India’s vision of crafting its own civil aircraft is no longer just a dream floating in the clouds. With ambition blazing and innovation rising, Tata Group is carving a historic path towards making India a self-reliant aviation powerhouse. In a transformative move, Tata Advanced Systems will join hands with European aerospace giant Airbus to build the H125 civil helicopters in Kolar, Karnataka. This marks the country’s first privately-led helicopter assembly facility and the fourth globally after the US, France, and Brazil.
This helicopter plant comes soon after another groundbreaking initiative where Tata, along with Airbus, launched a military aircraft manufacturing unit in Vadodara. That facility, which rolls out the C-295 aircraft, was inaugurated by the Prime Minister who said it would be “a gateway to designing and manufacturing civil aircraft in India.”
While India’s aerospace sector already excels in components and military aircraft, stepping into civil aircraft manufacturing is a leap into a far more intricate domain. The country’s aim to create its own commercial aircraft aligns perfectly with rising domestic demand. With a growing middle class and a projected 6.2 percent annual increase in air passenger traffic by 2040, India is gearing up for an aviation boom. Over 1,200 aircraft have already been ordered by Indian companies, and demand is expected to cross 2,200 in the next two decades.
But building a commercial jet isn’t child’s play. As seen with China’s long journey to develop its COMAC C919, such an endeavor requires decades, tens of billions in investment, and international collaboration. Experts say India should first deepen its role in the global supply chain, currently limited to just 5 percent. The government’s proposed Special Purpose Vehicle will unite experts and stakeholders, with global players like Airbus and Boeing potentially involved.
To truly take off, India must integrate its scattered capabilities spread across defence agencies, public firms, MSMEs, and startups into a unified force. Though the road ahead is steep, initiatives like Tata’s civil helicopter and military aircraft plants are crafting the wings India needs to soar.
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