BANGALORE: Indian aerospace and defence manufacturers should indigenise more to help achieve self-reliance in arms production for the three armed forces, an official said on Thursday.

"As the government is keen on self-reliance in the defence sector, the manufacturers -- especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups -- should strive for greater indigenisation in arms production," Defence Production Secretary Ajay Kumar said at an event here.

Addressing the fifth 'Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing Show', Kumar said that the MSMEs and start-ups should make the best use of opportunities in the sector as the government had liberalised the procurement process and simplified procedures.

"The MSMEs and start-ups should meet the needs of state-run defence units and the armed forces with greater indigenisation," asserted Kumar.

State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) Chairman T Suvarna Raju, speaking at the inaugural session, said that MSMEs and start-ups have huge potential to reduce imports in the defence and aerospace sectors.

"As defence units like HAL depend on private suppliers for critical components and systems, MSMEs and start-ups should ensure high standards and quality of the parts they make and supply to the original equipment manufacturers," said Raju.

Inaugurating the two-day event at the HAL Convention Centre, Karnataka Industries Minister K.J. George said it will give an opportunity to the MSMEs and start-ups to showcase their capabilities and manufacturing prowess to the state-run defence units, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and the armed forces.

"The event highlights Karnataka's leadership in the aerospace and defence sectors. Many state-run defence units and OEMs across the country will find suppliers of components and systems at the show," said George.

Organised by the city-based Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies and Industries (SIATI), the trade show saw the participation of over 70 exhibitors from both public and private sectors.

The exhibitors included HAL, Defence Research Development Organisation labs, Indian Army, Navy and Indian Air Force, Blaser SwissLube, Siemens and Alpha Design Technologies.

The second day of the trade show on Friday will include sessions on indigenisation of IAF and Navy, and opportunities for the industry.