BENGALURU: Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar highlighted Bengaluru’s dominance in India’s aerospace sector during the inauguration of Aero India, claiming the city controls more than 60% of the country’s aerospace manufacturing and defence research operations.
He stressed Karnataka’s critical role in India’s aerospace ambitions, noting that the state contributes 67% of aircraft
and helicopter manufacturing for defence services and 65% of aerospace-related exports.
In an appeal to defence minister Rajnath Singh, Shivakumar called for incentives to establish complete aircraft and helicopter manufacturing facilities in Karnataka. “While aircraft servicing and repair are well-established in India, the manufacturing of aircraft and helicopters is not yet taking place in our country,” he stated, pointing to the need to retain India’s technical talent within the country.
He highlighted Bengaluru’s unique position as the only city globally operating commercial and defence airports from the same strip, while highlighting the city’s robust aerospace ecosystem that includes major organisations such as HAL, Isro, and Boeing India. The city currently employs more than 1.5 lakh people in its aerospace sector, he said.
The state govt is expanding its aerospace footprint beyond Bengaluru, developing aerospace and defence hubs in Belagavi, Mysuru, Tumakuru, and Chamarajanagar, he said, adding that this expansion builds on Karnataka’s pioneering move as the first state to announce an aerospace policy in 2013, which included establishing a dedicated 1,000-acre aerospace park near Devanahalli.
“Under the theme, The Runway to a Billion Opportunities, this year’s show emphasises Karnataka’s growing role in emerging technologies, including drone technology and unmanned aerial systems. The state is also focusing on green technologies, including electric propulsion and biofuels, to promote sustainable aviation,” Shivakumar said.
The event, which has evolved significantly since its inception in 1996, serves as a platform for international collaboration in aviation, defence, and space exploration. Bengaluru’s position among the top three global aerospace cities in attracting foreign investments underscores its importance in the international aerospace landscape.