challenges, including the need to meet global standards, manage complex regulatory frameworks, and remain agile to evolving defence needs. At Crown Group, we view these as catalysts to further accelerate India’s journey towards defence modernisation and self-reliance.

India is rapidly advancing in hypersonics, AI-based surveillance, unmanned systems, and advanced MRO. How is Crown Group positioning itself to be at the forefront of these emerging technologies and contribute to India’s future defence capabilities?

Crown Group positions itself at the forefront of emerging defence technologies by collaborating exclusively with major OEMs for Transfer of Technology and co-manufacturing. This approach ensures that we acquire and implement original, cutting-edge technologies while delivering products that meet the highest quality standards.

Additionally, Crown Group invests in modern manufacturing processes and capabilities, including night vision devices, drones, simulators, and printed circuit boards, reinforcing our commitment to support India’s advancement in hypersonics, AI-based surveillance, unmanned systems, and advanced MRO. Through these strategic partnerships and investments, we aim to contribute substantially to India’s future defence capabilities and technological self-reliance.

View on Manufacturing Today India

India’s defence sector is experiencing a significant transformation with increased private sector involvement, fostering innovation and modernisation. Government initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, along with supportive policies, are driving indigenous capabilities and attracting foreign investment.

The last couple of decades have been particularly lucrative for the Indian private sector. This has been observed across diverse industries in the country. The burgeoning involvement of private firms in the economy has boosted the entrepreneurial landscape tremendously. Therefore, it’s only natural for this trend to trickle down to the defence space too. Up until a few years ago, this department used to rely solely on PSUs and government-backed institutions. As a consequence, the Indian Defence inventory still incorporates legacy equipment and somewhat orthodox systems from the decades gone by.

Now, while these were the state-of-the-art and cutting-edge components for a long time, the current need for professional maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) is inevitable. With immense advancements in technology, new-age companies have spawned, wherein they leverage the latest information and R&D to develop innovative and intelligent engineering solutions to tackle these issues. In fact, the lives of ageing platforms can be enhanced by reverse-engineering critical components or reconditioning the entire systems.

With indigenous expertise, knowledge, R&D, engineering and talent, an entire ecosystem can be established. Ambitious government initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India are playing a pivotal role in shaping up this industry. Furthermore, efficient and visionary policy-making to nurture MSMEs and startups is bound to form a rugged foundation for an evolved India in the coming years. In order to become a global superpower, the relevance of an imposing defence sector can’t be underestimated.

Modern warfare relies heavily on the technological superiority of one nation over another. Common themes in this regard include AI-based surveillance, electronic warfare modules, drones, real-time data processing, precision electronics, advanced sensors, digitally enhanced control systems, high-end tech integration, etc. Now it is understood that such extensive upgradation and overhaul is not possible overnight. Nevertheless, the Indian armed forces need to maintain operational readiness, while simultaneously strive to integrate next-generation of defence equipment.

This is exactly where new startups, MSMEs or modernised legacy players gain prominence. These create a substantial vacuum for experimentation and breakthrough tech to emerge, which could potentially shape the future of the nation. In fact, in recent times, many such companies have spawned, via academic partnerships and government backing, which have developed pertinent products for the Indian defence services. The high-speed Kamikaze drones and similar indigenous arsenal are prime examples of that.

In addition to that, India’s defence manufacturing has gained a lot from the eminent policy decisions by the government. The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 and Production Linked Incentive (PIL) schemes lead the charge in this aspect. Moreover, many indigenous procedures, players, suppliers and entrepreneurs are being supported by the government to accentuate domestic capabilities.

On the other hand, the role of the private sector can further be ascertained by the creation of the Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, along with initiatives like iDEX and the Technology Department Fund (TDF). These robust initiatives and programs ensure funding, simplifying licensing, offering co-development opportunities and minimising hurdles for startups and legacy players alike.

In addition to that, the record defence budgets towards procurement of domestic goods, ever-increasing FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) thresholds, structured incentives for tech partnerships, projects being open for joint ventures, private sector bids, etc., create a conducive and enticing environment for this industry to grow exponentially. Admittedly, in previous years, there have been a few bottlenecks, preventing uninhibited growth. Things like regulatory clearances, certification challenges, vague procedures, etc., were concerns, especially for foreign investors. Hence, concrete measures need to be taken in this direction to enable a smooth operation. It will unequivocally make this industry attractive for startups, legacy companies, as well as collaborators from all over the globe.

In inference, India has overtly benefitted from privatisation in various sectors in the last few years. Private enterprises often infuse innovation, speed, strategic agility, thorough R&D, speed, latest technology into systems to generate cutting-edge sectors, which keep up with the existing times. Along with that, they are future-ready with an eye out for upcoming tech, which is a crucial insurance for any modern firm to evolve and pivot constantly and swiftly. The co-operation between private and public sectors can become the architect for India’s strategic future, along with making India a competitive exporter of defence systems in the times to come.

View on Economic Times

As India solidifies its position as a catalyst for global growth, as demonstrated at the recent G20 Summit where world leaders expressed their confidence in New Delhi’s rising prominence, Crown Group President Vice Admiral (Retd) Paras Nath foresees a significant boost for India’s defence maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

“World leaders have unanimously acknowledged India’s ascent as a formidable player on the global stage. Most G20 countries are substantial trade partners with India, and many share strategic defence alliances with us. This newfound trust and confidence in our multifaceted capabilities augur well for our domestic defence MRO industry, opening up extensive prospects for MRO in India,” remarked Nath.

He highlighted that the time is ripe to bolster India’s indigenous MRO, and foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) should seize the moment. “Global OEMs seeking reliable partners for equipment maintenance and service in India find it advantageous to collaborate with us. Our world-class facilities and expertise, combined with established partnerships with major international OEMs for MRO of Indian naval, marine, and aviation assets, make Crown Group a preferred choice. Notably, Crown Group is unique in having ex-servicemen from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard at all levels, contributing their valuable experience,” added Nath.