Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy invited Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to inaugurate Defence Expo 2026 during the Invest Telangana Global Summit. The Telangana government planned to hold the summit at Bharat Future City from December 7 to 9.
Revanth Reddy met Rajnath Singh in Delhi along with several MPs and discussed proposals related to the defence sector. During the meeting, he sought the Defence Ministry’s cooperation to organise the expo to international standards.
The Chief Minister said Defence Expo 2026 would feature a special conference covering aerospace, defence and space sectors. It would also include an air show, industrial exhibition and live demonstrations of land-based defence systems.
He said defence industries, startups and young scientists from across India would participate. Therefore, he told Singh that his presence and guidance would inspire the participants.
Revanth Reddy said the Telangana government looked forward to welcoming the Defence Minister to the Hyderabad event.
Defence Expo 2026 seeks IAF aircraft and aerobatic teams
The Chief Minister sought Defence Ministry support for securing airspace clearances required for the proposed air show. He also requested the participation of Indian Air Force aircraft.
In addition, Revanth Reddy sought participation from the Surya Kiran and Sarang aerobatic teams. He also requested Defence Ministry assistance for a static aircraft display.
The state government sought displays of advanced defence systems belonging to the Army, Navy and Air Force. Moreover, the Chief Minister requested participation from senior officers and representatives of all three services.
Revanth Reddy also sought extensive participation from defence public sector enterprises. These included HAL, BEL, BDL and MDL, along with DRDO laboratories.
He requested these organisations to showcase indigenous defence technologies at Defence Expo 2026. The Chief Minister also sought the Centre’s support for meetings with foreign defence representatives.
The proposed engagements would include bilateral defence delegations and prominent representatives of international defence organisations.
Defence Expo 2026 meeting covers Adilabad Airport
Revanth Reddy also briefed Rajnath Singh about land acquisition for Adilabad Airport. He said the Telangana government had already initiated acquisition of 750 acres. The Defence Ministry had sought a total of 1,500 acres for the project. Therefore, the Chief Minister said Telangana was prepared to acquire and provide another 750 acres.
The meeting also covered a proposed Defence Research and Development Laboratory project in Devarakadra mandal of Mahabubnagar district. Revanth Reddy said TGIIC had already agreed to allot 416.18 acres for the project. The land would be provided for 33 years at a nominal annual lease rent of Rs 1 for the entire parcel.
He said the lease would not be calculated on a per-acre basis. Moreover, the arrangement would provide an option to extend the lease twice, if required.
State Energy Minister Vivek Venkatswamy attended the meeting with Rajnath Singh. MPs M. Anil Kumar Yadav, Dr Mallu Ravi, Suresh Shetkar and Porika Balram Naik also participated. State government adviser for Protocol Harkara Venugopal Rao and Telangana Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju were also present at the meeting.