Chaitali Bag
Tony Walton, newly appointed MD of BAE Systems India, exudes excitement and ambition as he outlines a bold agenda to deepen defence collaboration with India, prioritizing robust support for existing military equipment while aggressively fostering indigenous capabilities. Speaking at the Farnborough Airshow 2026, he stressed the need to move beyond mere licensed production toward genuine design authority, unlocking the creative and technical potential of Indian partners and positioning India as a global manufacturing hub. Walton highlighted a clear focus on technologies that matter to India’s security future, particularly cutting-edge UAVs and counter-UAV systems, and promised intensified cooperation to accelerate local design, development and production—signalling a new era of partnership driven by innovation, scale and shared strategic vision.
