As an advanced technology sector, Indian Aerospace industry has the essential prerequisites and potential to find its rightful place as a global player. Growth of the sector in military and commercial fields would have extensive benefits and spin-offs for the nation’s overall technological advancement. While our DPSUs have been major assets, the GoI has in recent years, created an ecosystem which has encouraged a wider section of players to invest in the A&D sector. Now with greater focus on self-reliance, the fresh round of reforms are indeed a welcome step. With the tectonic changes in the FDI Policy, the environment is now ripe for government to further assist OEMs to invest and set up high technology collaborative ventures with Indian industry across the entire range of aerospace products and platforms for not just the Indian domestic market but also for exports. India can become an important player to support the global aerospace supply chain for military as also for commercial markets. Such steps would have long term benefits to enable our homegrown products to be second to none.
Currently we face challenges due to Covid 19 and the consequent economic slowdown. India has tightened its defence budget, yet the need for balancing costs with combat capability weighs heavily on the nation. Tensions with our immediate neighbours continue unabated. India needs to take urgent steps to augment its aerospace combat element which has depleted significantly. This is where a boost to India’s Aerospace industry is vital.