India Aims to Become Global Aircraft Manufacturer in 5 Years
India sets its sights on becoming a major player in aircraft manufacturing, with HAL leading the initiative and a focus on building a self-sufficient aviation ecosystem.
India is poised to enter the global aircraft manufacturing industry within the next five years, as announced by Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu. The government’s ambitious plan is to transform the country into a key player in aircraft production, catering to both domestic and international markets.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to spearhead this initiative, leveraging its experience in building a 119-seater aircraft. Naidu emphasized that India’s vision is not limited to domestic requirements but aims to position the country as a global exporter of aircraft. To facilitate this effort, the government will establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) composed of experts and industry leaders to oversee the entire aircraft manufacturing process.
While certain components may need to be imported initially, Naidu stressed the long-term goal of creating a self-sufficient ecosystem within India. The SPV will also work to address existing challenges in infrastructure and collaborate with international players like Airbus and Boeing, who have expressed interest in partnering with India.
Additionally, Naidu highlighted India’s untapped potential in the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector, acknowledging that a lack of technical support from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) presents a challenge. Strengthening India’s MRO capabilities will be a priority moving forward, with the aim of creating a comprehensive aviation industry.