DCM calls for boosting aircraft and
helicopter manufacturing in Karnataka to retain talent
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar urged the
central government to support the aerospace industry in Bengaluru and prevent
brain drain by encouraging aircraft and helicopter manufacturing in Karnataka.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Bangalore
Air Show 2025 on Monday, Shivakumar said, "Bengaluru has the best talent
in the aerospace industry. It is the right place to set up aircraft and
helicopter manufacturing facilities. By encouraging manufacturers, we can
retain our country’s talent within India."
He requested the defence minister to promote
the aerospace industry in Karnataka and support aircraft and helicopter
manufacturers focusing on Bengaluru. Karnataka has a skilled workforce with
world-class research institutes and aerospace companies, he added.
He highlighted the state’s contribution to
the country’s economic growth, including industrial progress and investment
inflows. He said the Karnataka government is committed to fostering an
industrial policy that promotes research, infrastructure development, and
entrepreneurship.
Shivakumar noted that Karnataka was the first
state to announce an aerospace policy in 2013 and has developed an aerospace
park near Devanahalli, covering 1,000 acres for aerospace companies. Bengaluru,
which contributes more than 60% of the country’s aerospace production and
defense research, is home to major organizations such as HAL, ISRO, and Boeing
India, he said.
Bengaluru ranks third among global aerospace
cities in attracting foreign investments, and Karnataka is developing aerospace
and defense hubs in Bengaluru, Belgaum, Mysore, Tumkur, and Chamarajanagar. The
city is also emerging as a hub for drone technology and unmanned aerial
vehicles, revolutionizing the commercial and defense sectors, he added.
He stated that Bengaluru has the highest
number of software companies in India and is a leading city in technology and
aerospace. He pointed out that Karnataka contributes 67% of the country's
aircraft and helicopter production for defense services and 65% of
aerospace-related exports. Despite India's progress in aviation services and
aircraft repair, manufacturing remains dependent on imports, he said.
He highlighted Bengaluru’s unique position as
the only city in the world where both commercial and defense airports are
operational and noted the increasing role of women in the aerospace sector. He
said partnerships with countries like the US, France, and Russia are strengthening
India’s aerospace industry.
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