A combination of strategic government policies, increased budget allocations, and a strong focus on indigenous capabilities positions the Indian defence equipment market for significant growth in the coming years. As the country continues to navigate regional security challenges, the emphasis on self reliance and innovation will remain critical in shaping the future of its defence sector. In the financial year 2023-2024, the Ministry of Defence reported ₹1.27 lakh crore in domestic defence production, highlighting the transformation from a significant arms importer to an emerging hub for indigenous production.
In recent years, India has significantly increased its defence budget, positioning itself among the top military spenders globally. This substantial investment underscores the government’s focus on modernizing its armed forces and enhancing national security capabilities. A notable aspect of this approach is the allocation of funds for research and development, with a growing portion earmarked for private companies and startups. This shift is fostering innovation and allowing for tailored solutions that address the specific needs of the Tri-forces. At the forefront of driving Atmanir bharta in defense equipment manufacturing is SEC Industries, a name synonymous with cutting-edge technology with exceptional talent to meet the nation’s defence and aerospace requirements.
Strong Foothold
Founded in 1954, SEC Industries has transformed from an agricultural, process equipment manufacturer into a pivotal player in shaping India’s defence and aerospace landscapes. The company’s three high-security facilities in Hyderabad (two span 5 acres each and one spans 10 acres) have woven together decades of experience, state-of-the-art technology, and a commitment to precision engineering, establishing itself as one of the trusted partners to India’s top defence and space institutions. SEC’s ability to balance traditional engineering skills with advanced manufacturing capabilities has positioned it at the forefront of India’s march toward selfreliance in defence and space technology, while also drawing significant interest from global partners.
“We have been recognized as a defense offset partner by the Ministry of Defense, and have had the opportunity to export ground support systems for UAV programs to Israel”, says Vidyasagar Dontineni, Managing Director, SEC Industries. “Also, we have been identified as the Indian partner for the Scorpène submarine program, which was being manufactured by DCNS of France”. It carries a formidable suite of certifications, including AS 9100, ISO 9001, ISO 27001, ISO 14001, ISO 3834 and ISO 45001, cementing its reputation as a reliable and rigorous development, manufacturing, and integration partner. The company upholds international standards, ensuring its readiness to meet the precise and demanding requirements of the defence and aerospace sectors.
Pursuit of Engineering Mastery
SEC’s advanced facilities are equipped to deliver complex engineering services across development, prototyping, high precision CNC machining, heavy structural fabrication, interdisciplinary system integration, assembly, and testing. The company hosts 10 specialized divisions, each tailored to meet specific requirements. From its R&D center to divisions focused on space, airborne, and ground systems, the company’s operations are comprehensive. Supporting these divisions is a well-structured, ERP backed materials management system and lean manufacturing processes that ensure efficiency, precision, and quality throughout the production cycle. Class 100k clean rooms for advanced welding and system integration and facilities for shot-blasting, specialised surface protection, allows the company to handle and process specialized materials such as maraging steel, 15CDV6, titanium and aluminum alloys. The team is well-trained and equipped with certified manpower to carry out various critical operations with precision.
SEC’s dedicated design division is a hub of innovation, where a team with over 200 years of collective experience brings to life projects that play a critical role in various parts of the defence ecosystem. This team also meets inhouse manufacturing needs, crafting precision tooling, jigs, and fixtures critical to high-stakes
applications such as machining, riveting, and welding. The R&D division, equally innovative, has pioneered in the development of award winning processes and equipment, including the stretch forming process , the Barro vacuum chamber for leak testing, and the planetary mixer for solid propellant handling.
The manufacturing facility of SEC houses a diverse range of equipment, making the company completely self reliant and eliminating the need for outsourcing except for few specialised coatings. The manufacturing infrastructure of the company comprises of high precision machine shops capable of handling a wide spectrum of products, heat treatment suites, specialised welding infrastructure, sheet metal processing machines, 3D CMMs, pressure testing facilities, a shot blasting chamber, and paint shops certified to meet global standards. The assembly bays of SEC are equipped with heavy duty EOT cranes, specialised jigs and fixtures, and other necessary equipment required for precision riveting, heavy fabrication, and hydraulic system integration and are capable of handling large products with utmost care.
Driven by engineering excellence, SEC Industries sets the standard in delivering advanced, precision-driven solutions for India’s defense and space sectors
Far-reaching and Impactful Contributions
The airborne products division is a testament to SEC’s specialization, producing high-precision riveted and welded sections using materials like aluminum and titanium alloys. Here, critical components like nose cones, engine bays, rocket motor casings, integrated actuation systems and flight control sections, wings, and control surfaces are manufactured to support DRDO’s air defence programs. The company plays a vital role in the development of these systems and hence remains the preferred production partner for the same.
It has developed proprietary methodologies, becoming the only private sector company in India to offer cost effective and precision manufacturing for complex ogival shaped profiles, crucial for nose cones and various aircraft structures. Through a specialized process known as stretch forming, previously limited to Western markets, SEC has pioneered this technology in India. The company has also developed machinery that makes these capabilities accessible at an affordable scale for defence applications.
Expanding its expertise in ground defence systems, SEC develops and manufactures mobile launchers, mechanical systems of the Long Range Tracking Radar, special purpose transport and storage containers, EMI/EMC Shelters, refuelling systems and has patented its article handling trolleys which finds its application in various air force stations.
Further exemplifying the company’s commitment to indigenization and technological advancements is its strategic partnership with the French defense manufacturer DCNS for the P-75 Scorpene submarine project. Through this collaboration, it established a dedicated facility for manufacturing, assembling, and testing critical mechanical assemblies for the Scorpene submarines, including the complex weapon handling and loading systems. This partnership has set a new standard in the private sector’s role within India’s defense industry, underscoring its technical prowess and willingness to innovate within the framework of the nation’s self-reliance goals.
MRO at IAF
Continuing its forays into niche areas that require high expertise and specialist knowledge, SEC capped another major aerospace milestone by successfully launching MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) operations of military aircraft. SEC’s MRO operations for the Indian Air Force are carried out at some of the major maintenance centres of the IAF. MRO is a vital domain and its effective handling is the lifeline of the IAF to help keep its fleet in readiness at all times, therefore, this advancement by SEC is particularly significant because this sector has minimal private sector presence.
Space Exploration
Building on extensive expertise across critical sectors, SEC plays a pivotal role in advancing India’s space endeavours by developing and manufacturing critical airframes and rocket motor casings for ISRO. “We have successfully manufactured and delivered some of the most demanding sections of the Gaganyaan, PSLV, GSLV and SSLV projects within unprecedented time frames, ensuring we meet stringent launch schedules”, says Vidyasagar, highlighting some of SEC's noteworthy contributions like the crew module fairing and crew escape system interface adapter for the Gaganyaan project, the slanted strapon nose cone for the GSLV programme, the interstage ½ lower for the PSLV project among other critical subassemblies.
Furthermore, the company has now started a dedicated subsidiary for the development and manufacturing of specialised drones, catering to the requirements of the forces and is also looking to provide state of art AI-based services.
CoE at Vignan University
As SEC Industries looks toward the future, its focus remains clear, which is to drive innovation in the defense and space sectors and contribute meaningfully to India’s technological self-reliance. The company recently signed an MOU with Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology and Research (deemed to be University) in Guntur to establish a Center of Excellence for the development of unmanned vehicles and drones. The aim of a CoE is to foster innovation and advancement by bringing together experts, researchers, and students to collaborate on cutting-edge research and development projects. The CoE would provide a platform for industry-academia partnerships, enabling the university to work closely with drone manufacturers and users to identify challenges and opportunities in the industry and develop solutions that address real-world needs.
As SEC Industries completes its 70th year, the company’s growth trajectory shows no signs of slowing down. With a focus on expanding its Indian and global presence, and continuing to innovate in the defence, space, and drone sectors, SEC is poised for continued success, backed by a legacy of engineering excellence and a vision for the future. Through a unique blend of heritage and innovation, the company continues to prove that it is more than a manufacturer, it is a partner in India’s journey to become a world leader in advanced engineering.
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