Telangana Emerges as India’s Aerospace Powerhouse, Says D. Sridhar Babu

HYDERABAD, Apr 18: Telangana is accelerating its push to become a central hub in India’s aerospace ambitions, building a strong ecosystem powered by research, advanced manufacturing, and certification capabilities, Industries and IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu said on Friday.

Addressing a national conference on “Changing Scenario in Aerospace: R&D, Manufacturing and Certification,” organised by the Aeronautical Society of India in Hyderabad, the minister stressed that future leadership in aerospace would hinge on effectively integrating these three pillars.

He noted that aerospace has evolved beyond conventional aircraft production to become a symbol of national strength, technological advancement, and strategic confidence. According to him, regions that successfully align innovation with manufacturing scale and certification standards will define the next phase of global aerospace growth.

Highlighting global trends, the minister pointed out that major aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus have projected a demand for nearly 42,000 new aircraft over the next two decades. Telangana is positioning itself to benefit from this surge by enhancing its industrial capabilities and expanding its aerospace footprint.

Hyderabad, he said, is emerging as a key centre with growing expertise in precision engineering and defence manufacturing. The city’s expanding network of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is playing a vital role in integrating local industries into global aerospace supply chains. More than 1,500 MSMEs in the region are already contributing components and services to international players.

Despite these advancements, the minister acknowledged a significant gap in India’s aerospace ecosystem—its reliance on foreign testing and certification facilities. This dependency often results in increased costs and project delays of up to two years. He called for stronger support from the Union government to establish world-class certification infrastructure within Hyderabad, which could significantly reduce turnaround time and enhance competitiveness.

Adding to the discussion, former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation, S. Somanath, emphasised the need for India to evolve from a capability-driven nation to a global aerospace leader. He identified limited large-scale manufacturing as a critical bottleneck and urged the industry to scale up production capacities to compete internationally.

Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, N. Kalaiselvi, linked the sector’s growth to the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. She highlighted the rapid rise in aviation demand and estimated that India would require around 3,300 aircraft in the near future, underscoring the urgency for innovation and industrial expansion.

Meanwhile, former chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation, G. Satheesh Reddy, drew attention to the changing nature of warfare. He noted that modern conflicts are increasingly shaped by advancements in space technology, cyber capabilities, and drone systems, making continuous technological upgrades essential for national security.

The conference brought together industry experts, policymakers, and researchers to deliberate on emerging challenges and opportunities in aerospace. With its growing infrastructure and policy focus, Telangana is aiming to position Hyderabad as a globally competitive aerospace destination, aligning its growth strategy with both national priorities and international demand.