School of Defence Technology
June 25, 2025 2026-02-06 11:43School of Defence Technology
The global defence industry is estimated to be around $2.5 trillion, with significant year-on-year growth. There is a fast-rising global and national demand for defence technology professionals, led by international players such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, Boeing, BAE Systems, Harris Technologies, Airbus, Leonardo HII and many more. Indian defence technology too is brimming with high-growth companies such as Hindustan Aeronautics, Bharat Electronics, Bharat Dynamics, Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Ltd, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd and more.
India’s journey toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing is witnessing a historic transformation, powered by visionary initiatives such as “Make in India”, “Atmanirbhar Bharat”, and the establishment of Defence Industrial Corridors across key strategic regions. These national missions are redefining the landscape of defence production by encouraging indigenous innovation, boosting domestic capabilities, and reducing dependency on foreign technologies. In alignment with this transformative vision, the School of Defence and Aerospace Technology at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), Pune, has been established to serve as a premier academic and research institution dedicated to building India’s defence technology ecosystem.
The School is founded on the principle that technological sovereignty is critical to national security. We are committed to empowering the next generation of defence technocrats, innovators, and strategic thinkers who will lead India’s advancements in defence research, design, and manufacturing. Through a well-curated curriculum, robust industry linkages, and hands-on learning experiences, we aim to develop professionals who are not only technically skilled but also deeply aligned with the nation’s strategic objectives.
Our core mission is to bridge the gap between academia and the defence sector by creating an environment that fosters interdisciplinary learning, innovation, and real-world engagement. The curriculum is designed in close consultation with industry experts, defence scientists, and policymakers, ensuring that it remains relevant to current defence challenges and technological trends. From ballistic systems and unmanned aerial vehicles to defence electronics and cybersecurity, students gain comprehensive exposure to domain-specific technologies that are critical to modern warfare and strategic deterrence.
The School of Defence Technology is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including advanced laboratories, simulation centers, and design studios that facilitate experiential learning. Students are encouraged to participate in research projects, innovation challenges, and prototype development from the early stages of their education. Strategic collaborations with organizations such as Government supported & Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), and private defence companies with high repute will provide students with opportunities for internships, mentorships, live projects, and career placements.
One of our unique strengths is the emphasis on multidisciplinary learning, integrating fields such as mechanical engineering, electronics, AI and machine learning, and systems engineering, all tailored for defence applications. This holistic approach equips students with the skills to address complex defence challenges through innovation, system-level thinking, and mission-oriented design.
At the School of Defence Technology, we believe that the defence of a nation begins in the classroom, in the laboratory, and in the minds of its future engineers and scientists. By nurturing future-ready professionals, we strive to contribute meaningfully to India’s quest for technological self-reliance, national security, and global leadership in defence innovation.
Director's Desk
Director, School of Defence and Aerospace Technology, Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune
Our nation stands at a historic inflexion point. The call for an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) in defence is not just a government policy; it is the most significant strategic and economic opportunity of our generation. The burgeoning defence manufacturing sector is poised for exponential growth, creating a high-demand for a new cadre of “Defence Technocrats” who can innovate and lead. To answer this national call, a conventional engineering degree is not enough.
At SSPU, a university built on the very foundation of providing skills relevant to the industry, we have crafted a B.Tech. program that is fundamentally different. Our curriculum has been meticulously designed by experts from DRDO and leading public and private sector experts from defence industries and the Defence Forces, being the end users. We are committed to a practice-based learning model with a 70% focus on learning by doing, ensuring that our students are not just theoretically sound but are truly industry-ready. As a student here, you will not be a passive learner in a classroom. You will immerse yourself in the world of defence systems. You will learn the principles of aerodynamics that guide a missile, the electronics that power a RADAR system, the robotics that operate an unmanned vehicle, and the AI that provides a strategic edge. We don't just teach engineering; we forge Defence Technologists who understand the synergy between systems and the imperatives of the battlefield. Having served for over 37 years in the Indian Army and commanded units with state-of-the-art technology, I bring the end-user's perspective to our pedagogy. My promise to you is that you will be mentored by a unique blend of accomplished academicians, industry veterans, and experienced military leaders. We will provide you with a vibrant ecosystem of learning, complete with state-of-the-art labs and deep industry collaborations for internships and live projects.
Upon graduation, a vast and exciting career landscape awaits you. You will be sought after by premier organizations across the global and Indian defence ecosystem, including DRDO, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), and leading private sector companies, MSMEs. You will have the opportunity to make a direct contribution to national security and become a leader in this high-growth sector. If you have the passion to innovate, the diligence to learn, and the spirit to contribute to our nation's security, I invite you to join us on this remarkable journey. Let us, together, build a safer, stronger, and self-reliant India through technology, talent, and tenacity.
Jai Hind!
Vision
To become a leading center of excellence for education, research, and innovation in defence technology, contributing to India’s strategic autonomy and technological sovereignty.
Mission
- To impart cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills for indigenous defence manufacturing.
- To foster collaboration with defence R&D organizations, PSUs, and private industries.
- To build a multidisciplinary ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship in defence technology.
- To prepare students for strategic roles in national security and technological development.
Join Us
At the School of Defence Technology, SSPU Pune, we are shaping the guardians of tomorrow’s defence frontiers — engineers, technocrats, and innovators dedicated to securing India’s future through technology.
Be a part of India’s defence renaissance. Be a Defence Technocrat.
Curriculum Aligned with National Priorities
- Designed in line with Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India – Defence, and Defence Industrial Corridor
- Emphasis on indigenous innovation, technology self-reliance, and mission-critical applications.
Domain-Focused Training
- Specialized modules in:
- Ballistics and Weapon Systems
- Military-Grade Materials and Design
- Defence Electronics and Secure Communications
- Cybersecurity and Electronic Warfare
- Unmanned Systems, Drones, and Robotics
Industry-Academia Collaborations
- Strategic partnerships with:
- DRDO, and Defence PSUs
- Private leaders like Tata Advanced Systems, L&T Defence, Godrej Aerospace
- Access to mentorship, internships, and industry-driven projects
Hands-on Learning and Labs
- State-of-the-art labs for:
- Simulation and modeling
- Electronics and embedded systems
- Autonomous systems and AI applications in defence
- Exposure to field training, military research labs, and defence production facilities
Multidisciplinary Approach
- Integration of Mechanical, Electronics, AI/ML, and Systems Engineering
- Focus on real-world problem-solving for defence applications
Innovation, Startups, and IP Generation
- Platform for student-led research, innovation challenges, and prototype development
- Support for start-up incubation in defence technology under government schemes and university initiatives
Strategic Career Opportunities
- Preparation for careers in:
- DRDO, ISRO, armed forces’ R&D branches
- Defence PSUs and private defence companies
- Defence-focused start-ups and technology ventures
Ethical, Strategic, and National Security Perspective
- Courses embedded with strategic studies, ethics in warfare tech, and national security awareness
- Training students to become technologists with a purpose
Career Opportunities & Job Roles –
- Defence Research Organizations:
- Scientist
- Graduate Engineer Trainee
- Armed Forces Technical Branches:
- Technical Officer
- Defence Technology Firms:
- Systems Engineer
- Cybersecurity Expert
- Defence Consultancy and Analysis:
- Defence Analyst
- Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs):
- Project Engineer
- Quality Assurance Engineer
- Academic and Training Institutions:
- Professor
- Academic Researcher
- Private Defence Start-ups:
- Product Development Engineer
- Structural Engineer
Company List
- Armed Forces – Technical Branches
- Indian Army
- Indian Air Force
- Indian Navy
- Research & Development (R&D) Organizations
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) – Pan India
- Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) – Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) – Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) – Pune, Maharashtra
- Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) – Hyderabad, Telangana
- Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), Avadi, Tamil Nadu
- Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, Telangana
- Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL), Hyderabad, Telangana
- Defence Procurement, Quality & Compliance
- Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) – New Delhi (HQ), Pan India
- Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA) – Bengaluru, Karnataka (HQ), Pan India
- Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC) – Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Defence Procurement Offices (Ministry of Defence, Army Ordnance) – New Delhi (HQ), Pan India
- Defence Acquisition Wing (DAW), MoD, New Delhi
- Acquisition Wing – Indian Navy / IHQ MoD (Navy), New Delhi
- Integrated Financial Advisor (IFA-Defence Services), Pan India
- Defence Accounts Department (DAD), New Delhi (HQ)
- Directorate of Standardisation (DoS), New Delhi
- Directorate of Indigenisation (DoI)
- Controllerate of Quality Assurance (CQA), Multiple cities
- Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL), Ambernath, Maharashtra
- Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs)
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) – Bengaluru, Karnataka (HQ), Pan India
- Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) – Bengaluru, Karnataka (HQ), Pan India
- Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) – Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) – Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) – Kolkata, West Bengal
- Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) – Vasco da Gama, Goa
- Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI), Hyderabad, Telangana
- Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Ltd. (AWEIL), Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Yantra India Limited, Nagpur, Maharashtra
- India Optel Limited (IOL), Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Troop Comforts Ltd. (TCL), Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Gliders India Limited (GIL), Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Private Defence & Aerospace Companies
- Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Defence, Talegaon, Pune & Powai, Mumbai
- Bharat Forge Defence (Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd.), Pune, Maharashtra
- Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Vikhroli, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), Hyderabad, Telangana
- Adani Defence and Aerospace, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Mahindra Defence Systems, Faridabad, Haryana
- IdeaForge Technology Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra
- BrahMos Aerospace Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi (HQ), Hyderabad, Nagpur
- DCX Systems Limited, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Reliance Naval and Engineering Limited (RNAVAL), Pipavav, Gujarat
- Ashok Leyland Defence Systems, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Asteria Aerospace Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, Karnataka
- NewSpace Research & Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Nibe Defence and Aerospace Ltd. Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune, Maharashtra
- Paras Defence and Space Technologies Ltd., Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Vasundhara Geo Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Pune, Maharashtra
- DSA Electro Controls Pvt. Ltd., Pune, Maharashtra
- Anant Defence Systems Pvt. Ltd., Kothrud, Pune, Maharashtra
- Sika Interplant Systems Ltd., Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Alpha Design Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd., Hyderabad, Telangana
- Tardid Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, Karnataka
- AGNIT Semiconductors Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, Karnataka
- AjnaLens (Dimension NXG Pvt. Ltd.), Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Ltd., Hosur, Tamil Nadu
- Data Patterns (India) Pvt. Ltd., Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- SIRI Technologies, Hyderabad, Telangana
- DonKo Systems Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Uni Automation Pvt. Ltd., Pune, Maharashtra
- Space Tech Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, Telangana
- Automation AI Info System Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Electropneumatics & Hydraulics (India) Pvt. Ltd., Pune, Maharashtra
- Pravaig Dynamics Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, Karnataka
Job Roles
Armed Forces – Technical Branches
Job Role | Description |
Technical Officer (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics) | Maintenance and operation of military hardware and systems |
Combat Engineer | Infrastructure construction, demolitions, and field fortifications |
Avionics Engineer | Maintenance of aircraft electronic systems |
Naval Architect | Design and maintenance of warships and submarines |
Weapons Systems Officer | Operates and manages missile, radar, and weapon systems |
Signals Officer | Manages secure communication systems and networks |
Research & Development (R&D) Organizations
Job Role | Description |
Scientist ‘B’ to ‘H’ (DRDO) | Design, simulate, and develop new defence technologies |
Research Engineer | Perform theoretical and experimental work in specialized areas |
Systems Integration Engineer | Integrate subsystems into complete weapon or aerospace systems |
Test Engineer | Validate performance and safety of developed systems |
Design Engineer (CAD/CAE) | Component/system modeling using advanced software |
Material Scientist | Develop and test defence-grade alloys, composites, etc. |
Missile Technologist | Work on propulsion, guidance, and control of missiles |
Defence Procurement, Quality & Compliance
Job Role | Description |
Quality Assurance Officer | Inspection and certification of defence products |
Defence Procurement Specialist | Manage acquisition process for military equipment |
Compliance Officer | Ensure regulatory adherence and documentation |
Auditor / Finance Officer | Budget oversight, financial reporting in acquisition |
Test & Evaluation Officer | Conduct lab/field testing before induction |
Certification Engineer (Airworthiness) | Issue/verify certifications for aerospace components |
Technical Assessor | Evaluate vendor capabilities and quality processes |
Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs)
Job Role | Description |
Graduate Engineer Trainee (GET) | Entry-level role for engineering graduates |
Production Engineer | Manage defence equipment manufacturing |
Design & Development Engineer | Design of products like radars, vehicles, aircraft systems |
Quality Control Engineer | Quality inspection of manufactured components |
Maintenance Engineer | Maintain defence plant and equipment health |
Project Manager (Defence Projects) | Oversee end-to-end defence product execution |
Aerospace Engineer | Airframe, propulsion, avionics, or structural design |
Private Defence & Aerospace Companies
Job Role | Description |
Embedded Systems Engineer | Design control units for UAVs, missiles, etc. |
AI/ML Engineer | Integrate intelligent systems for surveillance or autonomy |
UAV Systems Engineer | Design, assemble, and test drones and control software |
Mechatronics Engineer | Design smart weapon or robotic platforms |
Electronics Design Engineer | Circuit and PCB design for defence hardware |
Systems Simulation Expert | Simulate performance (MATLAB, ANSYS, etc.) |
Supply Chain Analyst | Handle procurement and logistics for sensitive equipment |
Cybersecurity Analyst | Safeguard critical defence networks and systems |
Cross-Cutting Roles (Across All Sectors)
Job Role | Applicable Sectors | Description |
Technical Documentation Specialist | R&D, DPSUs | Prepare reports, SOPs, technical specs |
Defence Analyst | R&D, Armed Forces | Study trends, assess threats and technologies |
Safety & Reliability Engineer | R&D, DPSUs, Pvt. Cos | Ensure safety margins in product lifecycle |
Field Support Engineer | DPSUs, Pvt. Cos | On-site installation, troubleshooting |
IT/Software Developer | All | Defence-grade software, simulation tools, ERP systems |