India’s aerospace & defence market was over $10 billion in 2016 and is predicted to grow at an estimated CAGR of over 5 per cent from 2017 to 2024. Realising the potential of the sector, Telangana government has not only included the sectors among the thrust areas in its industrial policy but also has been enabling ecosystem for industries to invest and provide industry ready manpower with specific skill development initiatives. The government is also mapping the land requirement in advance to allow new companies to set up manufacturing units.
Telangana Government Aerospace and Defence director PA Praveen told Telangana Today, “There is no dearth of land for aerospace manufacturing in the State. A second aerospace park is going to come up that can accommodate more units. More places had been identified that are suitable for aerospace sector. Talks are on with many aerospace companies.”
He added, “It is a very special sector with special needs. As the companies need skilled manpower, efforts are taken to improve the skill availability. Telangana government early this year signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with French Aero campus Aquitaine to set up aerospace skills academy in Hyderabad. The partnership focuses on developing skills among youth and experienced professionals to meet the needs of the industry. A clear mandate is there. Further studies are in progress.”
Telangana is witnessing all-round growth in aerospace and defence sectors. The State has so far attracted major companies in the sector. Companies operating in the State have entered into global partnerships to make critical aerospace and defence components aimed at serving both domestic and overseas markets.
The latest being GE and Tata group entering into a partnership to manufacture CFM International LEAP engine components at Tata Advanced Systems Limited facility in Adibatla Aerospace Park. The two companies intend to jointly explore military engine and aircraft system opportunities for the India market. TASL will take up manufacturing, assembling, integration and testing of aircraft components. Also a new Centre of Excellence (COE) will be established to help develop a robust ecosystem for aircraft engine manufacturing and build related capabilities.
Praveen adds, “Companies will choose a location based on the availability of skilled manpower, besides other critical factors. The State is rightly focusing its efforts on this core necessity.”
