Kumaraguru Institutions Host Defence Expo To Guide Engineers

The Defence Career Expo 2026 commenced at Kumaraguru Institutions on Friday, bringing together senior officers from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Indian Coast Guard to guide students and NCC cadets on career opportunities in the armed forces and the wider defence ecosystem.
The two-day conclave, themed Securing India’s Tomorrow, featured live demonstrations, expert interactions and technology displays.
A major attraction was the artillery display and mock fire drill by the 195 Field Regiment from Madukkarai.
Exhibitions were also presented by the Madras Regimental Centre, Wellington, INS Agrani, Coimbatore, Southern Naval Command, Kochi, and 5 TN Air Squadron NCC (Technical), which showcased drone and aeromodelling initiatives.
Dr M Ezhilarasi, Principal of Kumaraguru College of Technology, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence, cyber security and aerospace engineering in modern defence.
She outlined sessions by Commander Srihari of INS Agrani, Colonel C S T Swami and Squadron Leader Arun Kumaran, along with hands-on demonstrations for participants.
Rear Admiral V Mohandas (Retd), Director of the Defence Programme at the Kumaraguru Centre for Industrial Research and Innovation, said the expo, launched in 2020, had evolved into a national-level platform uniting serving and retired senior officers under one roof.
He underlined the transition from conventional warfare to technology-intensive operations driven by unmanned systems and advanced intelligence platforms.
Commandant Krishna Kumar of the Indian Coast Guard traced the force’s evolution since 1976 following the Rustamji Committee recommendations and detailed its expanding role in coastal security and marine environmental protection.
Commander Srihari explained entry pathways into the Indian Navy through Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission, and highlighted training at the National Defence Academy, Pune, and the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, urging students to view military service as a mission-driven career.