The Indian government is advancing self-reliance in aviation with plans to produce regional transport aircraft through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu emphasized India’s readiness to design, manufacture, and maintain aircraft, supported by policies under the "Make in India" initiative. With a fast-growing aviation market and over 1,500 aircraft orders, the government aims to enhance workforce skills and indigenous technology, including the Saras Mk2 project. These efforts target reducing foreign dependency and boosting domestic aerospace manufacturing.
The Indian government is setting its sights on becoming a self-reliant force in the global aviation industry, with bold initiatives aimed at transforming the nation into a hub for aircraft manufacturing.
Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu announced on Monday that the government is working on establishing a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) dedicated to producing regional transport aircraft. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Naidu emphasized India's readiness to design, build, and maintain its own aircraft, a vision backed by robust policies already in place.
"We have changed the thought process that we have when it comes to manufacturing of aircraft. We are saying that India is at the stage right now where we can manufacture, we can design and we can maintain an aircraft," Naidu stated.
India's aviation sector is currently one of the fastest-growing in the world. With domestic carriers placing orders for over 1,500 aircraft to meet the rising demand for air travel, the government's focus has shifted to establishing a homegrown manufacturing ecosystem capable of supporting this rapid expansion.
The approach is comprehensive, involving collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including state governments. Naidu detailed a five-year roadmap for the SPV, which will spearhead the production of regional transport aircraft. "We have a plan to create an SPV for five years, which is going to bring in all the necessary stakeholders... study the existing picture in the country and create a road map," he explained. The production timeline aligns with the broader "Make in India" initiative, which aims to boost domestic manufacturing across industries.
A key component of this strategy is workforce development. Naidu highlighted the importance of equipping India's workforce with the skills needed to meet the demands of the evolving aviation industry. He noted that 58 Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) are already operational, preparing the next generation of aviation professionals. The government plans to further enhance this ecosystem, ensuring that all aspects of aircraft manufacturing, including components and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities, are well-supported.
As part of its push for indigenous aviation technologies, Naidu provided updates on the Saras Mk2 project. This 19-seater Light Transport Aircraft, developed by CSIR-NAL in partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), incorporates a range of advanced indigenous components. These include composite wings, lightweight materials for the airframe, and state-of-the-art avionics.
"The Saras Mk2 initiative has a collaboration and partnership with HAL. The aircraft has significant indigenous components and technologies like advanced composite wings, composite and lightweight material airframes, avionics, display, and communication systems," Naidu remarked.
The Saras Mk2 project is a testament to India's growing capabilities in aerospace technology and represents a step forward in the larger goal of strengthening the domestic civil aircraft manufacturing industry.
Naidu’s remarks reflect a clear commitment from the government to reduce dependency on foreign aircraft manufacturers and establish a robust supply chain within India. These efforts are poised to not only transform the country’s aviation landscape but also position India as a key player in the global aerospace sector.
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