Rajnath Singh Calls for Greater Public-Private Synergy to Build Next-Gen Indigenous Aerospace Capabilities
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday called for enhanced collaboration between the public and private sectors to accelerate the development of next-generation indigenous aerospace capabilities,...
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday called for enhanced collaboration between the public and private sectors to accelerate the development of next-generation indigenous aerospace capabilities, asserting that the two sectors must work as collaborators rather than competitors to make India self-reliant and globally competitive in the field.
He made the remarks in Bengaluru after Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over two Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Final Operational Clearance (FOC) twin-seater trainers and three HTT-40 basic trainers to the Indian Air Force (IAF), and four Dhruv Next Generation (NG) helicopters to Pawan Hans Limited (PHL).
Describing the handover as a significant milestone in India’s progress towards indigenous aerospace capability, technological self-confidence and self-reliance, Singh said, “Our aim is to make India capable, self-reliant, and globally competitive in meeting its aerospace requirements.”
Rajnath Singh asserted that India is moving systematically towards Aatmanirbharta in defence, with the country manufacturing state-of-the-art equipment indigenously since the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government began pursuing self-reliance as its core mantra, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Defence.
He stressed the need for a systematic approach to advancing the aerospace sector, terming self-reliance in the domain the need of the hour.
“There can be no sudden ‘big bang’ in the development of aerospace systems. It is a vast and gradual process involving a wide range of components. All the products and components involved represent small rungs on a long ladder; we must move forward one step at a time. Naturally, there would be challenges, but we need to view them as milestones on a larger roadmap to achieve progress in a sector as complex and crucial as aerospace,” he said.
He also called for building an ecosystem capable of effectively meeting the requirements of both the civil and military aviation sectors.
“When capabilities such as aircraft design, avionics, propulsion, composite materials, flight control systems, manufacturing, and certification are developed within the country, they benefit the entire aerospace sector. We must build an integrated aerospace ecosystem which is self-reliant across every domain. I am confident of achieving this endeavour through our collective strength,” he said.
Asserting that the nature of warfare is rapidly evolving, Rajnath Singh underscored the need to develop complex systems indigenously, noting that future air operations will be increasingly information-intensive and technology-driven. He said combat effectiveness can be ensured only through a combination of well-trained personnel, advanced technology, integrated systems and rapid decision-making. He expressed confidence that the LCA FOC Trainer would play a crucial role in preparing pilots for such a demanding operational environment.
“While the Dhruv-NG exemplifies our indigenous civil aerospace prowess, LCA FOC Trainer stands as a symbol of indigenous military aerospace capability and the maturity of its fighter aircraft ecosystem,” he added.
On the HTT-40, the Defence Minister said India had for years relied on imported aircraft to meet its basic training requirements, but HAL was now indigenously manufacturing the aircraft to meet the needs of the IAF. Highlighting its export potential, he expressed confidence that the HTT-40 would find demand in international markets and fulfil its intended role in strengthening India’s aerospace capabilities.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Civil Aviation K Rammohan Naidu said that the certification and induction of the Dhruv NG into civil operations marked an important milestone for India’s indigenous civil aviation ecosystem. He termed it as a reflection of the growing capability of Indian industry to develop and support advanced aerospace platforms for commercial applications.
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh; Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar; and Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation Shri Samir Kumar Sinha attended the event.
-PIB Inputs
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