By: Y.V. Phani Raj
The Telangana government has identified several sectors where the State has a competitive advantage, including aerospace and defence. The government is taking steps to encourage these sectors with appropriate incentives in the soon to be announced industrial policy besides expanding the existing Aerospace Park at Adibatla. Hyderabad has a history of contributing to the nation in these sectors, since country’s independence.
he city houses key national defence organisations involved in both manufacturing and research development such as DRDO, DRDL, BDL, BEML and RCI. Their presence has also increased the growth of MSME companies in this space. Since Government of India has liberalised the sector now, Telangana is keen to tap the opportunities in these sectors, Jayesh Ranjan, commissioner, Industries, Commerce & Export Promotion, Government of Telangana told Metro India. In addition to developing exclusive industrial parks for aerospace and defence, the State is keen to also make available needed training capabilities and skill development programmes to boost the sectors.
Even before the Central government has started encouraging the dual sectors, Hyderabad due to its strategic advantages, could attract aerospace and defence manufacturing facilities with the likes of Tata Advanced Systems. The company is currently setting up three facilities in the 250-acre special economic zone at Adibatla in partnership with Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin to manufacture helicopter cabins, aircraft components and aircraft. The existing Aerospace Park in Adibatla will be expanded further to attract investments in the defence and aerospace sectors.
The extension plan will be formally announced next month at the Defence & Aerosupply conclave to be held in Hyderabad, which will mark the second phase of expansion of the Aerospace Park. When asked what is the State government’s stand on reduction of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) tax, he responded, “Some reservations had been expressed by the State commercial tax department. The government is reviewing those concerns. The idea is to bring something balanced that it doesn’t affect the State government’s finances but is encouraging enough to airline companies/operators.” Hyderabad is hosting a three-day Global Defence & Aerosupply conclave starting November 12, to be organised by Telangana government and Kenes Exhibitions.
The conclave aims to bring global companies engaged in the supply chain of the aerospace arena with focus on technologies, high-end products and expanding their supplier’s base to explore new business opportunities in the Indian market. The conclave will discuss challenges faced by the industry and shortlisted start-ups will have an opportunity to present their solutions for challenges faced by the Defence & Aerosupply industry, during the event. Ranjan said, “The event will provide room for partnerships between Indian enterprises with global firms in the aerospace and defence.”
Source: MetroIndia