Politics · India Bureau
India targets homegrown civilian aircraft within two years, minister says
Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu has indicated that a joint venture partnership could deliver India's first indigenously-developed civilian aircraft within the next two years, as the country's aviation sector experiences robust growth with over 1,600 aircraft on order.
LSN India ·
India's civil aviation sector is poised for a significant milestone with the potential development of a domestically-manufactured commercial aircraft, according to Minister Naidu. The initiative, being pursued through a joint venture arrangement, represents a major step toward building indigenous aerospace capabilities and reducing reliance on imported aircraft.
The ambitious timeline coincides with a period of unprecedented expansion in Indian aviation. The sector's order book has surpassed 1,600 aircraft, reflecting strong demand from domestic carriers and growing air connectivity across the nation. This expansion underscores the commercial viability of developing home-grown aviation solutions.
The push for a Made-in-India aircraft aligns with broader government efforts to boost manufacturing and technological self-reliance across strategic sectors. Success in civilian aircraft production would position India among a select group of nations with indigenous commercial aviation capabilities and could generate significant employment in aerospace manufacturing and related industries.
The development comes as India's aviation market continues rapid expansion, driven by rising middle-class incomes, improving regional connectivity, and competitive airline operations. A domestically-produced aircraft could address capacity constraints while supporting the government's economic objectives and technological advancement goals.