Gujarat has emerged as one of India’s most progressive states in promoting high-technology industries through visionary policies, proactive governance, and robust infrastructure. The Government of Gujarat has introduced several landmark initiatives that directly support sectors such as Aerospace & Defence, Space, Unmanned Technologies, Cyber Security, Electronics, and Advanced Manufacturing — all of which align perfectly with the vision of SwaRaksha Mahotsav 2026.

The Gujarat SpaceTech Policy 2025–2030 — India’s first dedicated state-level space policy — aims to attract over USD 5 billion investment and generate 25,000 jobs, encouraging satellite manufacturing, launch services, ground systems, and space applications. It offers comprehensive incentives including capital subsidies, SGST reimbursements, interest subsidies, and the establishment of dedicated Space Parks and Centers of Excellence in collaboration with IN-SPACe and ISRO.

Complementing this, the Electronics Component Manufacturing Policy 2025 (GECMS-2025) focuses on building a complete electronics ecosystem vital for defence, aerospace, and unmanned platforms. It targets investments of ₹35,000 crore, promoting indigenous manufacturing of sensors, semiconductors, communication modules, and avionics components.

Additionally, the Global Capability Centre (GCC) Policy 2025–30 supports innovation and R&D in advanced technologies like cybersecurity, data analytics, and artificial intelligence — all integral to modern defence and aerospace systems.

Gujarat has established itself as one of India’s foremost industrial powerhouses with a strong foundation in engineering, electronics, aerospace, and defence manufacturing. The state’s strategic location, robust infrastructure, and proactive industrial policies have enabled the formation of both well-established industrial clusters and emerging technology hubs across multiple domains.

1. Aerospace & Defence Clusters

• Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR): Poised to become India’s largest integrated aerospace and defence manufacturing hub, Dholera is attracting major global and domestic players, including Airbus France, which has signed an MoU to establish an Aerospace & Defence Cluster.

• Sanand Industrial Region (near Ahmedabad): A growing hub for precision engineering, automotive, and component manufacturing that supports the aerospace and unmanned systems supply chain.

• Vadodara & Halol: Host to defence component manufacturers and maintenance facilities, offering strong vendor support for aerospace and mechanical systems.

2. Space & Geospatial Ecosystem

• Gujarat, through its SpaceTech Policy 2025–2030, is setting up a dedicated Space Manufacturing Cluster in collaboration with IN-SPACe. This cluster will include shared R&D, testing, and satellite component manufacturing facilities.

• Ahmedabad is home to ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC), serving as the nucleus for India’s space research, satellite design, and application development, enabling strong academic–industry collaboration.

3. Electronics & High-Tech Manufacturing Clusters

• The Gujarat Electronics Component Manufacturing Policy 2025 (GECMS-2025) has identified key zones in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Sanand for developing electronics manufacturing clusters, focusing on sensors, chips, PCBs, and communication components — all essential for UAVs, cyber systems, and defence electronics.

• The GIFT City in Gandhinagar, India’s only operational International Financial Services Centre, is emerging as a base for fintech, cybersecurity, and high-end data analytics companies.

4. Marine & Shipbuilding Ecosystem

• Alang, Bhavnagar, and Hazira serve as critical maritime and shipbuilding clusters with potential for marine surveillance technology integration.

• Gujarat’s 1,600 km coastline, supported by 48 operational ports, makes it a natural gateway for the development of maritime defence and blue economy projects.

5. MSME & Startup Ecosystem

• Gujarat’s robust MSME network contributes significantly to defence and aerospace supply chains through precision fabrication, composite materials, and electronic subsystems.

• The iCreate innovation hub near Ahmedabad and multiple Defence Innovation Hubs promote startups working in drones, AI, robotics, and cybersecurity.

Gujarat has one of the most diversified and resilient industrial ecosystems in India, making it a natural choice for hosting technology and manufacturing-driven events like SwaRaksha Mahotsav 2026. The state’s legacy of engineering excellence, combined with a strong network of MSMEs, startups, and large manufacturing enterprises, has created an ecosystem that supports the entire value chain — from design and prototyping to precision manufacturing and system integration.

1. Diverse Industrial Capabilities
Gujarat’s industrial base spans across automotive, heavy engineering, electronics, shipbuilding, and aerospace components, offering synergies for the defence and unmanned systems sectors. The engineering hubs of Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, and Bhavnagar are renowned for their expertise in machining, casting, metal fabrication, and component design — all critical to aerospace and defence manufacturing.

2. Robust Vendor & Supply Chain Network
Thousands of MSMEs and Tier-II/Tier-III suppliers across Gujarat provide components, sub-assemblies, electronics, and materials to major OEMs and PSUs. This strong vendor ecosystem reduces dependency on imports and enhances self-reliance in manufacturing. Ahmedabad and Rajkot, in particular, have emerged as preferred destinations for precision engineering, UAV components, and defence-grade materials.

3. Emerging Defence Manufacturing Capabilities
Several Gujarat-based companies are licensed for defence production, contributing to armoured vehicles, ballistic protection systems, UAVs, and communication equipment for the Indian Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies. This has positioned the state as a growing hub for dual-use and mission-critical technologies.

4. Integration with National Defence & Space Programs
The presence of ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad, combined with collaborations through IN-SPACe and the Gujarat SpaceTech Policy 2025–2030, has catalyzed industrial participation in space and satellite-related manufacturing. The same ecosystem supports private-sector innovation in unmanned and autonomous platforms.

5. Skilled Workforce & Innovation Support
Gujarat’s network of technical universities, engineering colleges, and innovation centres such as iCreate provides a continuous stream of skilled manpower and R&D collaboration. Government-backed incubation programs and startup incentives have encouraged local entrepreneurs to develop indigenous solutions in AI, robotics, sensors, and defence electronics.

Gujarat stands as a model of world-class infrastructure and seamless connectivity, offering unmatched logistical advantages for hosting global-scale events such as SwaRaksha Mahotsav 2026. The state’s well-planned industrial corridors, multimodal transport systems, and robust utilities make it one of India’s most business-friendly destinations for aerospace, defence, and high-technology manufacturing.

1. Excellent Air, Road & Rail Connectivity

• Ahmedabad, the proposed host city, is strategically located and connected through the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, offering direct international flights to major global destinations and daily domestic connectivity to all key Indian metros.

• Gujarat’s 6-lane and 8-lane expressway network and Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) provide high-speed logistics between industrial zones, ports, and urban centres.

• The Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) passes through Gujarat, integrating Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Dholera into a high-efficiency manufacturing and export corridor.

2. Ports & Maritime Infrastructure

• With 48 operational ports along a 1,600 km coastline, Gujarat handles over 40% of India’s cargo traffic, serving as a major maritime gateway for trade, shipbuilding, and marine defence industries.

• Ports like Mundra, Kandla, Pipavav, and Dahej provide direct access to global shipping lanes, benefiting industries dealing with heavy equipment, aerospace components, and defence logistics.

3. Emerging Industrial Smart Cities & Clusters

• The Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR) — India’s first greenfield smart industrial city — offers state-of-the-art infrastructure for aerospace, defence, and electronics manufacturing, backed by plug-and-play facilities and dedicated power and water supply.

• GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) in Gandhinagar stands as India’s premier financial and innovation hub, hosting cybersecurity, fintech, and data analytics firms integral to defence and space technology ecosystems.

4. Reliable Utilities & Digital Infrastructure

• Gujarat ensures 24×7 power availability, advanced water management systems, and high-speed fiber optic internet connectivity across its industrial and urban zones.

• The state’s digital infrastructure under initiatives like Digital Gujarat and Smart City Mission enables seamless business operations and smart logistics management.

Gujarat possesses a vibrant and expanding academic and research ecosystem that fuels innovation across aerospace, defence, space, and security technologies. The state is home to premier institutes and research centres that serve as key contributors to India’s technological self-reliance and skilled workforce development.

1. Premier Academic & Research Institutions

• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar, Institute of Infrastructure Technology Research and Management (IITRAM), Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU), and Nirma University offer cutting-edge programs in aerospace, mechanical, robotics, electronics, and data sciences.

• The Indian Space Research Organisation’s Space Applications Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad acts as a national hub for space technology R&D, satellite systems, remote sensing, and geospatial innovation.

• The Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), also in Ahmedabad, plays a vital role in advanced scientific research in space and planetary sciences.

2. Industry–Academia Collaboration
Gujarat has established strong partnerships between academia, government, and industry to accelerate applied research and technology transfer. Through initiatives like the Gujarat SpaceTech Policy 2025–2030, institutions are being encouraged to collaborate with IN-SPACe, ISRO, and private enterprises to promote R&D in satellite manufacturing, unmanned systems, and advanced materials.

3. Skilling & Innovation Ecosystem
The iCreate (International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology) near Ahmedabad is India’s leading innovation and incubation hub for startups in drones, AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and IoT — aligning perfectly with the focus areas of SwaRaksha Mahotsav.
Additionally, the Skill India and Kaushalya Vardhan Kendras in Gujarat continuously upgrade technical skills, ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified manpower for defence, aerospace, and digital industries.

4. Emerging Centres of Excellence
Under state initiatives, new Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in space technology, electronics, and digital security are being developed in collaboration with industry and academia, positioning Gujarat as a leader in applied research and indigenous innovation.